Sparkling Nights and Cherished Sights at Stone Hedge Golf Course's Festival of Lights
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s most dazzling holiday traditions returns. The Festival of Lights at Stone Hedge Golf Course transforms the picturesque grounds into a winter wonderland.
There’s something magical about piling in the car, listening to holiday tunes, and driving through all the twinkling lights. Families from all over the region cruise through the path, picking out their favorite scenes and animations. This enchanting drive-through light display really gets you into the Christmas spirit!
What started as an innovative idea from Stone Hedge owners Bill and Karen Ruark has blossomed into hundreds of thousands of lights spreading Christmas cheer every year. The Festival of Lights is a cherished NEPA tradition that has delighted families every winter since 2017. People come from all over to experience the magic, and the team says it’s heartwarming to see families creating new traditions on their property.
We started it was to make the golf course more viable outside of golf season and keep the grounds crew employed all year round. Set up takes 6 weeks with a small army of people, and tear down keeps the crew busy for 2 months. We now even make all the metal figures ourselves and wrap them with lights. It brings so much joy to everyone! People always tell us it’s a new tradition for their families, and that keeps us going.
Opening night of the 2024 Festival of Lights is Wednesday, November 27. Their hours are 5PM-9PM Sunday to Thursday ($30 per vehicle), and 5PM-10PM on Friday and Saturday ($35 per vehicle). The lights shine bright every evening (except Christmas Eve) until December 31.
As you make your way through the grounds, you’ll be surrounded by countless sparkling lights. Creating both enchanting and nostalgic scenes, this drive-through course is sure to dazzle both the young and young at heart. The full course takes about 30 minutes, so put on those holiday tunes and cruise through.
Monday, November 25 at 5PM is the annual Night in Lights Fun Run & Walk benefitting local first responders. This event is not timed and no pre-registration is required. Registration starts at 5PM, followed by runner starting at 5:30PM and walkers at 5:45PM. The rain date November 26.
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Kids, couples, and families wait in line to take their photo in front of a giant display piece. Each year features a new photo op set-up, allowing this annual moment to be eagerly await each season. There’s even a Stone Hedge team member there to take your photo for free!
Be sure to stop by the heated and handicap accessible pavilion after your drive through the light display. You’ll find a handful of artisan vendors, family-friendly food and drinks, and plenty of picnic table seating. Sometimes you can even catch Santa making an appearance!
Santa makes a stop at the Festival of Lights to warm up in their pavilion! Catch him every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights before Christmas only.
Included with the admission to the light display, each car gets a free s’more kit to roast at the large fit outside the pavilion. Additional s’more kits are available for purchase.
The team at Festival of Lights keeps things interesting by adding new sections every year. This year, look forward to a special homage to America and as well two other secret sections.
