Nite Lites prepares for season with “over a million” Christmas lights

Brooklyn, Mich. — The Nite Lites Christmas Drive-Thru Light Show at Michigan International Speedway is in the midst of preparations for the 2022 holiday season.

John Spink, organizer of Nite Lites for nearly three decades, told WKHM in a recent interview, “The size of it has more than quadrupled from when we first started… we’re up to I believe six and a half miles.” The display is updated every year, and Spink says they utilize over a million light bulbs in the various displays, many of which are animated. All of the light displays are Christmas-themed.

Replacing the indoor Winter Wonderland with Santa this year is a train ride through the display. “Just before the ticket booth we’ll have a parking area and you can ride the train through the show so you don’t have to drive,” explains Spink. If you plan to ride the train, make sure to bundle up. Tickets for the train are available by the bench at www.nitelitesshow.com.

Get a preview of the display on foot November 19 at the 8th annual Nite Lites 5K Fun Run/Walk. This is the only time walkers/runners are permitted through the show, which is otherwise drive-through only. Pre-registration is available at www.nitelitesshow.com, or for $5 more, register in person at the event.

Opening night for vehicles is Thanksgiving, which is November 24 this year, and the show will remain open through New Year’s Eve.

When asked what size vehicles are allowed, Spink responds, “Anything that can go down the highway can come through the show,” including buses and motorhomes.