The Night of A Million Lights is back—the holiday spectacular that delights thousands of visitors and raises millions to give sick children and their weary families a vacation.
‘Give Kids The World Village’ has launched their second annual holiday lights extravaganza, running until Jan. 2
Illuminating the Central Florida skyline, the 52-night open house will once again provide the public with a rare glimpse inside Give Kids The World Village, an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort that provides critically ill children with magical weeklong wish vacations at no cost.
What began as an inventive pandemic pivot for Give Kids The World has evolved into Central Florida’s most beloved new holiday tradition. More than 92,000 guests attended Night of a Million Lights in 2020, named by USA TODAY the “Number One Thing To Do In Orlando In December.”
A new dancing lights show, tram tours, and unique behind-the-scenes experiences are guaranteed to make this year’s Night of a Million Lights in Kissimmee, Florida, another dazzling success.
“Last year’s event grossed $2.8 million to make wishes come true for children struggling with illness and their families,” spokesperson Cindy Elliott told GNN.
Tickets, which start at $25 but vary depending on the date and special add-ons, such as dessert parties, enable guests to immerse themselves in an exquisitely decorated fairytale neighborhood—the place where wish families call home during their stays.
LOOK: Christmas Fanatic Turns Her Office Cube Into Incredible Life-Sized Gingerbread House
Guests can explore a sparkling tree trail, take photos at one-of-a-kind step-in frames and backdrops, and enjoy a guided storytelling tour of 100 magnificently lit villas from the comfort of a tram—all of which are included in the price of the ticket.
The display features 1.25M linear feet of lights, including 3.2 million lights that were donated by Walt Disney World.
The event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, with entry times staggered to prevent crowding. Guests will be required to follow all safety protocols and posted instructions established by Give Kids The World Village, in accordance with the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)
“Children with critical illnesses face countless appointments, treatments and hospital stays, and they are often told “no,” due to the limitations of their illness. We feel privileged to give wish children and their families a week of “yes” where they can forget their worries, experience joy, and spend precious time together,” said Give Kids The World President and CEO Pamela Landwirth, who reopened the facility this year following the pandemic shut-down. “Raising funds will enable us to continue creating the happiness that inspires hope for these precious families.”
Since 1986, Give Kids The World Village has welcomed nearly 177,000 families from all 50 states and more than 76 countries.
Taking nearly two months to set up, and run by volunteers contributing more than 30,000 volunteer hours, this year’s Night of a Million Lights enhancements will include a 360-degree dancing lights show encompassing 21 fully-programmed buildings set to music, with six 3-minute holiday vignettes playing each hour that feature testimonials by GKTW wish children and their artwork.
Of course there will also be an opportunity for children to meet Santa in his elaborately decorated Florida home. Also new this year, guests can choose to add-on exclusive balcony experiences—providing a stunning setting for marriage proposals, vow renewals, birthday and anniversary celebrations.
All proceeds from Night of a Million Lights will support Give Kids The World, rated Four Stars by Charity Navigator 15 years in a row.
When wish-granting organizations receive a request from a critically ill child who wants to visit Central Florida (or Disney World), Give Kids The World fulfills the wish – providing every child and his/her family with an all-inclusive dream vacation that includes transportation; accommodations in one of the Village’s 166 storybook villas; all meals and snacks; donated theme park tickets; nightly entertainment; daily gifts; and priceless experiences at the Village, featuring accessible rides and attractions.
Discounts are available for groups of 25 guests or more. To learn more and purchase tickets before they run out, visit www.gktw.org.
START Planning Your Holiday For Next Year by Sharing With Friends on Social Media…