Lighting Up the Night with Holiday Joy

Prescott Valley’s Valley of Lights is entering its 24th year, and the holiday attraction has become a holiday favorite for locals and visitors alike.

Businesses and residents got behind the Valley of Lights concept in a big way, and the mile-long lighted display opened on Thanksgiving evening in 2000. Valley of Lights has grown each year, both in displays and number of visitors, which run in the thousands each season. It is open each evening from Thanksgiving through the end of December.

Visitors can find their way to Valley of Lights by turning south on Prescott East Highway off Highway 69, where a giant lighted toy soldier points the way. Drivers then turn at 5th Street and enter Fain Park, where the magic begins. From the entrance to the park, then through a festive holly tunnel, guests are treated to brightly lighted displays ranging from whimsical animated elves working and playing, dancing bears and a jack-in-the-box, to a giant American flag and Liberty Bell and a tribute to the Yarnell 19.

Along with the holly tunnel, visitors will enjoy a candy cane tunnel, a Western town and a stagecoach and bunkhouse. Traditional seasonal displays include a nativity scene and a menorah. At the end of the mile, visitors will see Santa relaxing after all of his holiday hard work! Nearly 40 bright displays, each sponsored by a local business or group, are packed within the mile.

Those who would like to experience this festive holiday display on foot have a once-only chance to do so from 6-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3. Each year during the Stroll Through the Valley of Lights, thousands walk the displays, take photos, enjoy carolers and hot chocolate, and visit with Santa.

Valley of Lights is scheduled to open 6-10 p.m., Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28. The display is open each night through Dec. 30: 6-9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and 6-10 p.m., Friday, Saturday and holidays. The attraction is free, with a suggested donation at the end of the drive. QCBN

By Heidi Dahms Foster, QCBN

For more information on Valley of Lights, visit www.pvchamber.org.

Courtesy Photos: Valley of Lights offers a mile of glowing candy canes, holly, candles and other signs of the holiday season.