So, you’ve heard about Glittering Lights, seen the photos of millions of Christmas lights and decided this is finally the year you’re going to check it out.
First of all, we’re excited to have you!
If you’ve never been to Glittering Lights Las Vegas before, you probably have a few questions. How does it work? Do you stay in your car? How long does it take? When should you go?
We’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know before your first visit to Nevada’s largest drive-through Christmas light show.
What Is Glittering Lights Las Vegas?
Glittering Lights is a three-mile drive-through Christmas light experience at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, featuring more than 6 million lights.
And yes, you get to stay in your car the entire time!
Think of it as the ultimate Christmas light drive, except instead of driving around different neighborhoods hoping to find decorated houses, you’re driving through three miles of holiday displays, glowing tunnels and Christmas scenes.
It’s become a holiday tradition for Las Vegas families, and we’d love for it to become one of yours too.
When Is Glittering Lights Open?
For the 2026 holiday season, Glittering Lights is open November 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
The lights turn on nightly at 5 p.m., including holidays. We’re also open rain or shine, so a little unexpected Las Vegas weather won’t ruin your Christmas plans.
That means you can visit on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Do You Need to Buy Tickets in Advance?
Our standard admission is per vehicle, not per person, which makes it a fun option for families and groups who want to enjoy Christmas lights together.
Load up your car with your favorite people, get comfortable and get ready for the lights.
You can explore ticket options and purchase tickets at www.glitteringlights.vegas.
How Long Does It Take to Drive Through Glittering Lights?
The Glittering Lights route is three miles long, so give yourself time to enjoy the experience.
Your total visit time is about 40 minutes, but can vary depending on traffic, how busy the evening is and how quickly vehicles are moving through the displays.
We recommend planning a little extra time, especially if you’re visiting during the busiest part of the Christmas season.
And here’s something fun for first-timers: you’ll actually drive through two tunnels underneath the Las Vegas Motor Speedway grandstands during your visit!
What’s the Best Time to Visit Glittering Lights?
We’re going to share a little insider tip with you.
If you’re hoping for shorter wait times, the best time to visit Glittering Lights is earlier in the holiday season.
November and early December are generally great choices before the big Christmas rush begins.
On most nights, arriving before 6 p.m. or after 8 p.m. is also a good way to avoid the busiest arrival times.
And one thing we always tell our guests: Christmas week is our busiest week of the entire year.
We love seeing so many families celebrating with us, but if your schedule is flexible, we recommend visiting before Christmas week to avoid the longer waits.
Don’t Forget to Turn On Ho Ho Radio
Here’s something you might not know about Glittering Lights.
We have our very own Christmas radio station!
Ho Ho Radio is presented by Loyalty Plumbing & Air, created by our team and prerecorded with Sunny 106.5 to bring you holiday music, Christmas cheer and a little extra fun throughout your drive.
Once you arrive, scan the QR code listed at the entrance to listen.
It makes the whole experience feel a little more like Christmas.
What Should You Bring?
You really don’t need much, but we have a few suggestions to make your first visit extra fun.
Christmas pajamas: Are they required? Absolutely not. Do we love seeing entire families arrive in matching pajamas? Absolutely.
Your favorite people: Since admission is per vehicle, this is a great opportunity to bring the family or enjoy a Christmas date night.
Christmas snacks: A little something to munch on while you drive through the lights is always a good idea.
Your camera: You’ll probably find a few displays you’ll want to remember.
A little patience: Especially if you’re visiting during Christmas week. The holidays are a busy time, and we want everyone to have a great experience.
Can You Get Hot Cocoa and Kettle Corn?
Yes!
Our Scouts of America partners make delicious kettle corn right here at Glittering Lights, and you can also enjoy hot cocoa during your visit.
The Santa Tram area is a great place to stop for a little extra Christmas cheer.
Here’s another fun fact: you can actually visit the Santa Tram area to purchase kettle corn even if you’re not driving through Glittering Lights that night.
We completely understand making a special trip just for the kettle corn.
Can You Ride Through the Lights Instead of Driving?
You sure can!
On select nights, our Santa Tram driven by the A’s gives guests another way to experience Glittering Lights.
Instead of driving your own vehicle, you can hop aboard a festive tram and enjoy the lights with other guests.
It’s a fun option for families, groups and anyone who wants to sit back and let someone else do the driving.
Check the Santa Tram schedule before your visit, since it doesn’t operate every night.
A Few Things to Know Before You Arrive
There are a couple of small things that help make the experience better for everyone.
First, please turn off your headlights when you’re driving through the lights, as long as your vehicle can safely do so. Bright headlights can make it harder for other guests to enjoy the displays.
Second, take your time and follow the directions of our team members along the route.
And if another vehicle’s headlights are bothering you, you’re welcome to safely pull over where permitted and let that vehicle pass.
We want everyone to have a chance to enjoy the Christmas lights.
Make Glittering Lights Part of Your Christmas Tradition
There’s something really special about the first time you drive through Glittering Lights.
Maybe it’s your kids pointing out their favorite displays. Maybe it’s hearing everyone sing along to Christmas music. Or maybe it’s realizing that for the next three miles, nobody is asking you to do anything except enjoy Christmas together.
That’s what we love most about this time of year.
Glittering Lights Las Vegas is open November 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with more than 6 million lights across three miles of Christmas magic.
Now that you know what to expect, there’s only one thing left to do.
Load up the car, turn on the Christmas music and come see us!
