The 2.5-mile drive-thru light show that’s become a New England family tradition is back at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) shining bright with millions of lights for its 15th holiday season. Gift of Lights will spread 39 nights of holiday cheer while fundraising for the local community from Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of families to New Hampshire Motor Speedway to kick off their holiday season and support the local community once again,” said New Hampshire Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager David McGrath. “We love seeing the twinkle of holiday magic bring generations together to create memories for years to come.”

What’s New This Year?

New displays and scenes! Families can watch for new displays including a farm scene, a candy cane shooter, a camping scene, a duck hunter and the iconic pole-licking scene from “A Christmas Story.” The trip “Around the World” now includes Australia in addition to the well-known landmarks such as Big Ben, Easter Island, the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Mount Rushmore, Taj Mahal and more that made their debut at NHMS last year. The infamous Grinch, who first started stealing gifts at NHMS last year, will now be accompanied by his sidekick Max the dog.

Lower price for season pass! If one visit isn’t enough, Winterland, the company that operates Gift of Lights, is offering a season pass for only $75, which allows unlimited visits this season.

Visit with Santa Claus

Santa Claus will roll into Loudon in style aboard the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan making a special stop at Gift of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 4:30-9 p.m. Kids can visit with St. Nick to get their last-minute gift requests in and bring home a keepsake photo.

Helping the Community

Gift of Lights benefits NHMS’s official charity, the New Hampshire Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCCNH), which supports children in need throughout New England, in a couple ways:

  • Families can purchase $3 s’more kits at the food truck at the end of the Gift of Lights route and roast them on the open fire pits. All proceeds will go to SCCNH.
  • A portion of proceeds from event admissions will go straight to SCCNH.

SCCNH has raised more than $473,000 from Gift of Lights since 2011 and has granted more than $2.1 million to deserving regional charities supporting nearly 1.5 million children since 2009.

Attendees are encouraged to bring four or more non-perishable food items for the Loudon Food Pantry to save $5 off single-vehicle admission purchased on site. Since 2011, event attendees have donated more than 105,000 pounds of food totaling more than 98,000 meals for local families in need during the winter months.

Theme Nights

Attendees can save $5 off single-vehicle admission purchased on site by participating in theme nights:

  • 1 | PJ Night – Wear your coziest Christmas pajamas.
  • 2 | Giving Tuesday – Attend Gift of Lights.
  • 3 | Pet Night – Bring your pet to enjoy the lights.
  • 10 | Christmas Sweater Night – Wear your craziest and most festive Christmas sweater.

On Military Mondays, Dec 1 and 8, active military members and veterans can enjoy Gift of Lights for only $5 with valid military ID.

Tickets and Hours of Operation:
Gift of Lights opens at 4:30 p.m. nightly, depending on the weather. All traffic must enter through NHMS’s South Entrance. Admission is available for purchase online at NHMS.com or at NHMS for $35 per car or $60 per bus, limousine or RV (add $2 per person for vehicles containing more than 15 guests).

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