Must See: Iconic Indiana Holiday Display Boasts More Thank 90K Light Bulbs

When it comes to holiday traditions, there are few as iconic as a drive through one annual Indiana light display.

The Holiday Season Isn't Complete Without a Visit to This Magical Wonderland

For many across Southern Indiana, Western Kentucky, and Southern Illinois, the holiday season simply is not complete without a visit through a magical wonderland located in Evansville.

Feel Like a Kid Again: Grab Your Hot Cocoa and Head to Garvin Park

It has been a part of my personal holiday celebrations for several years. We load into the car, grab some hot cocoa, and head to Garvin Park. The wonder and joy that I experience here suddenly makes me feel like I am six years old again - yes, it really is that magical!

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The 31st Annual Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights Has More Than 90k Light Bulbs

What is this magical wonderland of holiday joy? It's the annual Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights! In it's 31st year, the annual light display boasts more than 80 displays - some as tall as 25 feet! Those 80+ displays are illuminated with more than 90,0000 light bulbs!!

READ MORE: Indiana Among Most Festive States in America

A Tristate Tradition For More Than Three Decades

Every year for more than three decades, the Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights has brought holiday cheer to the Evansville community, and it all started with an idea and 26 lighted displays.

Experience Holiday Joy While Helping Easterseals to Continue Serving Our Community

Not only will you find yourself in a holiday wonderland of brilliant and sparkling light displays when you visit Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights, but you will also be helping Easterseals Rehabilitation Center continue serving more than 5,600 children and adults with disabilities, and they provide early education and essential therapies to those who may not otherwise be able to afford such life-saving services like: 

• physical, occupational, speech & language therapies
• therapeutic preschool
• audiology testing & services
• aquatic therapy, aquatic fitness & swim lessons for people of all abilities
• driver’s assessments & training
• augmentative & alternative communication
• wheelchairs & mobility devices
• psychological services & counseling
• and so much more!

When to Experience Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights

The 31st Annual Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights takes place every night now through December 1, 2025, in Evansville's Garvin Park.

• Sunday – Thursday: 5pm-9pm
• Friday & Saturday: 5pm-10pm
• Christmas Eve & Christmas Day: 5pm-10pm

How to Drive Through Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights

Ready to visit? You can drive through or take a horse drawn carriage ride (more on carriage rides below.) If you plan to drive through, you will enter Garvin Park via Main Street at the intersection of Morgan Avenue. You will be met by volunteers at one of two ticket booths who will collect your admission fee and give you all the details you will need to drive through.

Cost of Admission to Drive Through Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights

You can purchase tickets in advance at any GD Ritzy's location or you can purchase them the night of your visit at the entrance on Main Street when you arrive to drive through Ritzy's Fantasy. The cost is just $7 per vehicle with up to 6 people. For vehicles with 7 - 14 people the cost is just $10, and for vehicles with 15 or more people, admission is $25. Tickets can be purchased onsite with cash, credit, or debit card. Additionally, tickets can be purchased in bulk.

READ MORE: Interactive Google Map Will Upgrade Your Holiday Light Adventure

How to Take a Horse Drawn Carriage Ride Through Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights

If you would like to take a carriage ride through Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights, you will enter the Bosse Field parking lot via Heidelbach Avenue. Carriage rides are first-come, first-served and are available nightly through December 31, 2024 - weather permitting. The cost of a carriage ride is $30 for up to 6 people, and includes admission to Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights. Children under the age of three are permitted to ride with their group at no additional charge if they can sit on an adult's lap. There are larger carriages available for larger groups at an additional cost. Carriage rides are provided by the Horseshoe Bend Carriage Co., and rides may be purchased with cash or check only.

Don't Forget to Watch for Andy the Elf for the Chance to Win Prizes!

Andy is the resident Elf in the Park at Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights, and Andy is a little mischievous! Every Wednesday through December 24th, Andy the Elf moves to a new location in the park before returning to Santa at the North Pole on Christmas Day. If you spot Andy the Elf on your visit, it could win you some cool prizes! Here's how to play:

• Visit Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights before 10pm on December 24, 2024.
• Find Andy the Elf and take a photo - be sure you make a mental note of what light display he is closest to!
• Like Easterseals Rehabilitation Center on Facebook
• Find the week's contest post
• Comment with your photo and the light display he was closest to
• You're now entered for the chance to win cool prizes!

Winners are drawn at random each week with one Grand Prize Winner each week, and 10 weekly bonus winners.

1 Grand Prize Winner receives:

• $50 Gift Card to Ritzy’s
• $50 MasterCard From Liberty Federal Credit Union
• 4 60 minute sessions at Sky Zone Trampoline Park
• 4 Tickets to Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey Game
• 4 Tickets to Showplace Cinemas

10 Bonus Winners each receive:

• 2 30 minute sessions at Sky Zone Trampoline Park
• 2 Tickets to Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey Game

It's easy to see why Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights holds such a special place as a holiday tradition for me and thousands of others across the Tristate. I hope you will make it a part of your celebration too. Learn more at RitzysFantasyOfLights.com.