What Time is the Hines Park Light Show?

What Time is the Hines Park Light Show?

The Hines Park Lightfest typically runs from late November through the holiday season. It is open from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Wednesday through Sunday. Closer to Christmas, daily openings and extended hours are sometimes added. For accurate timing, please refer to the Wayne County Parks official website.

What to See at the Light Show: A Journey Through Illuminated Stories

Spanning several miles along Hines Drive, the Lightfest offers more than just decorative lighting. Each themed display is crafted with narrative depth, turning the drive-through route into a storytelling experience filled with emotion, imagination, and holiday meaning.

1. Santa’s Toy Workshop: Where Magic Begins

In this charming section, enormous glowing gears spin slowly above elf-shaped figures assembling gifts on conveyor belts. A shimmering train loaded with presents winds through the scene, and Santa Claus stands checking his “nice list.”

The story behind it: This display captures not just the fun of receiving gifts, but the beauty of effort and generosity. It reminds families that joy is something built together, with intention and care.

2. The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Visual Song in Lights

This segment animates the classic carol “Twelve Days of Christmas,” with each verse represented by a set of illuminated figures. From a glowing pear tree with a perched partridge to twelve dynamic drummers, the lights pulse in rhythm, creating a musical progression of sights.

The story behind it: Rooted in medieval English tradition, the song symbolizes the twelve holy days of Christmas. By turning the lyrics into light, the display becomes a joyful reminder of seasonal heritage and ritual.

3. Arctic Wonderland: A Peaceful Frozen Dream

Visitors enter a serene, blue-and-white ice kingdom lit by cool-toned LEDs. Polar bears stand on frozen lakes, penguins slide across icy slopes, and a snow fox peeks shyly from behind a glowing drift. Twinkling snowflakes float in the air, evoking a quiet sense of magic.

The story behind it: More than a winter aesthetic, this area symbolizes peace, reflection, and environmental appreciation. It invites guests to pause and feel the stillness of the season while gently nodding to nature’s fragility.

4. Holiday Express: A Train Toward Togetherness

An illuminated train chugs across the display route, its cars adorned with symbols from global holiday traditions—Chinese lanterns, German gingerbread houses, Italian stars. At its front is a glowing heart, pointing the way home.

The story behind it: The Holiday Express represents reunion and belonging. It reminds visitors of how many travel during the season—not just across distance, but across cultures—to reconnect with those they love.

5. Gingerbread Village: A Sweet Escape into Imagination

This final section feels like walking into a giant storybook. Smiling gingerbread people wave, candy cane archways glow, and frosting-shaped lights swirl around playful Christmas puppies and cake-shaped trees. Children and adults alike are drawn into this sugar-coated dreamland.

The story behind it: Gingerbread traditions stem from German Christmas markets and have become symbols of creativity and family bonding. This display captures the magic of hands-on holiday fun and the nostalgia of simpler, sweeter times.

More Than Lights: A Celebration of Connection

Every display at the Hines Park Light Show speaks to deeper themes—childhood wonder, family traditions, seasonal peace, and emotional connection. For many families, this drive-through experience is more than a tradition; it’s a shared moment of joy in a busy world.

Interested in Creating Your Own Festival of Lights?

If you’re inspired by Hines Park and envision a magical light show in your own city, commercial venue, or park, HOLIDAY can help you bring it to life. From Arctic creatures to musical trains and candy-filled villages, we specialize in the design and fabrication of large-scale themed lighting installations that turn public spaces into unforgettable holiday attractions.