Community Spirit Shines Bright During Holiday Nights of Lights
Drive by the Bedford County Fairgrounds on weekends this holiday season, and you’ll see what happens when community spirit meets creativity and cooperation. Better yet, drive thru, and experience it for yourself: the Bedford County Chamber Foundation’s Holiday Nights of Lights has become a twinkling spectacle so bright it could guide Santa himself.
The drive-thru holiday light display has become a Christmastime tradition for the Bedford County region, growing exponentially since its inception in 2019, not only in the sheer number of lights (hundreds of thousands), but also in participation from the community.
“This year’s event has topped 235 participating businesses, organizations, schools churches, and families,” said Chamber President-CEO Kellie Goodman Shaffer. “From corporate sponsors to those building light installations, to a small army of volunteers, this event is such a wonderful representation of our community, and the holiday magic that happens when we work together.”
Light displays range in size and themes, reflecting the diversity of businesses in the area, but all use the opportunity to celebrate the season, as well as their role in the region. Some displays include a QR code to allow passers-by to learn more about employment opportunities or ways to support local charities.
“We also like to think of this event as a dazzling career fair,” added Goodman Shaffer, “with so many business displays, we hope it shines a light on the many employment opportunities available right here in our region.”
More than two dozen churches and other faith organizations are participating again this year, along with several displays showcasing local school programs, like colorful project created by the Youth Leadership Bedford County Class of 2026. The group comprised of sophomores representing all of the county’s school districts spent their November session designing and painting a wood display depicting a sleigh and snow globe scene.
Bedford High School’s (Rotary) Interact students recently spent a day helping with light set-up, their advisor, Krista Maola, a member of the Chamber Foundation Board of Directors, is the event’s most faithful volunteer, greeting guests at the welcome cottage on most evenings, regardless of the weather.
“I love that this is an event for everyone,” said Maola. “All ages, all kinds of cars, all kinds of people, they all come happy and excited to see the Holiday Lights,”
Admission is a suggested donation of $10 per car, with proceeds from the Holiday Nights of Lights benefiting the 501-c3 Bedford County Chamber (Education) Foundation, which provides unique leadership, literacy, and career exploration opportunities for students and adults of the Bedford County region.
Guests should enter through Pit Gate 5 (near Safelite) as the main gate near the Coffee Pot is the EXIT. The popular Lincoln Highway Coffee Pot landmark is put to good use during the Holiday Lights as a charming venue for children to visit Santa Claus on December Fridays and Saturdays, 6-8pm.
The Holiday Nights of Lights will open Friday, November 28th and be open weekends (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) through January 3rd as well as a few weekdays (December 22-23), weather permitting 6-9 p.m. nightly. In the event of severe weather, particularly high winds, cancellation announcements will be made on the Chamber’s Facebook page.
Download Printable Calendar with Santa Coffee Pot Schedule
