Glittering Lights Marks 25 Years of Holiday Magic at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

By Debbie Hall

Southern Nevada’s drive-through holiday spectacular, Glittering Lights, celebrating 25 years, has officially returned to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway through Jan 4, 2026, inviting the community to honor a quarter-century of shared holiday tradition.

For Event Producer John Bentham, this silver-anniversary season represents both a celebration and a legacy. “It’s incredible to think that families have made Glittering Lights a part of their holiday traditions for the past 25 years, and it’s an honor to continue creating those magical moments year after year,” Bentham shared. “This anniversary season will be our brightest yet — a true celebration of the memories we’ve made and the magic still to come.”

A Larger-Than-Life Canvas of Light

For this milestone season, the course extends by an additional half-mile and features 1 million more lights — over 6 million in total — across 3 miles of artistically crafted displays, inspiring excitement for new visual experiences.

New Creative Features for 2025

Elf on the Shelf

Larger-than-life Elf on the Shelf figures, sculpted entirely from Christmas lights, have magically appeared throughout the course. These whimsical, illuminated characters playfully peek, pose, and hang in unexpected places — delighting children and adults alike.

Tribute to the Movies

A new series of film-inspired vignettes pays homage to the holiday classics that occupy a special place in seasonal storytelling. Guests will catch glowing scenes from Rudolph, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, Frosty the Snowman, The Polar Express, and The Grinch. Each offers a charming, photo-ready reminder of the stories that shape the season.

Returning Favorites and Community-Centered Events

Glittering Lights features sparkling spectacle with service, offering themed nights, free community events, and interactive opportunities that foster community pride and togetherness in the valley.

Free Nights

Teachers and first responders are invited to enjoy complimentary admission on select evenings in gratitude for their service. The season concludes with the Teachers Back-to-School Bash on Jan 4, courtesy of Academica, granting Nevada teachers and their families free entry with a valid ID.

Santa Tram

A cherished tradition, the Santa Tram — driven by Silver State Schools Credit Union — returns December 12–13 and December 18–23. This open-air ride delivers front-of-line access and an immersive holiday environment complete with festive décor, family photo opportunities with Santa, games, a mini-train, and warm seasonal treats.

Ring in 2026

On Dec 31, guests can participate in an East Coast New Year’s countdown, complete with fireworks by Garden State Fireworks.

Pet-Friendly Nights

Pet lovers can take part in Monday Pet Nights (December 15, 22, and 29) sponsored by Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas. Giveaways include treats from Veterinary Emergency Group Boca Park and free Lazy Dog Restaurant pet meal cards for the first 200 vehicles, plus a special appearance by Buddy from Loyalty Plumbing.

Partner Promo Nights

Local partners are adding even more cheer with giveaways and surprises throughout the season. Highlights include:

• Dec 11: Nevada Ballet Theatre – tickets to George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®

• Dec 12: Oscar Mayer Wienermobile appearance and Nathan Adelson Hospice gift bags

• Dec 12 & 21: The Richard Harris Law Firm – custom cookie cutter + holiday recipe

• Dec 13: National Hot Cocoa Day with Chick-fil-A – two free cocoas + cow mascots

• Dec 13: Loyalty Plumbing – special holiday gift

• Dec 14: Sun City Garage Doors – free gift

• Dec 15: BlvdHome – special holiday gift

• Dec 18: Goodwill Southern Nevada – free $10 gift card

• Dec 19: Wally Wombats Night – free gift

• Dec 20: Island Fin Poke Co. – free Dole Soft Serve cards

• Dec 29–Jan 4: Lazy Dog Restaurants – free kids’ meal card

• Dec 30: Terrible’s – free car wash

• Jan 1–4: Chick-fil-A – free chicken sandwich card

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A full schedule is available at glitteringlights.vegas.

A Quarter-Century of Community Magic

Glittering Lights continues to grow not only in scale but in cultural significance. For 25 years, this holiday tradition has given Southern Nevada more than illuminated displays — it has offered a shared creative experience, a place where art and community intersect, and where families can celebrate the season through storytelling, light, and wonder.

As the anniversary season unfolds, the spirit of Glittering Lights remains clear: to bring people together, to brighten the desert nights, and to keep the magic shining for generations to come.

Hours, Tickets, and Seasonal Discounts

Glittering Lights operates nightly:

• Sunday–Thursday: 5–9 p.m.

• Friday, Saturday & Holidays: 5–10 p.m.

Ticket Options:

• Car or Truckload: $39

• Season Pass (two vehicles): $129

• Fast Pass: $64

• Date Night: $69

• Santa Tram: $25 per person

  
  

Discount vouchers are available at Terrible’s, Great Clips, Port of Subs, Goodwill Southern Nevada, Grimaldi’s, Del Taco, Chick-fil-A, BlvdHome, Island Fin Poke Co., Silver State Schools Credit Union, and through Las Vegas Review-Journal/Las Vegas Sun subscriber programs.

Jingle that sleigh to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the holiday drive-through spectacular, Glittering Lights. Parking is available on-site, and the course is accessible for all visitors. The dazzling array of festive Christmas lights and sounds features more than 6 million LED lights that intertwine throughout a three-mile course through the speedway, shining bright for 25 years this holiday season. Merriest way to arrive: take Interstate 15, exit 54 (Speedway BLVD), and then a half mile to the attraction entry. TIP: Don’t follow the GPS, which routes to an entrance that is not open. Follow Glittering Lights on Facebook and Instagram for updates and holiday cheer!