Holiday tradition Magic of Lights returns to North Ridgeville as new walk-through affair

Magic of Lights is coming home. The Northeast Ohio tradition, which previously found families packing the kids into the car to see the holiday lights, is being reimagined as Magic of Lights: Wonderland Walk, taking place Nov. 27 through Jan. 3 at Victory Park Ohio in North Ridgeville. "Magic Of Lights was a drive-through event that featured more than 2 million lights and took about 30 minutes to go through," Family Entertainment Live Senior Director of Marketing Jimmy Davis said. "Going into our 10th year in Northeast Ohio, we were excited to celebrate." Things quickly changed when event organizers received unexpected news. "We were told by the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds they were not renewing our contract," he said. "This came out of nowhere. So we had to scramble and find a new location. "Luckily, our partner actually owns Victory Park Ohio and that's where actually where Magic of Lights started, before we expanded and going to the fairgrounds. Now, we're going back to where we started, where our roots are from." The result is a new immersive walk-through wonderland filled with festive cheer, digital animation and dazzling light displays. The latter ranges from the returning Bigfoot monster truck to new snowflakes. Attendees will stroll at their own pace through shimmering tunnels, towering holiday scenes, beloved characters and mesmerizing, animated displays. "We're absolutely thrilled to welcome Magic of Lights back to Victory Park Ohio," Victory Park Ohio Managing Partner Joseph Borkey said in a news release. "This event has long been a cherished part of the holiday season for families across the region, and we're honored to be its home once again. The return of Magic of Lights now reimagined as the Wonderland Walk brings a fresh and exciting experience to a tradition that means so much to our community." The irony of the change into a walk-through event is Davis noted for years people would actually get out of their vehicles to take pictures with displays. "There's going to be a huge 20-foot reindeer that greets you at the welcome," he said. "And there's gonna be new food and beverage treats that we can offer you with the Victory Park Grille. It's gonna be just very exciting." As for whether Magic of Lights: Wonderland Walk remains in Lorain County, Davis was noncommittal. "We're going to see how this year goes and then go from there, but come out this season because it's an all brand-new experience," he said. Contact John Benson at ndiffrence@att.net. WHAT: Magic of Lights: Wonderland WalkWHEN: 6 to 10 p.m. (Sunday through Thursday & 6 to 11 p.m. (Friday & Saturday) Nov. 27 through Jan. 3WHERE: Victory Park Ohio, 7777 Victory Lane, North RidgevilleTICKETS: Online adults $17 weekday/$20 weekend & $9 children 2-12 everydayINFO: Magicoflights.com/northeastohio Magic of Lights: Wonderland Walk runs Nov. 27 through Jan. 3 at Victory Park Ohio. (Courtesy of Lindsay McMurtray) Credit: Lindsay McMurtray