The seventh annual Community Holiday Light Show kicks off tonight, with shows each night at Ballou Park through Christmas Day, except for Christmas Eve. The show begins at 6 p.m. and closes at 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Last year, 8,956 people visited the park for the light show, which is a drive-through event featuring light displays created by local individuals, families, businesses and organizations. The Southeast Tourism Society has designated the light show as a Top 20 Event in the region for two consecutive years.
A portion of the proceeds is donated to local organizations, volunteer groups, and non-profits. Last year, a record $12,935 was donated, and since its inception, the light show has contributed almost $50,000.
Enter the park at its Park Avenue entrance. Volunteer groups will be there to direct traffic through the park. The cost is $10 per car and $20 for buses and 15-passenger vans. Dec. 9, 14, and 15 are discount nights, with admission $7 for cars and $15 for 15-passenger vans and buses.
This is a cash-only event.
Photos with Santa will take place from Dec. 14-18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. upstairs in Ballou Recreation Center. For more information on getting a photo, call (434) 793-4636. Although there will be no Children’s Village this year, a special programming calendar will be posted.
For all staff, volunteers and attendees to safely enjoy the event, Danville Parks and Recreation is implementing a COVID-19 mitigation plan:
- All staff and volunteers will wear a face covering while working at the event.
- Volunteers who are handing cars’ items or collecting money will wear gloves.
- Hand sanitizer will be available, and staff/volunteers will be required to use it regularly.
- Safety vests worn by staff and volunteers will be washed nightly.
- Families who visit with Santa will remain in their vehicles until they are called.
- Families must have a face covering to enter the building. Face coverings can be taken off for the picture only, then put back on while still in the building.
- A maximum of six people will be allowed to take a picture with Santa at the same time.
- All staff working the event will be screened beforehand, and no staff who has symptoms or has been around someone with COVID-19 will be allowed to work the event.
- Trash cans will be at the areas staff and volunteers can dispose of gloves and face coverings properly.
- Social distancing is encouraged even while wearing a face covering.
- Frequently touched surfaces will be sanitized often.