Imagine this: it’s that time of the year again. Christmas has come around, and you’ve spent your winter break well—feeling nothing but pure joy through time spent with loved ones. The Christmas lights seem to dance. You feel the coziness of marshmallows stirred in hot chocolate. The shining bright star on top of the Christmas tree brings back childhood memories. These are some of the many notable features of Christmas time when the holiday season starts up. 

However, for some, it may be hard to get into the holiday spirit, and maybe the holiday vibes are just not clicking this year. Fear not, because there’s a one-stop quick fix for those that need a bit more spirit and experience. 

From Nov. 19, 2021, through Jan. 2, 2022, the Reindeer Road event will be hosted at the Santa Anita Park on 285 W. Huntington Dr., Gate 1 in Arcadia from 6 p.m. through 10 p.m. The Reindeer Road is part of a program with the World of Illumination, where cars can drive through a one-mile-long journey while watching millions of animated lights illuminate the night. The experience, which costs $69 per car,  consists of over 350 North Pole-themed installations, and even better, a synchronized musical experience. 

The car ride is exhilarating, as there is mountainous terrain, glacial peaks, northern ice caves, and forests, all to make it to the very end, which holds Santa’s Workshop. It’s the world’s largest animated toy shop, with reindeer, snowmen, toys galore, and if you’re lucky, even Santa himself and his elves making presents! 

Additionally, there is interactive family fun, where families can participate in the ultimate treasure hunt. With only a QR code scan, family members can receive a pair of 3-D Treasure Hunt Glasses, which reveals images hidden on treasure chests. A four-pack of glasses can be purchased along with the ticket!

World of Illumination has only been around for less than 5 years, starting in 2016, but has already put up amazing shows in cities such as Tempe, Arizona.

“World of Illumination’s mission is to generate memorable, innovative, top-quality entertainment through our premier drive-through audio-visual immersive experiences. Our work pairs creativity with leading technology and establishes deep, supportive connections with local communities nationwide,” said the team of World of Illumination, containing 16 members. 

If that isn’t enough, they have been partnering with charities since 2016, one of which includes the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Make-A-Wish is dedicated to improving the lives of children with critical illnesses and being a critical part of a child’s treatment journey. Every ticket that is purchased contributes to the charitable cause.

Photographic Courtesy of FLICKR.COM