ICYMI: Drive-Through Light Display Returns to Hillsborough County Fairgrounds

DOVER, FL – Traveling to the North Pole may be a bit of a haul for area residents, but an equally spectacular winter wonderland can be found in Hillsborough County this year.

The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds will host its first-ever Tampa Bay’s Wonderland of Lights this holiday season. From a ride-through light display to Santa’s Village, the first-year event will provide hours of holiday entertainment from now through the end of the year.

“In recent years, the holiday light drive-through has been one of the most popular events for the Hillsborough County Fair,” said Dr. Earl Lennard, the president of the Hillsborough County Fair Association. “So we’re excited that drive-through will be returning during the holiday season.”

In addition to the drive-through light display, Tampa Bay’s Wonderland of Lights will also feature a Santa’s Village, complete with the North Pole Express Train ride, a horse-drawn carriage ride, pony rides, food and gift vendors and amusement rides for children.

North Pole Productions, the producer of the event, has been specializing in turning community parks and fairgrounds into holiday displays since 2001.

“We’re very pleased to work with North Pole Productions,” said Christine Michaels from the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce. “They are a Massachusetts-based company that has done Christmas light displays all over the country, including a very large display in Branson, Mo., so we’re very pleased to have their kind of expertise to put on our light show.”

The Wonderland of Lights runs nightly until Saturday, Dec. 31. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Admission to Tampa Bay’s Wonderland of Lights is based on vehicle size:

• Passenger vehicle, seating up to eight people: $20 per vehicle
• Passenger vehicle season pass (unlimited visits): $35 per vehicle
• Limos, minivans, seating from nine to 24, $35 per vehicle
• Motor coach, seating from 25 to 50 people, $75 per vehicle

Michaels said she recommends buying tickets online to save time entering the park. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.thewonderlandoflights.com/.

The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds is located at 215 Sydney Washer Road in Dover.

For more information, contact the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce at (813) 689-1221 or ifno@brandonchamber.com.

Image and video courtesy of Ozarks Marketing Group YouTube channel