Bright Nights at Forest Park — Attraction in Springfield

This was a nightmare. Whatever tradition this was, you need to let to die. Given the hour long line to get in, I can't begin to comprehend why... Why was everyone here? Were they all like me, coerced into this rubbish by deranged family members trying to reclaim some dimly revered memory of their childhood?

Fine, you want specifics. It was an hour to get the park entrance. Don't follow your GPS, it'll efficiently avoid the traffic and you'll run afoul with the local police ; they will redirect you into the traffic jam. And let's be clear, this entire event is one prolonged traffic jam.

Yes, Everyone will try to cut into the jam. Yes, you will have no recourse. Yes, you will stare at the jerk's bumper for the next 2 hours.

The cost, 21$, atrocious. Free is too much. Couldn't pay me. Seriously, I'd sit thru a focus panel group, jury duty, sales pitch for timeshare for a Croatian getaway. Anything.

The lights are.. Boring. Clearly old, dim, mostly functional. Generic holiday themes in 5 watt bulbs.

About 15 minutes into this torture everyone in the car realized our mistake. We all share a look of pleading eyes, then turn to the instigator of this event, my mother. She too sensed the error and could only say "what? I remember it being good!"

40 minutes in, there is a magical forest carstop. Not content with just having a row of toilets, they gussied it up with several rejected carnival rides and questionable refreshments. If you make it this far, good job! You are about half way thru.

The next 40 min is more of the same. Surprisingly, the road wasn't littered with the abandoned cars of those who fell asleep at the wheel or drove into the woods In a desperate attempt to escape.

Please, please stop perpetuating this event. If you are desperate to see Christmas lights, just drive around the neighborhood. House lights are far, far better. If you want the experience of never ending traffic, just...

Bright Nights at Forest Park in Springfield, MA, is a magical holiday tradition that never fails to delight visitors of all ages. From the moment you enter the gates, the spirit of the season is alive with dazzling lights, enchanting displays, and festive cheer.

The drive-through light display is meticulously designed, featuring themed sections that highlight everything from classic holiday icons to whimsical winter scenes. Each section feels thoughtfully crafted, with some favorites being the Seuss Land, Santa's Village, and the majestic Winter Woods. The sheer number of lights and the creative animations truly make it a visual spectacle.

The setup is perfect for families and friends looking to share holiday joy. Staying in the warmth of your car while slowly cruising through the displays makes it a cozy and relaxing experience. For kids, the scenes are captivating, and for adults, the nostalgic charm adds a touch of warmth to the season.

One of the highlights is the "Merry Marketplace," where visitors can step out and enjoy hot cocoa, holiday treats, and even a chance to meet Santa Claus on select nights. There’s also a photo op area for capturing memories under the sparkling lights.

Parking and entry are well-organized, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic. The event is highly accessible, making it a great outing for everyone. Tickets are reasonably priced, especially considering the effort that goes into creating such a stunning event every year. Pro tip: buying tickets in advance can save time and avoid long lines on busier nights.

Bright Nights is not just a light display; it’s an immersive holiday experience that brings joy and wonder to the community. Whether it’s your first visit or part of an annual tradition, it’s guaranteed to fill your heart with holiday spirit. Highly recommended for anyone looking to make lasting...

Waited in line for two hours just to be turned away at 8:45pm. Cars were cutting us off after passing on the right to the point where we stayed in the same spot for 10 minutes. This is a poorly managed production. The excuse the owner is giving is “overwhelming numbers from the pandemic”. Well, prepare for that. The unemployment rate is up to 6.7% in America, up from 3.5% last December. Hire more traffic control. People are need of jobs and this production is in need of traffic control. We were a mile away, put traffic control that far back, not just at the entrance.

Our ticket is good for anytime this season, but I would never pay another $25 to wait in a line so long and poorly managed. I am hoping to get money back because we drove over an hour, I do not see myself driving another hour to see these lights.

Sell a limited amount of tickets for each night. This is definitely making enough money scamming people for $25 visit.

Prepare better. I’m sure it is already busy the weekend before Christmas and because of the pandemic. You should hire more traffic control and have them work farther back. If you have been doing this since 1995, you should know the traffic volume from past years and use that data with the new data from the pandemic to better prepare.

To people planning to go: do yourself a favor and read the reviews before going

To people who are currently waiting in line: do not buy your ticket until you are at...