Explore Park

We came to experience Illuminights and we were not disappointed! You purchase tickets online with a slated time, they do not accept walk ups. This allows for the walking trail to freely flow and lessen congestion. Christmas music plays throughout the walk. Staff members are everywhere if you have any questions or issues. Several vendors were on site to offer various goodies. I have to say the “Naughty Santa” cookie was the best! The souvenir shop was open to offer local artists goods. I opted for a souvenir ornament.

Great fishing. Lots to see. Tons of amazing mushrooms. Don's cabins are a perfect place to crash. Lots of trails both hiking and biking. Staff is friendly and helpful and very knowledgeable about the area. Lucky an employee there was awesome and gave us a tour of the elevated platform camping sites and trapper tent sites. Those are amazing each with its own little beach against the roanoke river.

Illuminights is becoming a family tradition around Christmas for us. They do a great job of mixing in new displays with the old favorites, making it worth the repeat visit each year. We love roasting marshmallows after walking the trail looking at the lights, browsing the shop, & grabbing hot chocolate and snacks from the vendors.