by Kathy Eide Casas

The dazzle of sparkling light displays, the lilting sounds of holiday music, delectable food prepared right in front of you, and the opportunity to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. If you’re wondering where you can find such a magical time while in the warmth and comfort of your car, look no further than the Big Fresno Fair’s Holiday Fantasy of Lights.

Beginning Friday, December 3, the Fresno Fairgrounds will once again transform into a magical Winter Wonderland drive-thru featuring hundreds of holiday light displays.

Attendees should be prepared for a night of total holiday magic, as they follow the course through the Fairgrounds. Guests will drive through the Fairgrounds and enjoy more than 450 holiday light displays as they listen to Christmas music and enjoy treats from local food trucks and more. There will even be an area to drive up and purchase tasty treats before starting your drive thru holiday adventure!

This thrilling drive-thru light show is making its return after receiving an overwhelming response from its debut last year. New this year is the addition of two walk nights!

“We are thrilled to be bringing back our Holiday Fantasy of Lights event held in partnership with Lightasmic,” said Lauri King, Deputy Manager II, of The Big Fresno Fair. “Last year it was so wonderful to bring our community another ‘must do’ holiday activity for family and friends to spread some joy. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back this year to enjoy new light displays and have the chance to attend our two walk nights!”

Walk Nights are expected to be especially popular as there are so few holiday displays that can be walked. Mark your calendars now for the two walk nights, which are scheduled for Saturday, December 4, and Wednesday, December 15.

Walk night attendees will enter through Kings Canyon and will be guided to where to park. Fun Fact: Attendees will be able to walk up and order food at the food booths onsite, perhaps grab some hot cocoa and then begin their walk right through the lights! Comfortable shoes are recommended because not only will attendees walk the complete Holiday Fantasy of Lights, they will then walk back through the lights to return their car, so it’s really two passes to see all the lights!

Drive-thru attendees will also enter from the north end of the Fairgrounds off of Kings Canyon. The lights will start just before you arrive at the Pavilion Area and continue to be displayed on a course that weaves around the buildings, around the Paul Paul Theater, through the Table Mountain Rancheria Park, down the Livestock Pavilion and exits at Butler Avenue.

The Holiday Fantasy of Lights will run Friday, December 3–Tuesday, December 23 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Remember…Special walk nights are: Saturday, December 4, and Wednesday, December 15. Make plans now to attend!

Tickets can be purchased in advance online at Fresno Fair—Fantasy of Lights, at the Fair’s Box Office Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., or at the gate (cash only). Ticket prices are as follows: $20 per vehicle Monday-Thursday and $25 Friday-Sunday. Walk nights participants are also charged per vehicle.

For more information about the Holiday Fantasy of Lights Show, please call (559) 650-FAIR, email info@fresnofairdot]com or visit Fresno Fair—Fantasy of Lights.

It truly is the most wonderful (and dazzling!) time of the year!

Kathy Eide Casas is a valley native and has been involved in politics, public policy and public relations her entire career. From the U. S. and state capitols to local projects, she has been a guiding force. Most recently, Eide-Casas completed the writing for two U Turns Allowed magazines, benefiting Focus Forward. Additionally, her work has run in several other local publications, including Valley Health Magazine.