WonderFest offers nightly hayrides through Light Spectacular
WonderFest is open from 5 to 10 p.m. nightly through Sunday, Jan. 2, illuminating Hudson Fields with over 50 holiday light display vignettes featuring new exhibits including a Journey Under the Sea and the Delaware-inspired Small Wonder Exhibit.
Supporters can take a cozy ride along this dazzling trail of lights produced by the nonprofit Festival of Cheer. Organizers and volunteers hope to raise $175,000 during this year’s festival.
With the generous support of Preston Automotive Group, organizers have begun offering a special VIP experience where guests can purchase tickets to enjoy an open-air wagon ride through the show. Wagon ride admission includes free hot chocolate or coffee and giant chocolate chip cookies. Hayride tickets can be purchased online. Departures happen approximately every 30 minutes, with the final departure at 8 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 9:30 p.m., Friday to Sunday.
Also, the next 5,000 good boys and girls under age 10 will receive a free DIY kids craft to take home and create more WonderFest memories. From adorable mitten photo frames to Rudolph ornaments, these DIY kits are being given out just to say thank you to supporters.
“The reviews for this season’s show have been the best we’ve ever received by far! But while the Light Spectacular is truly better than ever, our charitable mission is even bigger and brighter than the show,” said John Snow, Festival of Cheer president.
The organization has set a goal to raise $75,000 for its community grant program to invest in Sussex County charities. The team also hopes to raise $100,000 to build out a new venue for favorite attractions to return in 2022, including the ice rink and winter carnival.
Vehicle passes are never sold out, and no reservations are needed to drive one’s own vehicle through the show.
With a new route for the Lights Spectacular, wait times to enter the show have been reduced by 70 percent during peak hours. Visitors now enter off Eagle Crest Road in order to provide room for queuing in the Hudson Fields parking area.
Visitors are raving about the new Small Wonder Exhibit, and WonderFest team members thank their friends at Graulich Builders for supporting the creation of the Cape Henlopen Tower display. Built during World War II to protect the coastline, several original towers still stand as monuments of resiliency.
“Our 6th annual festival is off to a fantastic start! We love welcoming your families through our experience and seeing faces light up with smiles brighter than our lights. With the communities’ continued support, we could double the amount of grants available to Sussex County charities,” said Peter Briccotto, event director.
Cost is $20 per car Monday through Wednesday, and $25 per car Thursday through Sunday as well as Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 27-29. Tickets for hayrides through the lights are available for $14 per person.
For tickets or information, go to wonderfestde.org.
