Christmas is just around the corner and that means the Christmas Lite Show is back with more than a million lights, colorful tunnels, and 50 animated displays for which guests can view from the comfort of their own vehicles.
“It’s great entertainment for the family and lots of lights and displays to see,” said the creator of the show William “Bill” Schrader.
After he became inspired by a friend who had a light show, Schrader decided to put together the Christmas Lite Show. At the time, he had just retired from the military after 28 years of service and wanted to do something different and exciting. The show has been going for 23 years and last year, more than 70,000 guests visited the site at Fifth/Third Ballpark.
“The show started out with a few generators and a few extension cords,” Schrader said. When the show first started back in 1997, a box of lights was less than a dollar to purchase. Still, Schrader said the display was small with charge only being $5 per car.
Every year, Schrader said he tries to add more to the show. Last year it was Tala the elephant, who entertained the crowds by shooting candy canes out of her trunk. This year, Tala has returned to the show with her two babies Lumi and Auggie. This past summer, there was a designed contest for a display for the show. The winner was 7-year-old Lucas Cummings. Cummings drew a big tunnel covered in red lights with a Santa hat on top. His winning design is now part of this year’s light show.
Another addition to look for at the 2020 show is the patriotic scene. Last year’s American flag has been joined by the Statue of Liberty, which stands 18 feet hight. The area filled out with lots of red, white, and blue trees and arches.
Guests have the option to take the Memory Lane Train or drive through the Christmas Lite Show. On the Memory Lane Train, every seat on the train allows for a 365-degree view of the show and the night sky. The ride will take about a half-hour to weave through about the two miles of lights and guests are advised to dress warmly.
Though Covid-19 had put a damper on most of the year, it has only made a few small changes to the show, according to Schrader. This year, the Christmas Lite Show team implemented new safety measures to be sure guests are safe when they take a ride on the Memory Lane Train. There also is a socially-distanced waiting areas, designated spacing on the train, and regular sanitation between trips. Guests also are asked to wear masks when aboard the Memory Lane Train. In addition tickets for the drive-thru show are scanned without contact.
Typically it takes about half an hour to travel through the light show. Guests are welcome to take as many photos as they would like as long as they are not operating the vehicle. Guests are also instructed to stay in their vehicles and on the train.
The show will continue every night until Jan 2, 2021. The show takes place at Fifth/Third Ballpark on Sundays to Thursdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets start at $25 a car (depending on vehicle) and $60 for a row on the Memory Train, which seats up to four people. To learn more details or to book a group train ride, call or text 616-745-9955 or visit christmasliteshow.com.
