The Festival of Lights at Freeman Park is a drive-thru light display that will feature more than 70 animated holiday scenes, light color changing trees and music. Enjoy a holiday snack and visit with Santa in the heated pavilion, or explore the enchanted winter wonderland in a horse-drawn wagon.
“We are so excited to bring this new attraction to the city,” Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Director Greg Weitzel said. “Not only are we providing a new holiday tradition for our community, but some of the proceeds will go into an improvement fund to assist with upgrades to our parks and recreation facilities such as the ice arena and Aquatic Center.”
The city contracted with Sonny and LeAnn Gilbert, a Utah couple, to design and install the lights. The Gilberts designed the lights for Boo at the Zoo and have several impressive displays on their record, including an animated drive-thru light park at Willard Bay State Park, an animated Halloween light park seen at Thanksgiving Point and American West Heritage Center, and the Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo.
The Festival of Lights at Freeman Park will run Nov. 27 to Dec. 31 from 5-9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The display will even be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The entrance fee is $10 per car load or $15 for oversized or commercial-sized vehicles. A $5 discount is available for active military any day and for any visitors on Wednesdays. Wagon rides and Santa visits are included in the entrance fee.
For a route map, click here.
This festival is sponsored by Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Westmark Credit Union, Riverbend Communications, Idaho Central Credit Union and KIFI Local News 8.
NOTE: Freeman Park will be closed to foot traffic, sledding and other activities for the duration of the festival. The river walk path adjacent to the Snake River will remain open.