For those of you who have questions about the Ferguson NlightN Holiday Event Series, we've put together 20 things you need to know to get the most out of your holiday season, beginning on Thanksgiving Day and continuing through New Year’s Day.
- 1. First, let’s learn how to say it correctly: NlightN is pronounced “enlighten.”
- 2. The NlightN Holiday Event Series is sponsored by Ferguson Enterprises.
- 3. NlightN includes three main events:
- Celebration in Lights at Newport News Park
- Lights at the Fountain at City Center
- ARTech Lights at Brooks Crossing
- 4. Celebration in Lights, now in its 29th season, is a two-mile drive filled with dazzling holiday light displays in the woods and waterways of Newport News Park, located at 13560 Jefferson Ave.
- 5. New this year at Celebration in Lights are magical trees, candy-themed display pieces, additional deer displays, and 3D trees.
- 6. Celebration in Lights is open every night of the week, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Nov. 25 through Jan. 1. Admission is $12 per car Monday through Thursday and $15 per car Friday through Sunday.
- 7. Purchase discounted Celebration in Lights tickets for just $10 per car at the Newport News Visitor Center (at the entrance of Newport News Park). These tickets are good every day of the week!
- 8. For a more up-close and personal experience for pedestrians, we offer Lights at the Fountain, a magical holiday experience for guests strolling around the five-acre fountain plaza in City Center at Oyster Point, from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4 through Jan. 1.
- 9. Enjoy lights, decorations, and magical falling snow set to music at Lights at the Fountain. A 10-minute synchronized light show will play every 30 minutes, from 5 to 9 p.m.
- 10. The centerpiece of Lights at the Fountain is a 42-foot color-and-pattern-changing holiday tree with a festive soundtrack that gives visitors a fully immersive experience.
- 11. Additionally, Lights at the Fountain includes 55 wrapped trees around the fountain, 16 snow machines, and props for “Instagram-able” photo opportunities.
- 12. From 5 to 8 p.m. Dec 4, Lights at the Fountain will open with a special event that will fill City Center with entertainment, an ice-sculpting exhibition, seasonal gift vendors, carnival games, food vendors, street performers, giveaways, children’s activities, and more!
- 13. The tree-lighting ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 4. The Lights at the Fountain holiday tree is located on Town Center Drive at Fountain Way.
- 14. Enjoy free parking for Lights at the Fountain in all City Center garages, plus there’s no admission charge to enjoy the lights!
- 15. ARTech Lights is an animated light and sound show on its holiday tree at Brooks Crossing. It will be shown every half hour, between 5 and 9 p.m., from Dec. 4 through Jan. 1.
- 16. Brooks Crossing is located along Jefferson Avenue between 30th and 32nd streets in the Southeast Community of Newport News. Look for synchronized music and seasonal décor throughout the area.
- 17. On Dec 10, from 3:30 to 8 p.m., children can enjoy STEM-related activities, dubbed “techtivities,” provided by Jefferson Lab, Newport News Shipbuilding, and the Innovation Lab at Brooks Crossing.
- 18. To complement the “techtivities,” the ARTech Lights event on Dec. 10 will include food and beverage vendors, a DJ, a “silent disco,” a bonfire, and a skating rink – all from 3:30 to 8 p.m.
- 19. The ice skating rink will re-open to the public from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12.
- 20. Like Lights at the Fountain, ARTech Lights offers free admission and free parking.
Looking for some additional holiday cheer? For a complete listing of other events taking place throughout Newport News, click here. For a list of places to visit with Santa in Newport News, click here. For more information on the Ferguson NlightN Holiday Event Series, click here or call 757-926-1400.