As the clock ticks closer to Friday, Nov. 24, anticipation fills the air at Lake Compounce, America’s First Amusement Park. With the grand reopening of Holiday Lights, the park is set to usher in the festive season with a dazzling display of lights and wonder.

This year, Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce is not just an event; it’s a nominee for the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Theme Park Holiday Event. The centerpiece of the celebration is Connecticut’s tallest Christmas tree, a majestic 100-foot giant adorned with over 120 thousand twinkling lights. From heartwarming meet and greets with Santa Claus to the mesmerizing light show at the Main Gate, the park is gearing up for a season of joy and excitement.

General Manager Doug Hemphill expresses the park’s enthusiasm in a news release, stating, “We believe this Holiday Lights season will be our best to date, and we can’t wait to welcome New Englanders back for a season of magic.” And magic indeed awaits, with activities ranging from cookie decorating and Kyle’s Holiday Dance Party to the return of Pawliday Lights and the Kid’s New Year’s Eve Bash, culminating in spectacular fireworks displayed on December 31.

However, Lake Compounce isn’t just about creating magical moments within its gates; it’s also extending its spirit of giving to the local community. Starting with Giving Tuesday, the park has partnered with the Bristol Boys and Girls Club, pledging to donate one 2024 single day admission ticket to the club for every 2024 Season Pass sold on Tuesday, Nov. 28. The season of giving continues through Holiday Lights, with opportunities for guests to donate in exchange for free parking and various charity drives benefiting local organizations.

Also, to add to the festive atmosphere, Lake Compounce will offer a delightful array of holiday treats, including hot chocolate, s’mores, festive funnel cakes, and peppermint bark. As the park transforms into a winter wonderland, families can also enjoy a variety of rides suitable for all ages, from the enchanting North Pole Express to the thrilling Boocifers Haunted Holiday at Ghost Hunt.

Mark your calendars, as Holiday Lights will illuminate the park on Fridays from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. from Nov. 24 through Dec. 29, Saturdays and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. from Nov. 25 through Dec.31, with a bonus Thursday added on Dec. 28. Get ready to embark on a season of enchantment and generosity at Lake Compounce, where magic and wonder converge to create unforgettable memories for all who enter.

Photo: Lake Compounce