Oxford, AL – Mayor Alton Craft officially launched the 2024 Festival of Lights on Wednesday, November 20, with a special preview event for city employees before the public opening on November 22. This annual celebration, which spans over 40 acres and features nearly 2.5 million lights, is poised to be one of the most spectacular holiday events in the region.
Madison Gardner, Oxford’s Special Events and Sponsorship Coordinator, opened the event with a heartfelt thank you to the sponsors, particularly First Bank of Alabama, which has been the festival’s title sponsor for the past three years. “Their contributions, along with all of our incredible sponsors, help this magical event continue to break attendance records each year,” Gardner remarked. She also acknowledged the hard work of various city departments, including Parks and Recreation, EMS, Police, Fire, and 311, as well as the dedicated team of staff members responsible for the festival’s success.
Mayor Craft followed with his own remarks, thanking the city’s employees for their role in making the event possible. “You are the city,” Craft said. “It’s not us, me, and the council that do it. Y’all do it, and we appreciate you.” After expressing his gratitude, Mayor Craft led the crowd in a countdown to the lighting ceremony, officially kicking off the 2024 Festival of Lights.
The festival, which runs through Christmas Eve, will feature a one-mile, drive-through light show with new displays added for 2024. Santa’s Village will host a variety of activities, including weekend snowfalls, a newly designed Santa’s house, and an updated photo backdrop. Visitors can also shop for exclusive holiday merchandise at the general store, enjoy festive food from vendors, and take part in seasonal activities like ice skating and walking tours of the village.
The Festival of Lights is open nightly starting November 22, with the following hours:
- Weeknights (Monday-Thursday): 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Weekends (Friday-Sunday): 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Extended hours (starting December 13): 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. nightly
Ticket prices are $25 per carload on weekdays and $30 per carload on weekends. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at oxfordlights.com, where additional details about concessions and activities are available.
Choccolocco Park, located at 954 Leon Smith Parkway, remains a prime location for families and visitors to experience the holiday magic. Whether it’s a family outing or a romantic date night, the Festival of Lights promises to be a cherished tradition for Oxford and beyond.
For the third consecutive year, First Bank of Alabama remains a key sponsor, alongside Big Time Entertainment, which is offering free $10 game gift cards for visitors to Santa’s Village while supplies last. The support of local businesses and the city’s dedication to making this event memorable continue to make the Festival of Lights a highlight of the holiday season.
Mayor Craft summed up the spirit of the festival, saying, “Spending time with family and friends and creating new memories is the highlight of each holiday season. Creating an event for residents and visitors alike to do just that is what the Festival of Lights is all about.”
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