Illuminations opens tonight at Coca Cola Park. It’s certain to become a new holiday activity and tradition for families and friends in the Lehigh Valley. Here’s what it looks like and what you need to know:
“Heart beats silly like a big bass drumLosing all equilibriumIt’s so hard in the middle of the weekMaybe this ballpark’s just all I need
Oh no not againIt looks so goodI don’t understandIllumination”
—Rod Stewart “Infatuation” lyrics by Duane Hitchings / Duane S Hitchings / Rod Stewart / Roland Robinson
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Here’s what I know about the new light shows and activities over at Coca Cola Park, hosted by the IronPigs, for the 2024 holiday season. I haven’t been yet–last night was the preview night for media and advertising partners–so I’ll update when I’ve had the experience. I already have tickets for one night, but you know, I might need to go a couple times.
- Tickets. Standard admission is $13 in November and $15 in December and January if purchased on the day you will attend. Advance tickets are $2 cheaper. It’s not certain how many tickets will be available for each night, but there will be a cap to prevent it from getting too crowded, so advance purchase for price advantage and sell-out risk is advised. You can purchase tickets at the Coca Cola Park box office or HERE.
- Hours: Display hours are 6:00PM to 9:00PM except New Years Eve is 5:00PM to 8:00PM and Christmas Day is closed.
- Parking: Parking is free
- Purchases: Oh, there will be plenty of opportunity to part with your money. Igloo rentals (see below) and Polar Express Rides can be purchased at the time of your ticket purchase (highly advisable because they may sell out) and concessions, some activities, charity donations and other activities at the park will be available. Remember that Coca Cola Park is a cash-free environment.
- Groups: What would Coca Cola Park be without hordes of groups clogging up the place? You can bring a small group (up to 10) in an igloo, 30 or so in a Nutcracker Suite, and 120 or more if you want to rent the club level. There are other ways to do groups, too, just get in touch with group sales at Coca Cola Park.
- Igloos? Yeah, heated, see-through, on-field igloos can be rented for up to 10 people. It’s $190 and I understand it can be added as you purchase your tickets. A carafe of hot chocolate and a tray of holiday cookies is included. Other food and drink options may be added for additional cost, of course–they will get in touch with you after your purchase is made. There are only a few of those igloos though, so grab one right away if it’s what you want to do.
- Advertising: You can get your company name in lights if you have enough money. Get in touch with the sales department at IronPigs.
- More prices: Train rides on the Polar Express are $5 or $10.
- Club Level: The club level will be available for rental on a nightly basis to host your company holiday party or large family gathering. I think it’s for 120 people or more. $57 per person includes buffet, tax and gratuity, and cash bar with private access to the club bar.
- Nutcracker Suites: I believe this is going to be the dugout suites. $50 per person for 30 people and it includes a holiday buffet.
- Vouchers: You can purchase undated vouchers for admission, to give as gifts.
- Lights: Yeah, it’s a lot of lights. Every 10-15 minutes there will be a flashing display of said lights synchronized to music.
- But what else is there to do? Lots:
- Purchase a s’mores kit and cozy up to the fire pits in the plaza
- visit the holiday oasis bar for a holiday-themed cocktail, a hot toddy or seasonal specials
- ride the Polar Express
- Have photos taken with Santa or Elsa (free)
- Write a letter to Santa and color a picture (free)
- Arts and Crafts at Santa’s Workshop
- Selfie stations for your own holiday pictures
- Playground visits for the kiddos
- Shop at the Christmas Vendor Village or the new and improved Clubhouse Store
- Vote for Christmas Tree designs to benefit IronPigs charities and other organizations
- Listen to carolers from time to time on the performance stage
- Visit the sensory, warming tent. Gotta get out of the cold and take a break from the lights for a minute? Visit the heated tent near the center field gate.
- Scavenger Hunt. Get a checklist at the team store and return it when completed. You might win a prize!
- Wow that’s a lot. Where do I find all of this? Park Map:
- What about food and drink? Some ballpark choices will be available, in addition to many, many holiday-themed dessert items. Hot Cocoa and Coffee in addition to soft drinks and cocktails. S’mores kits (see above) will be available, as well as buffets in group areas and igloo menu if purchased.
- What if it snows? That’s a good thing? Yeah. Should there be severe weather, they could close it down and give you tickets to another night.
- Promotions: In addition to the above, there are theme nights, giveaways, special appearances, dog days and all the usual activities that keep Coca Cola Park from ever getting boring. You can find the promo schedule HERE. My favorites: The hat giveaways, gingerbread house competition, Ornament giveaways, Hawaiian Christmas, Christmas Vacation Night and of course, Holiday Cocktail Night! I heard a rumor there may be snow-machine nights coming. Stay tuned!
- Can I get season tickets? I don’t think so. But in writing this, I’m kind of in favor of that option!
- What’s this all going to look like? Below are photos and video from Jack Mitroka who attended preview night last night.
Videos:
You’ll probably see me at the park…
@Kram207
PS: Here’s some Rod Stewart:
