Illuminate Light Show

Last night, I had the opportunity to go to the Illuminate Light Show at the Meadow Event Park. It was my first time at the Meadow Event Park, but I have been to Kings Dominion countless times. Though not located in Richmond, it was about a twenty-five-minute drive from Carytown. Oddly, it was a spontaneous decision to attend that I was not expecting. Originally, I was planning on taking my significant other roller-skating, but upon arrival to Ashland Skateland, I learned he was not a fan of roller-skating. Go figure.

I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Meadow Event Park hosts different events, such as The Goat and Lamb Show, car shows, BBQ festivals, rodeos, horse shows and most notably, the state fair! I have yet to go to the state fair. I think I will plan to go next year. Anyway, there are a lot of cool things that happen there. I’d recommend going toward the beginning of the select dates that it is open. Beginning November 17th and running until December 31, I imagine that the end of December could potentially be a nightmare.

You start out by pulling up to the grounds and are directed to a booth and have to fork over $30.00, which is not terrible for an entire family, or even for a two-person date at $15.00 per person. The entire lightshow takes place within the comfort of your own car, unless your car is uncomfortable. A sign tells you to tune into a FM radio station and to turn off your car lights– yikes! I imagine there may be couple of fender benders throughout the season. Honestly, the show was underwhelming in the beginning, and I was convinced we may have wasted $30.00.

To my disbelief, the show was amazing! The radio station played a mix of different music with a Christmas theme. Show lights in sync, we had a blast on our journey. Red markers guide you on a makeshift trail through fields and parking lots that have been transformed to a holiday wonderland. Keep in mind if you are the driver, that you will need to focus more on not hitting the person in front of you. Iconically, Christmas was not the only holiday celebrated throughout the trail. Tunnels of lights, slow moving vehicles and plenty of entertainment was offered at the show.

You end your journey at Santa’s Village, which I, for some reason, expected to be an outside event, but it took place at an event hall. The event hall had different kiosks with venders who offered items like fudge, hats, questionable shirts and more. We were even lucky enough to have a lady take our photo, albeit it was blurry, and my phone smelled like cigarette smoke afterward. I’ll take it. 😆

I really enjoyed my time last night. Definitely recommend taking your family, friends or even your hot date to the Illuminate Light Show. You probably won’t be disappointed.