Night of a Million Lights – Why You Don’t Want to Skip this Event Near Disney World

Walt Disney World Resort’s donation of more than three million sparkling lights has transformed Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Florida, into a bright and merry wonderland during Night of a Million Lights – a walk-through, socially distanced holiday light spectacular.  Debuting November 13 through January 3, the event will provide the public with a rare glimpse into the magical, whimsical non-profit resort that fulfills the wishes of critically ill children from around the world. I attended a media preview of the holiday lights and thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring the village. Learn more about the event below.

1 – Holiday Displays

Dazzling lights and larger-than-life holiday displays illuminate the 89-acre resort, including a glittering 150-foot tunnel along the Avenue of Angels; more than 50 holiday-themed wireframes, some spanning more than 40 feet; an enchanting gingerbread arch; and out-of-this-world space-themed decor adorning the Village’s delectable new centerpiece, Henri’s Starlite Scoops.

There are so many areas of the village to explore – over one mile worth of displays! Your entire family will enjoy exploring the village! There are also plenty of picture spots for special selfies and family photos!

2 – Santa and Mrs. Claus

If one of your family traditions include greeting Santa, then you’ll want to stop by and greet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Distanced photos and greetings are available and will delight children of all ages! I had a lot of fun talking with them!

3 – Partners

More than forty-five treasured partners got into the holiday spirit by adopting and decorating one of the resort’s 166 family villas with their own unique designs. They include SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, Perkins, Boston Market, the Kennedy Space Center, American Airlines, Hasbro, Chick-fil-A, IAAPA, Pepsi, Unilever, Margaritaville Hotels and Resorts, and the PGA TOUR, among many others. In addition, Universal Orlando Resort decked out Marc’s Dino Putt mini golf course with holiday inclusive lighting and musical elements. A complete list of partners can be found at www.gktw.org.

4 – Merchandise is Available

Merchandise will be available at the event and can also be pre-ordered and added onto your ticket purchase for pickup at the event. Merchandise includes t-shirts, baseball caps, ornaments, light up necklaces, and special glasses that make the displays glow even brighter! On-site merchandise sales will be credit card only. All purchases benefit Give Kids The World.

4 – Tickets

Tickets are on sale now at www.gktw.org/lights, enabling guests to stroll among the brilliant lights and take part in a variety of fun and festive activities in a safe, socially distant manner. Admission includes complimentary ice cream and hot cocoa, as well as unlimited access to the Village’s wheelchair-accessible rides and attractions. The event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, with staggered entry times to prevent crowding. Mask wearing will also be required for all guests.

5 – Benefiting Give Kids The World

Proceeds from the event will support Give Kids The World’s mission to provide wish vacations for critically ill children and their families. When wish-granting organizations receive a request from a critically ill child who wants to visit Central Florida, Give Kids The World fulfills the wish – providing each child and his/her family with a magical week-long stay at absolutely no cost. Each family receives transportation, accommodations in one of the Village’s 166 storybook residential villas, all meals and snacks, nightly entertainment, tickets to Orlando’s world-class theme parks and attractions, and priceless interactive experiences at the Village. Since 1986, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 176,000 families from all 50 states and more than 76 countries.

6 – Give Kids The World

Give Kids The World Village closed to wish families temporarily in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, delaying nearly 6,000 wishes. Night of a Million Lights is designed to raise funds to ensure that the wishes of critically ill children can be fulfilled once the Village reopens.

“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.  “We look forward to sharing some holiday joy with the community while making it possible for future wish children to have their wishes fulfilled.”

Every year since 2005, Charity Navigator has awarded Give Kids The World its top designation, the four-star rating.  Charity Navigator also ranks Give Kids The World among the Top 20 Charities Nationwide.  The Village is located at 210 South Bass Road in Kissimmee. To learn more, visit www.gktw.org

7 – Well Worth a Visit

If you are visiting Walt Disney World or Central Florida this holiday season, we highly encourage you to take the time to visit and enjoy the Night of a Million Lights at Give Kids the World Village. Not only will you enjoy a fun family night exploring gorgeous light displays, you’ll be helping Give Kids the World return to their mission of granting families a wish. Click here to buy your tickets today!