The family tradition of driving through 2.5 miles of dazzling Christmas light displays at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) continues this year with Gift of Lights presented by Ambetter and Wellcare. The 13th annual event will spread 39 nights of holiday cheer while fundraising for the local community from Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 23 through New Year’s Eve, Sunday, Dec. 31.
This year, the drive-thru light show will feature 3.5 million lights, a 150-foot RGB Tunnel of Lights, arches, toys, numerous scenes including the popular 12 Days of Christmas and much more. Crews will spend more than 650 work hours to set up more than 520 displays and 80 different scenes. Featured attractions will also include the fan-favorite 130-foot-long infield entrance and exit tunnels with more than 25,000 lights and the opportunity to roast marshmallows and toast s’mores over open fire pits. On Sunday, Dec. 10, fans can get some exercise while enjoying the light show by foot with the Yule Light Up The Night 2.1-mile fun run or walk starting at 4:30 p.m.
“We love to witness the speedway transforming into a magical winter wonderland for families to enjoy,” said New Hampshire Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager David McGrath. “Everyone is in the holiday spirit of giving, and we’re thrilled that once again, Gift of Lights presented by Ambetter and Wellcare will provide many opportunities for attendees to give back to their community.”
Helping the community is a major part of what makes Gift of Lights presented by Ambetter and Wellcare so special, as the event benefits the New Hampshire Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCCNH) to support children in need throughout New England. A portion of proceeds from event admissions, s’more kit purchases and fun run/walk race registrations will benefit SCCNH. As the official charity of the speedway, SCCNH has raised $411,392 from Gift of Lights since 2011. The chapter has donated $2.1 million to deserving regional charities supporting more than 957,000 children throughout New England since 2009.
Attendees who bring three or more non-perishable food items for the Loudon Food Pantry on any weeknight that Gift of Lights presented by Ambetter and Wellcare is open will receive $5 off single-vehicle admission purchased at the Main Entrance. Over the past decade, food and monetary donations at Gift of Lights have generated over 102,000 pounds of food totaling nearly 96,000 meals for families in need during the holiday and winter months.
New this year! Winterland, the company that operates Gift of Lights, will provide $5 discount coupons to local schools and then donate $1 per car that redeems their school’s code. The school with the most cars attended once the event ends, will win an additional $1,000.
Fans in the holiday spirit can also save on admission at the Main Entrance by participating in theme nights. Attendees can save $5 per car at the gate on PJ Night (Nov. 27), Giving Tuesday (Nov. 28), Pet Night (Nov. 29) and Christmas Sweater Night (Dec. 6). Discounts are available only for drive-up admissions and not on advance online purchases.
Tickets and Hours of Operation:
Gift of Lights presented by Ambetter and Wellcare 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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