Union City, Tennessee —Discovery Park of America  is adding new lights and displays to its popular “Let It Glow” Christmas drive-thru and walk-thru light shows for the 2022 holiday season. “Let It Glow” is an annual fundraiser for the 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Opening night on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, will include a kick-off ceremony at 6 p.m. featuring performances by Merry Ellen Kirk and Marco Alexander, an ensemble from the Jackson Symphony, the Voices of Union City Elementary student choir and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

In addition to his appearance at the kick-off, Santa Claus will be at the “Let It Glow” Walk-thru and available for photos with guests every Friday and Saturday night in the Gristmill.

Returning in 2022 is the drive-thru light show with an all-new route for guests to experience the 50-acre heritage park filled with never-before-seen light displays and new experiences. Unlike previous years, guests will enter through the north gate for the “Let It Glow” Drive-thru. It will feature more than a million lights twinkling along with popular Christmas songs, allowing guests to get a unique look at the Titan Missile, the 199-foot-tall Discovery Center, the settlement of log cabins and more, all decorated for the holidays.

The “Let It Glow” Walk-thru will take place on the north side of the park, which will once again be transformed into the “North Pole.” At the entrance, guests will find food and beverages for sale before they take a stroll through the Japanese Garden, European Garden and Mill Ridge, which will all be transformed into a glowing winter wonderland with plenty of opportunities for taking photographs.

Once guests arrive at Mill Ridge, they will find a shop with local handmade gifts for sale, Rudolph’s Barn, an area in the Smithy for children to write letters to Santa and, new this year, a large display of more than 150 nutcrackers on loan from Edith Adcock of Martin, Tennessee. Adcock received her first nutcracker as a gift for her 16th birthday and has been collecting them for more than 45 years.

Discovery Park has seen an increase in event bookings for the 2022 holiday season over recent years. “Our party planners can create the perfect holiday experience for groups of any size,” said Lauren Jones, director of special events for Discovery Park. “This year, we’ve also made it easy to share the magical experience of “Let It Glow” with your customers, staff, friends or family members with gift vouchers that are available at a discounted rate for 50 or more.” Those interested in “Let It Glow” gift vouchers or a holiday party at Discovery Park should email Jones at ljones@discoveryparkofamerica.flywheelstaging.com or call at 731-885-5455 for more information.

The 2022 “Let It Glow” drive-thru and walk-thru light show is sponsored by McDonald’s and ATA.

Both the “Let It Glow” Drive-thru and Walk-thru are open 5-9 p.m. from Friday, Nov. 11-Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, and closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Opening night of the “Let It Glow” Walk-thru will be free for Discovery Park members and $5 admission for non-members. Admission to the “Let It Glow” Walk-thru on all other nights is $5 for all guests with ages three and under admitted free. Admission to the “Let It Glow” Drive-thru is $10 per vehicle for all guests every night. Tickets may be purchased in advance online or at the gates.

Photo Caption: “Let it Glow” walk-thru 2021.
Photo: Jeremy Rasnic