Holidays return to Oxfords Choccolocco Park
Christmas will arrive a little early at Choccolocco Park this year, with millions of holiday lights, visits with Santa and even a chance to play in the snow — regardless of what Alabama’s weather has in mind.
Oxford’s Festival of Lights returns Nov. 20 for a six-week run through Dec. 31, combining its drive-through Christmas light show with an expanded collection of activities in Santa’s Village.
The holiday attraction begins with a drive of more than one and a half miles through illuminated displays and Christmas scenes. Visitors can then park and continue the evening in Santa’s Village, where activities will include free photos with Santa, Christmas movies, and music, food vendors, hot apple cider and gourmet fudge.
Children will also be able to drop their Christmas wish lists into a special mailbox for Santa.
Families planning a visit can save by purchasing tickets before the festival opens.
Throughout October, advance carload tickets for the Christmas Light Show are $15 as part of the festival’s Snowfall promotion. Anyone purchasing a ticket during October will also be entered into a drawing for a VIP Festival of Lights package.
“We want to give families an opportunity to plan ahead and save while also getting everyone excited for the holiday season,” Mayor Alton Craft said. “October is the best time to purchase your tickets and get ready for Festival of Lights.”
Beginning in November, regular admission will be $20 per car Monday through Thursday and $25 per car Friday through Sunday.
Snow in Oxford
Snow will again be part of the celebration, but organizers won’t be depending on Mother Nature.
Santa’s Village will feature real snow produced using SnowMagic snowmaking equipment. The system freezes water into small snow crystals, allowing snow play and tubing even when temperatures are too warm for natural snowfall.
According to the City of Oxford, “Water is the only ingredient. No chemicals, snow additives or artificial materials are used.”
Visitors who want to add snow tubing, inflatables and skating to their evening can purchase wristbands. The first wristband is $20, with additional wristbands available for $10 each.
The Festival of Lights will open nightly at 5 p.m. from Nov. 20 through Dec. 31, with the attraction closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at oxfordlights.com or at the entrance during the event.
The Festival of Lights is held at Choccolocco Park, 954 Leon Smith Parkway in Oxford, and is sponsored by First Bank of Alabama.
