Living in Texas, we don’t always get to experience traditional holiday experiences like ice-skating in the park or sledding down snow-covered hills. But nestled inside the North Dallas Corridor is one favorite Christmastime tradition that you can’t find anywhere else – walking around the magical wonderland at Vitruvian Lights!
On Nov. 23, Vitruvian Park transforms into a dazzling place where millions of sparkling LED lights are wrapped around more than 550 trees. The park will light up every single night until Jan. 1, 2019, so families and friends can enjoy the beautiful sight as often as they want.
“Throughout the 19 acres and walkway that meanders along the spring-fed creek of Vitruvian Park, eight vibrant colors of twinkling lights create this enchanted and mesmerizing holiday sight,” said Jessica Zazzara, event coordinator at UDR, the developer of Vitruvian Park.
Vitruvian Lights will officially begin at 6 p.m. on Nov. 23, when the park will “flip the switch,” transforming into a spectacular display that looks like it was created at the North Pole. From there, the lights will be on every day from 5 p.m.-midnight, depending on the weather.
During the Magical Night of Lights, which is from 6-10 p.m. Nov. 23, attendees can enjoy gourmet food trucks, sweet treats, free photos with Santa, classic holiday characters, an elf balloon artist and a Metrocrest Services Holiday Donation Drive that will accept nonperishable food and unwrapped toys for those in need. During the night, you will also be treated to a performance by the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, an entertaining group that performs with a big band orchestra for special events in Texas.
Two other Magical Night of Lights will be held at Vitruvian Lights this season – on Dec. 1 and Dec. 8. These will feature the same festive activities as the first one, except the Dallas String Quartet will be performing on Dec. 1 and Sonny’s Holliday will be performing on Dec. 8.
“In 2018, Vitruvian Lights will feature a new band, food trucks and several classic holiday characters,” said Zazzara. “Merry Moosemas and the Grench will greet visitors and pose for pictures with all in attendance, while Sonny’s Holliday – Sonny Burgess and Jolie Holliday – will perform live at the Vitruvian Park Amphitheater for the first time.”
During the special event nights, guests can park at the Alfred J. Loos Sports Complex at 315 Spring Valley Road in Addison, or the Vitruvian Park – Bella Lane Parking Lot and Ponte Avenue Parking Lot, for just $10. Parking is strictly prohibited at communities including Addison Apartments at the Park, Fiori, Savoye, Savoye Squared and Vitruvian West. Signs will be posted for your convenience. Keep in mind that parking only accepts cash. In the event of inclement weather and Vitruvian Lights is cancelled, parking is non-refundable. On non-event days, parking is available onsite at Vitruvian Park at the Bella Lane Parking Lot, Park Road Parking Lot and Ponte Avenue Parking Lot for free.
In addition, for one evening only, guests are encouraged to run instead of walk at Virtuvian Lights! On Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m., Run the Lights 5K returns to Vitruvian Park. This event is hosted by the Addison Legacy Foundation as a way to raise money to fund projects and philanthropic initiatives that enhance the quality of life for those who live in, work in or visit the Town of Addison. With your registration (which is just $25 for the fun run and $45 for the 5k through Nov. 25), you will receive a neon yellow, long-sleeved Run the Lights T-shirt, a finisher’s medal, a fun LED Santa hat, a drawstring sports pack and glow sticks. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the start of the fun run at 7 p.m. and the 5k run at 7:30 p.m., which follows a trail through Vitruvian Lights. After the relaxing race is over, stay for the awards ceremony beginning at 8:30 p.m. and get into the holiday spirit with the after-party that includes music, food trucks, beer and free photos with Santa!
Vitruvian Lights began in Nov. 2012, making this the seventh year of the spectacular event. Last year alone, approximately 22,500 people attended the Magical Nights of Lights and approximately 60,000 vehicles visited Vitruvian Park throughout the season.
“During Vitruvian Lights, I see the most diversity amongst those in attendance,” added Zazzara. “More specifically, I am referring to the wide range of age groups that attend both the special events and Vitruvian Lights as a whole. It’s truly gratifying to witness how well received this event is, not only to children but also to couples, family and friends – I am very thankful!”
On the next cold night in Addison, bundle up in warm clothes, order a hot chocolate to-go and invite a date or friends to join you in a stroll through Vitruvian Lights. The glow from the purple, blue, red, green, orange, yellow, pink and white lights will fill you with Christmas spirit – a fuzzy, happy feeling that only comes this time of year.
