3 Reasons to Visit
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas; or so I’m told. As the temperatures flirt with freezing conditions this November, I can only think about the holidays and the traditions that come along. I can just imagine the sweet smell of my Grandmas house and all of the delectable treats I will eat, the nostalgia of opening presents on Christmas morning, and now Justin Biebers Christmas album is sure to be playing in my car all season long. These may be the traditions I celebrate, however Marion has a tradition they have upheld since 1965. If you are a resident of Christmas City, USA than you know all about the Walkway of Lights. This tradition has been around since 1992, and happens to be one of the most unique things that makes Marion so special around the holidays. If you have never experienced the Walkway of Lights before, here are 3 reasons to help you see why this year will be special!
3. It’s Big, Really Big
This dazzling display spans nearly four continuous miles, and features more than 2.5 million lights. There are over 120 individual displays that run side by side along the Mississinewa Riverwalk, from Downtown Marion to Matter Park. It also happens to be one of the longest running and largest light displays in the entire Midwest!
2. It’s Unique
Marion was dubbed Christmas City, USA in 1965 when an Indianapolis television station visited Marion to film the city’s elaborate holiday decorations. Marion than adopted the Christmas City USA nickname, and has celebrated Christmas in a really big way ever since. This project is also special because it is done without the use of taxpayer money. All the money used is contributed from admission fees, private donors, sponsorship's and local businesses. All the profits received than go right back into the project for the following year. This year there will even be Gingerbread house decorating, a Christmas parade, and a free concert by Jessie Brown at the Garden House.
1. It’s an affordable way to start you own tradition
Matter Park is gorgeous, no matter what the weather conditions are. It’s even more gorgeous with a blanket of new fallen snow, and millions of brilliant colorful lights illuminating the night. For only 5 dollars, you can purchase a season’s pass for your vehicle that will allow you to bring your friends and family an unlimited amount of times throughout the holiday season. If you would like to walk the entire four miles, you don’t need a pass, you can experience the lights for free. Turn this into a tradition of your own, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
So take some time this holiday season and come down to Matter Park to purchase your seasons pass. The lights begin on November 17th and run through December 31st 6 pm – 10pm every evening. Visitors have come from at least 30 states to see the Walkway, so why don’t you? Make this your new tradition, pop in that Justin Bieber Christmas CD, and create some memories that will never be forgotten!
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