SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Hundreds of families headed to Springfield Saturday night for Bright Nights. It may be cold outside, but the lights truly warm up people to the holidays, reminding them why spending quality time with others this time of year is so special. Marking 30 years of lighting up Forest Park in Springfield, hundreds of people made a stop Saturday night checking off some of their favorite things to do this time of year. Dawn Leveasseur of Auburn told 22News, "It's great! The kids love the lights, five kids me, and my bestie." "Christmas always brings us closer together," says Derek Sylvestre of Springfield. "It is more than just the presents it is being with the people you love." Bright Nights will be open through January 5th, and the three-mile drive continues to give people a reason to smile. Annette Daino of Springfield adds, " We rent a big fan and we take them all through to celebrate it's a great time were all singing Christmas carols coming in." Coming up on the 17th is "10 dollar Tuesdays" If you haven't stopped by don't forget to buy your ticket online before heading to Bright Nights. Gates open at five o'clock every night and close at 9. Those interested must get tickets online or at Big Y before heading over. Zoo Night is coming up on Wednesday if you're interested Don't forget to grab your tickets online before stopping by. Local News Headlines Shelburne Police host toy drive with festive fun Longmeadow Fire hosts 4th annual Santa Run Last day for Festival of Trees at the MassMutual Center Holyoke residents enjoy early Christmas celebration at 9th annual community dinner WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.