Lake of Lights Prepares for 2026 Season

Lake of Lights is preparing for another holiday season at Saulisberry Park, bringing new Christmas displays, special events and opportunities for local organizations to raise money through volunteering.

The annual drive-through Christmas light display welcomed 3,289 vehicles during the 2025 season, generating $16,445 in gate receipts and an additional $2,460 in donations.

A total of $10,440 was distributed to volunteer organizations that helped with the event.

According to Lake of Lights, 27 local organizations and groups participated in 2025, with 226 people volunteering a combined 1,169 hours.

Lake of Lights distributes 65% of its gate receipts to participating volunteer organizations. For every three hours volunteered, an organization earns one share of the proceeds. The amount each group receives is determined by the number of hours its volunteers contribute.

Donations and the remaining 35% of gate receipts are retained by Lake of Lights to cover expenses and fund improvements to the attraction.

Since 2008, Lake of Lights has distributed more than $100,000 to the groups and organizations that help make the event possible.

The tradition began in 2003 through a collaboration of city and community leaders and civic organizations. After Kenton High School’s JROTC program operated the event for three years, Steve Hiller took over in September 2008 to keep Lake of Lights from closing. He developed the volunteer-share program that continues today, allowing volunteers to raise money for the charity or nonprofit organization of their choice.

Over the years, the attraction has grown to feature close to half a million lights along a pathway covering approximately seven-tenths of a mile. The organization has also converted almost exclusively to LED lighting, saving energy and costs.

For the 2026 season, organizers are planning several new displays created by local and area businesses, along with new displays of their own.

Lake of Lights will open Friday, November 27, and operate nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. The hours will be extended until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. The suggested donation remains $5 per vehicle.

Several special events are also scheduled throughout December:

·         Character Nights: December 5, 12 and 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.

·         Patterson’s Hope Express Train Rides: December 12 and 13 from 6 to 8 p.m.

·         Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides: December 5, 19 and 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.

·         Live Nativity Scenes: December 6, 13 and 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.

There is no additional cost for the train or wagon rides. All special activities are weather permitting.

Community members can also help support their favorite charities and nonprofit organizations by volunteering during setup, operation or teardown. Organizations earn one share of the event’s gate proceeds for every three hours volunteered.

Remaining scheduled setup dates for 2026 are November 14-15 and November 21-22. Saturday hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday hours are 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers may work as many hours as they wish.

Those interested in volunteering can register through the Lake of Lights 2026 Setup Volunteer Sign-Up.

Lake of Lights also has $5 gift cards available. Those interested in purchasing gift cards or asking questions about the event can contact lakeoflights08@gmail.com.

Organizers say the event would not be possible without the continued support and generosity of local businesses, individuals and community volunteers.