Final night of Bright Nights 30th season at Forest Park in Springfield
Jan 05, 2025
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It was the final night of Bright Nights at Forest Park in Springfield. Before the gates closed for the last time this season, many families came out to Bright Nights to soak up the magic of its 30th year.
Bright Nights was open 38 nights this season. And on the final night of Bright Nights, people were eager to capture one last glimpse of the holiday lights. Over 750,000 lights glowed in Forest park for a three-mile drive of displays like Suess Land and Toy Land.
"We finally got the chance to come, and we've been putting it off because we haven't had time to come out the whole month of December, so we figured we'd come out today," expressed Nicole O'Connor of Chicopee.
"We love coming here. It's been a tradition since he's been about two years old, so he really likes the lights," said Kim Korovae of Springfield.
"I like the Dr. Suess Lights," added Brayden McManee of Palmer.
Another family with a season pass has come almost every day of the season. "Every night, it's been a fun thing for our family to do. All of us together, and we're going to greatly miss it when it's over," said Kathleen Smith of Connecticut.
For many this has become a popular spot to hold onto that holiday spirit and create lasting memories with loved ones. Since 1995, the park has seen more than 7 million visitors. On Saturday, the Spirit of Springfield reached their goal of 30,000 cars.
"We're very happy. Every year people keep coming back with just have an amazing team. Every night there's like 30 people on. People don't realize what it takes to make this happen," said President of Spirit of Springfield, Judy Matt.
"It's definitely a fun experience. I think everyone should get to experience something like this, and it just, like, brings in more like, holiday, like cheer and stuff," expressed Tevin Smith of Connecticut.
Many also made sure to stop at the Santa Magical Forest as part of their night to grab hot coco and enjoy some of their rides like the carousel and their newest attraction -- the tea cups.
And some are already counting the days for next year's display. "10 months and like 15 days until the next season starts," said Mike Jones of Connecticut.
And for the 31st season, the Spirit of Springfield President, Judy Matt says we can possibly expect a new display. "Like it could be similar to the size of the Thunderbirds or we have like the area where you go down the hill. And that's, you know, the Victorian village that needs a refresh because that's been there 30 years. So we need to put a couple more buildings in there, said Matt.
She adds, "If you have any suggestions, people have any thoughts of things they'd like to say, let us know because it's important to me to please the people that we want to come."
Matt says they are also planning to add smores as an additional snack you'll be able to purchase while at Santa's Magical Forest.
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