On peak evenings—especially Fridays and Saturdays closer to Christmas—Making Spirits Bright welcomes a very high volume of vehicles. Our goal is to keep everyone safe while delivering a smooth, enjoyable experience through the park.
Here’s what to expect when demand is high.
Music and Show Experience
• Tune your vehicle’s radio to 89.1 FM to enjoy the synchronized music throughout the park. As you approach the park, you will be able to hear the music.
• The show is designed to be enjoyed entirely from the comfort of your vehicle.
Traffic Flow Through the Park
• Traffic may move slowly at times, particularly inside the park.
• A slower pace is intentional and allows guests more time to enjoy the nearly 1,000 light displays, synchronized music, and scenes along the route.
• Slow movement inside the park does not mean traffic is stalled—it often reflects steady, controlled flow.
Many guests tell us the slower pace enhances the experience.
Entering the Park and Food Drop-Off
• On busy nights, a line of vehicles may form on Highway 42 leading to the park entrance.
• Entrance to the park is limited to southbound traffic on Highway 42 making a right turn into the park.
• Left turns from northbound Highway 42 into the park are not permitted.
• Guests approaching from the north should use the clearly marked turn-around at the Quarry View entrance, or continue to the end of the line and follow posted signage if traffic is already queued.
• Food drop-off takes place in the food collection area just after passing the red entry huts, near the start of the show.
• Based on traffic conditions, vehicles may be directed into one or two lanes through the food collection area to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently.
• Traffic flow through this area may be adjusted during the evening as conditions change.
Exiting the Park and Donations
• Cash donations are accepted at the Magic Igloo, located just before exiting the park.
• Exiting the park is right-turn only.
• Highway 42 is a four-lane highway, and left turns out of the park are not permitted for safety reasons.
• Please follow posted signs and volunteer directions when exiting to help keep traffic moving smoothly.
Entry Time and Show Access
• Guests who reach the park entrance gate by 9:00 PM will be allowed to enter and will have time to experience the full show.
• Traffic flow is managed to ensure guests are not turned away simply due to wait times.
• Even on busy nights, pacing adjustments are made so vehicles entering by 9:00 PM can enjoy the full route.
Headlights Inside the Park
• Many guests choose to turn off or dim their headlights while driving through the park as a courtesy to the vehicle in front of them.
• This is optional and not required.
• If you are more comfortable leaving your headlights on, that is perfectly fine.
• Please drive in whatever manner feels safest and most comfortable for you.
Our Commitment
• Traffic flow decisions are made based on real-time conditions, not fixed schedules.
• Adjustments throughout the night focus on safety, predictable movement, and an enjoyable guest experience.
• Our team continuously balances entry, park flow, and exit conditions to keep the experience running smoothly.
Thank You for Your Patience
Busy nights mean more guests get to enjoy the show—and we appreciate your patience when traffic is heavier than usual. Thank you for supporting Making Spirits Bright and helping us deliver a safe, memorable experience for everyone.