UNION CITY, Tenn.— Discovery Park of America will launch its largest annual fundraiser, “Let It Glow” holiday light show, on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at 6 p.m. The 2025 show will feature a new annual pass, discounted admission for members, expanded decorations throughout additional areas of the park, a new nativity scene, the installation of more lights and the introduction of updated technical elements that utilize recent advances in lighting and sound.
The event will also include new characters inspired by classic holiday stories and films. A drive-thru light tunnel, a feature that has been especially popular with guests in past years, will return in 2025 with an updated design.
Those attending the opening night will participate in a countdown leading up to the moment when all the lights across the park are illuminated simultaneously. The evening will also include performances by the Discovery Park Community Choir, the Voices of Union City Elementary choir and the Tuba Quartet from the University of Tennessee at Martin. Admission for members will be free on opening night. Nonmembers may purchase a ticket to attend. Gates open at 5 p.m. and musical performances begin at 6 p.m.
Katie Tohn, director of the Union City Elementary choir, said her students look forward to performing each year. “Our choir loves being part of opening night at “Let It Glow,” Tohn said. “It gives our students the opportunity to share their music with the community and to help kick off a joyful holiday tradition.”
“Each year we look for ways to make ‘Let It Glow’ more memorable, and this year’s presentation represents our most ambitious update,” said John Watkins, director of grounds at Discovery Park. “ I can’t wait for guests to see our expanded displays, new technology and music, and the return of the drive-thru tunnel, that will continue to be one of the highlights for families visiting during the holidays.”
The “Let It Glow” Walk-thru and Drive-thru will be open nightly Nov. 14 – Dec. 30, 2025, 5 – 9 p.m. Both are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission for the Drive-thru is $20 per vehicle for nonmembers and $10 per vehicle for members. Admission to the Walk-thru is $10 for adults who are nonmembers, $7 for adults who are members, $5 for guests 17 and younger and free for children 3 and under.
New this year is a much-requested annual pass option that provides unlimited access. An annual pass for the Drive-thru will be $100. An annual pass for the Walk-thru will be $40 for adults and $20 for guests 17 and younger. Passes must be purchased at the entrance to either the Drive-thru or Walk-thru.
Also new for 2025, guests are welcome to bring their four-legged friends to enjoy the Walk-thru experience. Admission for dogs is $5 each, and all pets must remain on a leash and be well-behaved while on the property.
Food and beverages are available for purchase and the Hugh Wade Feed Store will include a variety of presents and stocking stuffers with an emphasis on locally made merchandise. Visitors may also take their own photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus on November 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 and December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23.
Group rates and gift cards are available by contacting Lauren Jones at ljones@discoveryparkofamerica.
Discovery Park also participates in the Museums for All program, which provides free admission for up to four family members with the presentation of an EBT card, ensuring the light show remains accessible to families from all backgrounds.
Sponsors for the 2025 “Let It Glow” are McDonald’s and ATA. This event is Discovery Park of America’s largest fundraiser of the year. For more information about “Let It Glow,” visit discoveryparkofamerica.com/