The Salt Lake City Light Show That Lifted Our Spirits

It’s been a couple of months since we went to the best drive through light show in Salt Lake City, and I still can’t stop smiling when I think about it. I’ve always believed that joy is something you have to make space for, especially during the holidays, and that night reminded me just how simple it can be to find it. Sometimes, all it takes is a car full of people you love, a thermos of hot cocoa, and a road lined with a million sparkling lights.

We went just a few days before Christmas, when everyone was juggling work, last minute shopping, and the kind of exhaustion that comes with trying to make everything perfect. It had been a stressful week, and honestly, we almost didn’t go. But something told me that we needed a night to just breathe, to turn off the noise, and do something that would make us laugh again. So, we packed into the car, queued up our holiday playlist, and headed to World of Illumination at the Utah State Fairpark, which is easy to find and centrally located near downtown.

From the moment we entered, the stress melted away. The first arch of lights glowed in bright reds and golds, and the music started to play, perfectly synchronized to every blink and shimmer. The radio station came through loud and clear, and it felt like the lights were dancing just for us. It was one of those rare moments when you can feel the energy shift, not just around you, but inside you too.

Each scene we drove through had its own personality. Some were playful and full of motion, like reindeer racing through a tunnel of stars. Others were peaceful and calm, like a field of glowing snowflakes twinkling in time with the melody. There were giant candy canes, singing snowmen, and a Santa that looked like he was steering his sleigh straight through the night sky. World of Illumination really knows how to tell a story through light, and the attention to detail was incredible.

Halfway through the show, my daughter leaned forward and said, “Can we do this every year?” and I knew we’d just created a new family tradition. That’s the thing about the best drive through light show in Salt Lake City - it’s not just entertainment. It’s a reminder of what it feels like to be present, to enjoy the moment without worrying about what comes next.

What stood out to me most was how everyone there seemed to share the same kind of happiness. You could see kids popping up through sunroofs, couples taking selfies, and people waving from car to car. It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from, everyone was there for the same reason - to feel connected. That sense of togetherness is something I’ll always remember.

Another thing I loved was how easy everything was. The tickets were simple to book online, the lines moved quickly, and the staff greeted us with genuine smiles. The show runs nightly from mid November through early January, so there’s plenty of time for everyone to see it. It’s small details like that which make the experience even better. And because it’s a drive through, we didn’t have to bundle up or worry about anyone getting cold. We could just relax, sip cocoa, and let the lights do their magic.

When we finally drove out of the exit, we all sat quietly for a minute, still soaking it in. My husband finally broke the silence with a laugh and said, “I think that was the best idea you’ve had all year.” Maybe it was, because I’ve thought about that night more than once since then. It reminded me that joy doesn’t have to be complicated or planned to perfection. Sometimes, it just happens when you give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy the beauty around you.

I’ve already made a mental note to go again next year. We don’t know what the next show’s theme will be, but I know World of Illumination will make it unforgettable. If you missed it this past season, make sure to go when it returns next November. It usually runs nightly through early January at the Utah State Fairpark, and tickets are easiest to grab online at worldofillumination.com. Trust me, it’s worth it.

There’s a reason people call it the best drive through light show in Salt Lake City. It’s not just about the lights - it’s about the way those lights make you feel. Inspired. Reconnected. Grateful. And in a world that can feel a little too busy and a little too heavy sometimes, that kind of feeling is worth holding onto. So go ahead, plan ahead for next season, and make it your new family tradition!