Illuminights finishes repairs, to continue normal operation through Dec. 30
Illuminights will resume normal operations on Tuesday after repairing damages from the winter storm that swept through the Commonwealth over the holiday weekend, according to officials with the Roanoke County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism.
![Lights out at Explore Park as Illuminights wraps up successful year](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/qDoR_Rj68iHt2r_lQMiBz-CXFzo=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/01-03-2021/t_adba987aa31b4b41a8d98a571a75efba_name_image.jpg)
Lights out at Explore Park as Illuminights wraps up successful year
ROANOKE, Va. โ The second year of Illuminights came to an end Saturday night, wrapping up another successful year. People came from across the country, as far as Texas, to see the beautiful lights. From the kid-loved sparkling unicorns to the fan-favorite shimmering river, year two of Illuminights proved to be magical. New light displays and themes made the Winter Walk of Lights look a little different this year amid the pandemic. A bright spot, capping off a dark year and 500,000 twinkling lights done shining for now.
![Thereโs still time left to enjoy Illuminights](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/7xaYkt6848GwuvnknVyMFLklT0M=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-31-2020/t_ef52d00ca445471f858ad31d8dab6554_name_image.jpg)
Thereโs still time left to enjoy Illuminights
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ Illuminights is wrapping up a magical season, but there are still three more nights left to enjoy the second annual Winter Walk of Lights. There are some new additions this year, including fake snow and lights that sync up to the music. Illuminights is put on by Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism and Center in the Square as a fundraiser. โItโs been a great season here at Illuminights this year. Weโve had great reception and feedback from the folks who have been able to come out to Illuminights.โThe last day for Illuminights is January 2.
![Illuminights canceled Wednesday night due to inclement weather](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/HLHRflaHfIq7pKWV0k20e4wquvk=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/BVWBP6NDRRDW5DRJX7H7ZCPRLA.jpg)
Illuminights canceled Wednesday night due to inclement weather
First night of Illuminights kicks off at Explore ParkROANOKE, Va. โ The weather outside is frightful and the folks with Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism are advising you to bundle up tonight. Illuminights announced on its website that the holiday lights event has been canceled for Wednesday, Dec. 16 due to inclement weather. According to officials, anyone who purchased tickets for tonight has received an email with instructions regarding their purchase.
![How you can help hungry families in the Roanoke Valley during your visit to Illuminights](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/TaCf8ub01I5ukM1p2Q6t__F_xZw=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-11-2020/t_34995454751c44bcbfb917a9a62b4545_name_image.jpg)
How you can help hungry families in the Roanoke Valley during your visit to Illuminights
ROANOKE, Va. โ Illuminights continues to light up Roanoke Countyโs Explore Park and provide COVID-19-safe holiday fun for families. Organizers are asking folks to bring a couple cans of donated food which they will give it to the Agape Center in Roanoke. This location just opened in the summer and not only doing they minister and mentor those in need, but they also provide food, clothing, and furnishings to anyone who comes by. The executive director, Susan Frase, said one of their favorite things to do is give out birthday baskets to the people they help. โOne lady cried and cried, because nobody is going to remember her birthday.
![Illuminights kicks off the holiday season during its first weekend](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/iLvFu3znyGYMSaBvEfTFevr1v6g=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-28-2020/t_813cb9876fda4b7da48a705d6209de80_name_image.jpg)
Illuminights kicks off the holiday season during its first weekend
ROANOKE, Va. โ Illuminights is truly a winter wonderland experience thatโs safe for the whole family, and people from across Virginia came to check it out during its first weekend on Friday. This half-mile walking trail at Explore Park has been transformed with more than 500,000 bright and shining lights. Though itโs only the second year of Illuminights, there has been a slight twist: social distancing. Guests are expected to social distance, wear a mask and pre-register for 30-minute time slots to keep everyone a safe six-feet apart. If you want to see the magic for yourself, register for a spot and buy your ticket online by clicking here.
![How Illuminights has become a holiday one-stop-shop](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/D6H95H7tcmvN5kYrGQdNKYbu3qY=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-26-2020/t_c1837412b3fc4e00a6882d7fdcf525da_name_image.jpg)
How Illuminights has become a holiday one-stop-shop
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ Opening night for Illuminights is November 25 and this season you can do more than just gaze at holiday lights. Itโs become a holiday one-stop-shop where you can have fun, shop and give back. The Artisan Market inside Explore Parkโs visitor center is filled with handmade items from more than 50 artisans from across the region. The Artisan Market opens daily at 11 a.m. and closes at the same time as Illuminights, but you donโt have to attend the walk of lights to shop. If youโre looking to give back, Explore Park is partnering with Kroger to host a canned food drive at Illuminights.
![Illuminights promises the same holiday fun, with one big difference this year](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/BWKFhr0YjDH1myzGcXb9p9pT4BQ=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-23-2020/t_911da4b7e1e74e63a38c1f73f320957b_name_image.jpg)
Illuminights promises the same holiday fun, with one big difference this year
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ Roanoke County is about to flip the switch on year two of Illuminights. The most important thing you need to know this year is you must register ahead of time; you cannot just show up. Organizers are asking folks to go online ahead of time and register for their 30-minute time slot. It is his second season setting up Illuminights. While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much in 2020, Illuminights promises to bring the same family fun back, but this year they will do it with safety top of mind.
![Illuminights opening pushed back amid new coronavirus restrictions](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/AsMvvsI0DyDfGtde6E9zirLkb_Y=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-17-2020/t_37cbd087fe744dd38050d145c28eb5d2_name_image.jpg)
Illuminights opening pushed back amid new coronavirus restrictions
County leaders announced Tuesday that due to Virginiaโs new coronavirus restrictions, the opening day for Illuminights at Explore Park will now be five days later on Nov. 25. Anyone who purchased tickets for November 20-24 will receive an email with instructions regarding their purchase. Due to COVID-19 precautions, only advance tickets will be sold for the event, with assigned arrival times, meaning none will be sold at Explore Park. While the park wonโt be shining bright until Wednesday, the Artisan Market will still start Friday, November 20, at the Explore Park Visitor Center. It will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 20 through Nov. 24 and 11 a.m. to close on Illuminights operating days.
![Do you know the full impact of your Illuminights ticket?](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/h-K8yBcng_RXuzQM4ZAFb87OiTk=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-11-2020/t_2eefb897074f4d008ccd2919f2ed56d8_name_image.jpg)
Do you know the full impact of your Illuminights ticket?
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ Itโs nearly time for Roanoke Countyโs Explore Park to shine bright. Starting Friday, Nov. 20, it will as bright as a star with 500,000 twinkling lights as Illuminights returns! The hugely popular event is back and isnโt just a safe way to enjoy the sights of the season. All proceeds from Illuminights go to support the valuable missions of Center in the Square and Explore Park. This year, in an effort to keep everyone safe, youโll have to pre-register to attend.
![Illuminights nearly ready to shine for its second holiday season](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/SRH-QyS9gybHJ08E9WCuYURNQMU=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/10-14-2020/t_76ec0d551bb84d5ba99c951e6eeb2aeb_name_image.jpg)
Illuminights nearly ready to shine for its second holiday season
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ Illuminights is returning to Explore Park for its second season and WSLS 10 is once again a proud sponsor of the Winter Walk of Lights. Crews are hard at work setting up holiday light displays that are sure to dazzle once again this year. More than 500,000 lights will be shining bright with some of last yearโs favorites and some new sparklers too. The Winter Walk of Lights will also look much different because of the coronavirus pandemic. Illuminights will also be 15 days longer this year for a 41-night event from Nov. 20 through Jan. 2.
![After Illuminights hits 43,000 visitors, Explore Park eyes more expansion](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/nwmtK5I1As7hbHBoP6OtbVOIfOw=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/01-07-2020/t_789bbe042dc84401ab9a332f9994cb32_name_image.jpg)
After Illuminights hits 43,000 visitors, Explore Park eyes more expansion
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ Roanoke County leaders say the Illuminights event was a huge success. โWe hope itโs going to be a family tradition for area residents for years to come,โ Ramsburg said. Brewpub in Explore Park thrivesBusiness was booming just feet away, inside the historic Brugh Tavern, which is now home to the Twin Creeks brewpub at Explore Park. Whatโs next for Explore ParkRoanoke County leaders are looking at adding even more opportunities for fun at Explore Park later this year. The recent expansion and plans for the future are another sign of growth for a park that has transformed in the last six years.
![Illuminights offers free shuttle from Carilion Riverside](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/PD_KEDZVZKcb8s6ePIk0A8vPKE0=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/R53N5EIJQNASFF5WTGITPJV52E.jpg)
Illuminights offers free shuttle from Carilion Riverside
ROANOKE, Va. โ This weekend, you can save money and get a free shuttle Illuminights in Explore Park. Starting Friday and running until Monday, you can get a free shuttle from Carilion Riverside Parking Garage and get a $4 discount off gate admission prices. Busses will leave every half hour starting at 6 p.m., with the last return shuttle departing from Explore Park at 11 p.m.Carilion Riverside Parking Garage is located at 1 Riverside Circle and guests are asked to use the entrance facing Reserve Avenue. For more information, visit the Illuminights website or call 540-387-6078.
![Santa Claus brings holiday cheer to Illuminights](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/rJczgxGniPUJkFCmL1c1u5jWUGo=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-16-2019/t_1e31d10d3b264fa1b52703fcaf27384e_name_image.jpg)
Santa Claus brings holiday cheer to Illuminights
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ What makes 500,000 lights shine even brighter? A visit from Santa Claus, of course! Santa Claus visited the popular Roanoke County holiday lights attraction at Explore Park on Monday night. Santa is available for stories and photos at Illuminights on the following dates: Dec. 16-19 and 23. For more ticket prices, other dates and information, click here.
![Illuminights offering free shuttling from Roanoke on select dates](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/-kIiIiMyU8qf6oN8kfbeG1RWSLg=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/DBLGUJWSVJECRJLBS3CY2FTQTI.jpg)
Illuminights offering free shuttling from Roanoke on select dates
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ To make it easier for people to get to Explore Park and enjoy Illuminights, free shuttling will be available for five nights. Visitors may park in the Carilion Clinic Riverside Parking Garage and pick up a shuttle on Dec. 14, 20, 21, 22, or 23. Buses will depart every half-hour beginning at 6 p.m. with the last return shuttle departing from Explore Park at 11 p.m.Carilion Clinic Riverside Parking Garage is located at 1 Riverside Circle and guests are asked to use the entrance facing Reserve Avenue. By riding the shuttle, youโll also receive a $4 discount on admission. Those who pre-ordered their tickets have already received that discount.
![Blue Ridge Parkway closing early due to weather, Illuminights to remain open](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/U9EDkTgDyrLw75VQdgZbr3empb0=/632x355/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/2I2Q6MO4TBHTPI7N2XDHUMOONA.png)
Blue Ridge Parkway closing early due to weather, Illuminights to remain open
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ The Blue Ridge Parkway will be closing early Thursday due to projected weather, but Illuminights will still be decking the halls. People who still plan on going to Illuminights will have to use the entrance at 3900 Rutrough Road, 24014. Below are directions to Rutrough Road:From Interstate 581, take exit 6 and turn left onto Elm Avenue heading towards Vinton. Immediately take next left turn onto Rutrough Road (Route 658). The service entrance is 3.9 miles the left at 3900 Rutrough Road.
![Illuminights getting final touches, still on track for Black Friday opening](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/YDr59Xjh_BRk47BvRxTE-VWOly4=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-21-2019/t_a283a97161084674ac44658036542165_name_image.jpg)
Illuminights getting final touches, still on track for Black Friday opening
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ The final touches are being put on a new holiday light show in Roanoke County. On Wednesday, trees were wrapped with lights and displays were installed. There will be 500,000 lights, holiday music and snow machines in the trees during the 26-day event. Every day here, a few more lights go up at the park," Roanoke County Parks and Recreation Director Scott Ramsburg said. "Weโll be working right down to the end to make sure it all goes off without a hitch.โWSLS is a proud sponsor of Illuminights.
![Volunteers needed for Illuminights display at Explore Park](https://media.wsls.com/photo/2019/11/04/Illuminights_preparations_continue_in_Roanoke_Countys_Explore_Park_1572909042248_22440298_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
Volunteers needed for Illuminights display at Explore Park
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. - Volunteers are still needed to help light up Explore Park for the holidays. Illuminights is taking over Explore Park for a 26-night event that will deck out the park with more than 500,000 lights starting Nov. 29. Joel Mosca from Mosca Design, the holiday lighting company, said the first challenge was finding the money, then a good location. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Center in the Square and Explore Park. "In addition to getting your [Illuminights] hat and scarf, there are other perks if you volunteer multiple nights," Ramsburg said.
![Volunteers needed for Illuminights display at Explore Park](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/AfkGJf-cn6cxVCMfKx-iLUW00Ho=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/DBLGUJWSVJECRJLBS3CY2FTQTI.jpg)
Volunteers needed for Illuminights display at Explore Park
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ Volunteers are still needed to help light up Explore Park for the holidays. Illuminights is taking over Explore Park for a 26-night event that will deck out the park with more than 500,000 lights starting Nov. 29. Joel Mosca from Mosca Design, the holiday lighting company, said the first challenge was finding the money, then a good location. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Center in the Square and Explore Park. "In addition to getting your [Illuminights] hat and scarf, there are other perks if you volunteer multiple nights," Ramsburg said.
![Tickets on sale for Illuminights, holiday walk of lights at Explore Park](https://media.wsls.com/photo/2019/10/23/Tickets_on_sale_for_Roanoke_Countys_Illuminights_at_Explore_Park_1571887134782_22409822_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
Tickets on sale for Illuminights, holiday walk of lights at Explore Park
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. - Walking through a magical light display is sure to help your family get in the holiday spirit. On Wednesday, tickets officially went on sale for Illuminights at Explore Park in Roanoke County. This is the first year for the walking holiday light show. Families can walk along a half-mile trail to look at over 500,000 lights. "It's really something magical that will be a holiday experience to make memories for generations," said Scott Ramsburg, the marketing and administration manager for Roanoke County Parks and Recreation.
![Explore Parkโs Winter Walk of Lights coming in December](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/YbWAWVU8RPLWaMDApg6effk1ZGI=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/KZ736MB5UBAMFGTTDYQJNMRNYE.jpg)
Explore Parkโs Winter Walk of Lights coming in December
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va.- โ 'Tis the season, five months early. Roanoke County and Center in the Square announced a new partnership to host an annual holiday light show at Explore Park. Doug Blount says this event will make Explore Park a year-round destination. Roanoke County is preparing for thousands of tourists who will come to the region to walk through the winter wonderland. That's what I love about it," said Wendi Schultz, tourism and events coordinator for Roanoke County.