Glittering Lights brings thousands of holiday lovers and thousands of dollars to local children’s charities
A Socially Distanced Celebration
Taking pictures with Santa and telling him what you want for Christmas will be on pause this year. Long before “social distancing” was common practice, another staple holiday tradition existed in Las Vegas. After 20 years Glittering Lights has grown to attract 250,000 annual visitors to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Vehicles loaded with family and friends enjoy a 2.5-mile holiday course featuring five million LED lights. Traffic is anticipated to be even higher in 2020 which will help raise much needed funds.
Charity at its Heart
With the meaning of Christmas portraying giving and bringing joy, Glittering Lights takes pride in their charitable components. With a portion of each ticket sold, Glittering Lights makes up more than 50% of what the Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities raises every year. The COVID-19 pandemic required rescheduling of NASCAR events that would normally help fund the 501(c)3. Hundreds of charities throughout Southern Nevada apply and receive funds that meet the direct needs of children.
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children is just one example. Their CEO, Christina Vela says, “Our Sibling Preservation program has benefited from this grant program annually. This allows us to provide much needed services and support to children living in foster care separated from their brothers and sisters. We are dedicated to creating new positive memories for these siblings in our community who need hope and healing.”
In addition, Goodwill of Southern Nevada offers a $5 discounted entry voucher for Glittering Lights with a donation of clothing or household items, and area Boy Scout troops sell concessions at the event gaining interpersonal, money management and leadership skills while earning money for their activities.
Event producers are John and Shannon Bentham. John is the founder of Ivory Star Productions and Shannon is their Creative Director. Given the impact the virus has had on shows and events, it is especially poignant they are keeping the giving spirit alive with their philanthropic effort. “Our fans count down the days until opening night,” says John Bentham, event producer of Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “We have been so honored to become a tradition in the fabric of our community and are thrilled we can present a safe experience where family and friends can enjoy the magic of the holiday season. We appreciate support from local companies like Goettl and La Bonita who love Las Vegas and want to be a part of the gift of Christmas."
More than ever the Bentham’s and their team want guests to feel the sense of tradition reminiscent of togetherness. They have worked hard to incorporate additional components to ramp up the joy and are proud to bring in new light displays with love and dedication to the community.
Increase the Safety and Festivities
Fast Pass Powered by Diamondback Land Surveying
Pro-Tip: With 250,000 visitors annually, backups can occur on busier nights. Insiders know to purchase Fast Pass Powered by Diamondback Land Surveying to limit their wait and enter the lights before the crowd. The Fast Pass lane has brought smiles to countless faces over the years thanks to Diamondback Land Surveying, a Glittering Lights partner for five years. A Season Pass includes unlimited access and can use the Fast Pass lane during specific dates where extended waits are common.
Santa Selfie Station
In adaptation to COVID-19, Glittering Lights will have a new Santa Selfie Station, an additional ticket-type from Silverstate Schools Credit Union, that includes Christmas caroling, photos with Santa at Santa’s House, and treats available for purchase in the Coco Chalet. At Santa Selfie Station, guests will receive entry through the Fast Pass lane for shortened wait times. With many event spaces limiting their engagements and venue capacities this year, companies can host their holiday parties at Glittering Lights in the Santa Selfie Station for a socially distanced celebration.
Living Nativity
Though there are many holiday events that take place throughout Southern Nevada, what makes Glittering Lights such a special experience for many fans is the Living Nativity presented by Sudden Impact Collision Repair Specialists, an activation in a special area of the lights where cars can pause and take in the scene. This live replication of the nativity scene is acted out by area church groups and will take place on select nights throughout the season, serving as a reminder to be mindful and kind.
Sports Alley
One new component is the Sports Alley tribute made possible by LiUNA 872; a display area filled with tributes to Las Vegas’ sports teams. A Sports Alley has been a dream of the Glittering Lights team for years, and now the holiday show can truly give tribute to the entertainment capital of the world’s sports scene.
This year, Glittering Lights will introduce The Neon Forest presented by Southwest Medical Associates, a magical place within the Glittering Lights experience that is lined with glowing trees from side to side. Businesses and community members are invited to sponsor a neon lit tree in The Neon Forest with proceeds assisting Project 150’s services to homeless, displaced, and disadvantaged high school students in Clark County.
Contact:
Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
7000 North Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89115
Glitteringlights.vegas
