Enjoy the Festival of Lights | Visit Ludington Stock Photo

Ludington Area Festival of Lights

November-December, 2026

A Drive-Thru Experience at the Mason County Fairgrounds

NOTE: There will be special “sensory nights” for guests who prefer a more relaxed and quiet environment.

2025 Hours:

  • Sundays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays- 5:30-9pm
  • Fridays & Saturdays- 5:30-10pm
  • Christmas Week (Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday) will be 5:30-9pm

Prepare to be dazzled at the Ludington Area Festival of Lights, held at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 US-10, Ludington!

This magical drive-thru lights display runs from Thanksgiving week to the final weekend of December and is sure to be a holiday highlight. As you journey through, you’ll be greeted by the towering 26-foot Santa, accompanied by his jolly companions popping up along the route to spread festive cheer. Delight in Candy Cane Land, aglow with candy cane lights, and marvel at life-sized snow globes, each depicting its own enchanting scene.

There are also over 600 feet of illuminated tunnels, created by more than 200 twinkling arches. The 30-minute journey is made even more enchanting with synchronized light shows set to classic holiday music, broadcast straight to your car’s radio.

As you drive through this winter wonderland, you’ll pass by more than 100 trees adorned with colorful lights and animated displays. From twinkling nativity scenes to dazzling holiday decorations, every turn brings something new to capture the spirit of the season.

This event is designed to support local non-profit groups, making it a heartwarming way to spread holiday cheer.

2025 Cost:

  • Admission Details: Admission is $10 per vehicle, with several convenient payment options available, including Credit Cards, Venmo, Cash App, and Cash.
  • Special Thanks to First Responders: As a gesture of appreciation, first responders on duty in their vehicles can enjoy the drive-thru display free of charge.
  • Discounts & Coupons: Be sure to check out participating sponsors for $2 off coupons (more info, TBA) to make your visit even more festive!

Christmas Tree Decorating Contest

In conjunction with the festival of lights, there will be a Christmas Tree Contest. Each participant will be provided with a 6′ to 7′ Christmas tree to decorate. Electricity and maintenance will be provided throughout the drive-thru display season. The use of energy-efficient LED lights is encouraged. 

There will be two separate awarded: a $1,000 prize to an individual/family entry and a $2,000 prize awarded to a non-profit entry. Business promotional themes are prohibited and there may only be one entry per family.

Contest Rules:

  • Decorations & Weather Readiness:
    Participants are responsible for providing their own decorations. Decorations should be weather-resistant and securely attached to the tree using wire ties to prevent them from blowing away. We ask that all decorations be tasteful and family-friendly. Decorations should hang directly on the tree and not require extra support. If you wish to include props not attached to the tree, they may not extend more than three feet beyond the tree’s edge. The Festival of Lights team reserves the right to remove any decorations that do not meet these guidelines.
  • Tree Identification:
    Each decorated tree will be assigned a unique number for voting purposes.

For more information on decoration procedures/judging or to sign up to participate, visit checkoutthelights.com. 

For more information on the Ludington Area Festival of Lights, please contact the event organizer:

(231) 480-1027

checkoutthelights.com

Looking for more holiday light displays?

Check out the Bear Lake Sparkle in the Park!

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