Southeast Tourism Society (STS) has named the Danville Community Holiday Light Show one of the STS Top 20 Events in the Southeast for December 2020. This year’s Community Holiday Light Show is December 9-23, 2021.
The STS Top 20 Festival and Event Awards have highlighted programs around the Southeast since 1985. Travel industry experts select 20 events per month, and STS publicizes them throughout the United States. The complete list is published on two websites: Southeast Tourism Society and Travel Media Press Room.
Folks in Danville, Virginia believe decorating one of the oldest civic-owned parks with thousands of lights is one of the best ways to celebrate the holidays. For seven years, the Community Holiday Light Show has been the center of yuletide celebrations and traditions for residents in Southside VA—whisking visitors away to a fantastical wonderland of lights. The drive-through light show features displays built by local families, organizations, and businesses—not to mention the crafts, refreshments, and complimentary photos with Santa Claus that visitors can take part in after the show inside the Children’s Village.
“We’re so excited that the Community Holiday Light Show has been chosen as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast yet again. It is through the support of our staff, volunteers, and community that we can celebrate this achievement and look forward to many more Community Holiday Light Shows in the future,” said Bill Sgrinia, Director of Danville Parks and Recreation.
Not only has the light show sparked new traditions and holiday memories, it has also contributed over $68,000 to civic organizations, volunteer groups, and local non-profits. The 15-day event is open nightly to the public. A portion of the gate fees are donated to the volunteer groups working the show that night while another portion is turned into prize money and donated to local nonprofits courtesy of the display that is voted as best in show by the public. For just $10, families, friends, and neighbors are swept away to a magical winter wonderland of lights and then to the Children’s Village for photos, hot chocolate, and crafts—all while supporting the community.
“For 36 years, STS has been spotlighting the best festivals and events in the Southeast with our Top 20 Festival and Events program. Our goal is to highlight the efforts of devoted event organizers and provide additional media exposure and accolades for their events,” said Monica Smith, president and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society. “The Southeast offers so many unique, year-round, opportunities for tourists and festival-goers to create memories and support the tourism industry-–a vital economic generator for communities.”
Those wishing to get involved in the 2021 Community Holiday Light show can contact Danville Parks and Recreation at (434) 793-4636 or email taylor.roberts@danvilleva.gov.
