Mayor Purzycki Shares Details Of Winter In Wilmington Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show On The Riverfront

From the City of Wilmington:

October 22, 2020

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki is pleased to share the following news release announcing The Grand Opera House’s latest venture – the Winter in Wilmington Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show – in partnership with the Riverfront Development Corporation and Light Action, Inc. The six-week-long event along the Riverfront kicks off Friday, November 27 and runs through Sunday, January 3, 2021. “My family and I are really looking forward to a holiday light show on the Christina Riverfront and I am sure families throughout the region will thoroughly enjoy this new entertainment for the winter season,” said the Mayor. “I invite families all throughout Wilmington to join us for another creative way to celebrate the holidays during these unconventional times.” Please see The Grand’s news release below for additional information.

THE GRAND ANNOUNCES
WINTER IN WILMINGTON DRIVE-THRU HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW

Light show runs for six weeks on Wilmington’s Riverfront

WILMINGTON, DE – October 22, 2020 – What started as drive-in concerts, progressed to fall drive-in movies, and now The Grand is thrilled to turn on the lights around town with a new holiday activity sure to be enjoyed by generations of your family. The Winter in Wilmington Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show opens Black Friday, November 27 and runs through Sunday, January 3, 2021, on Wilmington’s Riverfront.

The holiday season comes to life as you drive your car through the Winter in Wilmington Light Show on Wilmington’s Riverfront. Thousands of lights make up this dazzling show. Dash through this electric trail in your one-horse open sleigh as there is so much to see! Your family will love the animated installations, interactive music, and holiday cheer. Create a new family tradition this year with The Grand’s Winter in Wilmington Light Show!

“The lights have to be out in our three theaters for the time being as we continue to weather the challenges of the coronavirus. We see this light show as a way that The Grand can still be a bright light for the entire community,” says Executive Director Mark Fields.

“When we made the difficult decision to postpone the Riverfront ice rink for the 2020 season, it was important for us to bring in another family-friendly holiday activity that was safe for all” said RDC Executive Director Megan McGlinchey. “That’s why we are thrilled to partner with The Grand on this exciting project. The Winter in Wilmington Light Show will provide area families with a fun holiday activity that brings many to the Riverfront while ensuring the safety of our guests!”

“My family and I are really looking forward to a holiday light show on the Christina Riverfront and I am sure families throughout the region will thoroughly enjoy this new entertainment for the winter season,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. “I invite families all throughout Wilmington to join us for another creative way to celebrate the holidays during these unconventional times. Once again, Mark Fields and his team at The Grand, Megan McGlinchey and her colleagues at the Riverfront Development Corporation, and Scott Humphries and the staff at Light Action have come together to create what promises to be a beautiful and colorful light and sound show.”

Tickets go on sale Monday, October 26 at 10:00 am and are $25 per car. They are available online only at www.TheGrandWilmington.org. To help make the event enjoyable for everyone, advanced online reservations/pre-purchased admission is required. The Grand is not accepting any in-person purchases at our box offices due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

IF YOU GO:
What: The Grand’s Winter in Wilmington Drive-Thru Light Show
When: Every Thursday-Sunday starting Black Friday, November 27, 2020, through January 3, 2021, excluding Christmas Even/Day and New Year’s Eve/Day. Gates are open from 5pm-9:30pm.
Where: The outfield parking lots of Frawley Stadium
How much: $25 per car
How to buy tickets: Online at www.TheGrandWilmington.org

ABOUT THE GRAND
For more than nearly 149 years, The Grand has been one of the region’s premier performing arts presenters, offering music, dance, comedy, and family-focused programming, along with the best of touring Broadway. The Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Opera Delaware, First State Ballet Theatre, The Rock Orchestra, and City Theater Company are all in residence at The Grand, presenting full schedules in each of their disciplines. Between The Grand, its resident performing companies, and rentals, the building hosts more than 300 events a year bringing more than 200,000 people into downtown Wilmington and through its doors.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to buy admission ahead of time?
Yes, admission must be purchased online before arriving at the event. Guests will be asked to select a date and time and must show confirmation when they arrive at the event. Guests must arrive on the day selected, and within the 90-minute window selected at purchase.

What type of vehicles are allowed?
The event is arranged to accept vehicles with seating up to 12. Motorcycles are also okay, but will be charged at the same price as other vehicles. Note: We recommend that those sharing a vehicle have practiced CDC guidelines around social distancing prior to arriving together at the event.

How long is the drive-thru experience?
The drive-thru experience is about 8-12 minutes.

Can we get out of our car?
No. In order to keep the event compliant with the government and CDC guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19, all customers must stay in their car.

Do we need to wear a mask?
Should you be outside of your vehicle or if you roll down your window to talk with event staff, you will need to wear a mask. This is to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Can I bring snacks?
Absolutely! Bring your favorite snacks, take-out, or grandma’s cookies to enjoy. Take-out can be purchased from one of the many restaurants along the riverfront on your way to the show.

Can I take photos?
Feel free to take photos from the comfort of your vehicle. You will need to remain in your car and stay in the designated drive-thru lane. To keep the experience enjoyable for everyone, do not get out of your car, stop, or pull over. Note: We encourage guests to share photos with your friends and family on social media.

Will the event be cancelled due to rain?
No, the event will continue in the rain. In fact, the rain makes the lights shine even brighter! We will do our best to inform you about event news on our Facebook page.

Will the event be cancelled due to snow or windstorms?
If the weather becomes unsafe to drive in, we will cancel the event for the evening. All admission pre-purchases will be either refunded or transferred to another date and time.

What if I miss or cannot make my designated date?
Admission is non-transferable and non-refundable.

What if I'm late to my designated time chosen at checkout?
Admission is non-refundable. However, please come and you will be directed to a standby line. We will weave you in as space allows, but there is no guarantee. Arrive anytime within the 90-minute window selected at purchase.

SAFETY AND SANITATION INFORMATION:
Social distancing measures will operate in accordance with Delaware guidelines:

• Cars will be spaced in a manner to achieve at/or appropriate spacing and best visibility.
• Patrons must remain in their vehicle at all times.
• Face masks must be worn anytime you are outside your vehicle.
• There is no reentry once your vehicle leaves the lot.
• In accordance with state guidelines, patrons will be asked to leave if they do not adhere to the rules and regulations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Tickets MUST be purchased in advance through TheGrandWilmington.org.
• Passenger vehicles and motorcycles only. No buses, party buses, limousines, bicycles, or foot traffic allowed. ADA accessible vehicles will be permitted.
• Tickets must be purchased in a 90-minute time slot based on the date of attendance.
• There will be no concessions served. Alcohol prohibited.
• Attendees will be able to hear holiday music via FM radio. Details will be provided on-site.
• No pets allowed.

State guidance on social distancing, public gatherings, and certain procedures and practices is subject to change.

This press release was produced by the City of Wilmington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.