Millions of lights and countless traditions: Illuminate Light Show opens in Doswell

CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Illuminate Light Show opened for the season Friday night in Doswell, welcoming families with more than two miles of synchronized Christmas displays, holiday music and a growing list of traditions that organizers say keep people coming back year after year.

The drive-through attraction, located at the Meadow Event Park, features more than 3 million lights spread across snowflakes, nutcrackers, reindeer and animated scenes.

"You drive through it, and it’s pretty spectacular," owner Scottie Lane said. "Everything is synchronized to music. All the lights dance with the music that’s playing."

Lane has helped lead the setup for the past 12 years. He told 8News that assembling the display is a six-week process, with teams working section by section to install and test each piece.

"It brings joy to all of us," Lane said. "Just seeing the kids ... this is all about the kids."

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For $30 per vehicle, visitors can drive their own cars through the show, with space for up to nine passengers.

"I know one family that comes through three or four times a week because their kids love it," Lane said.

While lights are the centerpiece, the event offers more than the drive-through experience.

Visitors can enjoy mini train rides, bungee jumping, a mechanical reindeer, photos with Santa, a holiday market and more.

"It’s a great time of year for families to get together," Lane said. "Thanksgiving, Christmas, it’s just a great season."