What a fantastic season for Surprise Christmas lights! As we wrap up another incredible year at World of Illumination, we want to thank all the West Valley families who made our spectacular light shows part of their holiday celebrations. From Surprise, Sun City West, Peoria, and throughout the northwest Phoenix metro, families came together to experience the magic—and what a magical season it was!
With two world-class shows within easy reach of Surprise, residents had incredible options this holiday season. Whether you made the quick 15-minute drive to Cosmic Sleigh Ride in Glendale or ventured 35 minutes to experience Enchanted Safari in Tempe, you were part of something special—millions of synchronized lights, immersive themes, and unforgettable holiday memories.
Highlights from the 2025 Season
This year's Surprise Christmas lights experience delivered more magic than ever before. Here's a look back at what made the 2025 season so extraordinary for West Valley families:
Cosmic Sleigh Ride Took Surprise to the Stars
Cosmic Sleigh Ride at Desert Diamond Casino in Glendale—just 15 minutes from Surprise—became the go-to destination for West Valley families seeking holiday magic. The space-themed adventure offered something completely unique: Santa's journey reimagined as an intergalactic voyage through glowing planets, shooting stars, and cosmic wonderlands.
Surprise families couldn't get enough of the contemporary rock soundtrack and high-energy displays. Teenagers who typically rolled their eyes at "Christmas stuff" found themselves captivated by the galaxy effects and modern music. Parents appreciated having a show that appealed to kids of all ages, and the short drive from Surprise made it easy to visit multiple times throughout the season.
The star tunnel—where vehicles drove through what felt like the depths of space—became the most talked-about moment among Surprise visitors. Families described it as "like being inside a movie" and "absolutely breathtaking." Many returned specifically to experience that magical tunnel again.
Enchanted Safari Brought Wild Wonder
For Surprise families willing to make the 35-minute drive to Tempe, Enchanted Safari at Tempe Diablo Stadium offered an entirely different but equally spectacular experience. The safari theme—with towering giraffes, marching elephants, and majestic lions—proved especially popular with families who have younger children.
The classic Christmas music and animal-focused displays created a warmer, more traditional holiday atmosphere that many Surprise residents loved. Kids came home talking about their favorite animals for days, and parents appreciated the gentler pace compared to Cosmic Sleigh Ride's high-energy vibe.
Many West Valley families discovered the joy of visiting both shows—space adventure one weekend, safari magic another. At $30 per vehicle each, doing both was still more affordable than most single holiday activities, and the completely different themes made each visit feel fresh and exciting.
West Valley Pride Was Strong
One of the most rewarding aspects of this season was seeing Surprise and the broader West Valley community embrace World of Illumination as their own. For years, West Valley residents had to drive across the metro for quality holiday entertainment. Now, with Cosmic Sleigh Ride just 15 minutes away, world-class Christmas lights are practically in Surprise's backyard.
We heard from so many families who were thrilled to finally have a premier holiday attraction close to home. The convenience factor made a huge difference—easy weeknight visits, quick trips when out-of-town guests arrived, and spontaneous "let's go see the lights!" outings that wouldn't have been possible with longer drives.
The Holidays Extended into January
The season running through January 4 was a hit with Surprise Christmas lights fans. Winter break gave families extra time to visit, and many took advantage of the extended dates to experience both shows. New Year's week saw excellent turnout as West Valley families looked for festive activities to enjoy together before heading back to work and school.
Several families told us their January visits were actually their favorites—smaller crowds, cooler evening temperatures perfect for Arizona, and one last taste of holiday magic before packing away the decorations.
What Surprise Families Said About the 2025 Season
The feedback from our Surprise visitors this season was incredible:
The Garcia Family, Surprise:"Finally! A world-class Christmas light show close to Surprise! We visited Cosmic Sleigh Ride four times this season—it's only 15 minutes from our house. The space theme was a huge hit with our boys (ages 8 and 12), and the synchronized music made it feel like a real production, not just some lights in a parking lot. This is now our official family tradition!"
Linda and Tom W., Sun City West:"We drove over from Sun City West with our grandkids and had an absolute blast at Cosmic Sleigh Ride. The drive-through format was perfect for us—we stayed comfortable in the car while the kids went wild pointing out planets and stars. So grateful to have this so close to home!"
The Martinez Family, Surprise:"We did both shows this year and loved them for different reasons. Cosmic Sleigh Ride was exciting and modern—perfect for our teenager. Enchanted Safari was magical and sweet—perfect for our 4-year-old. Having both options within reasonable driving distance from Surprise is amazing. We'll definitely be back for both next year!"
Jessica R., Peoria:"We're technically in Peoria but right on the Surprise border, and Cosmic Sleigh Ride has become our new holiday must-do. The production quality is incredible—on par with anything in Scottsdale or Tempe but so much closer to home. The West Valley finally has something to brag about!"
By the Numbers: A Stellar Season for the West Valley
The 2025 Surprise Christmas lights season exceeded all expectations:
- Two incredible shows within 35 minutes of Surprise
- 15-minute drive to Cosmic Sleigh Ride in Glendale
- Millions of LED lights across both locations
- Thousands of West Valley families experiencing the magic
- Two unique themes offering completely different experiences
- Countless stars, planets, and galaxies at Cosmic Sleigh Ride
- Dozens of safari animals at Enchanted Safari
- 30-40 minutes of holiday magic per show
- Endless memories made by Surprise families
Looking Ahead: Surprise Christmas Lights 2026
The lights may be dark for now, but we're already planning an even more spectacular 2026 season! Here's what Surprise families can look forward to:
Save the Date: November 2026
World of Illumination will return for the 2026 holiday season, with both shows expected to open in mid-November. Mark your calendars now—opening weekend is always exciting, and Surprise families who plan ahead can be among the first to experience the new season's magic!
New Experiences Coming
Each year we add new displays and enhancements to keep the magic fresh. While we can't reveal all the details yet, our creative team is already working on new installations for both Cosmic Sleigh Ride and Enchanted Safari. The 2026 season promises to be our most spectacular yet—and Surprise residents will have front-row access to it all.
Same Convenient Locations
Both Cosmic Sleigh Ride in Glendale (15 minutes from Surprise) and Enchanted Safari in Tempe (35 minutes from Surprise) will return, giving West Valley families the same convenient access to world-class Christmas lights they enjoyed this season.
Early Access for Loyal Fans
Want to be first in line for 2026 tickets? Follow us on social media and join our email list for early ticket access, exclusive discounts, and announcements about new displays. We love rewarding our loyal Surprise fans who make our shows part of their annual tradition!
Stay Connected Year-Round
Don't miss any updates about Surprise Christmas lights options for 2026:
Follow Us on Social Media:
Join Our Email List:Sign up on our website for exclusive early access to tickets, special promotions, and announcements about what's new for 2026.
Share Your Memories:We'd love to see your photos and videos from this season! Share them on social media using #WorldofIllumination. Your memories might be featured on our official pages!
Thank You, Surprise and the West Valley!
To every Surprise family who visited our shows this season—thank you. Your enthusiasm, your joy, and your community spirit made this season unforgettable.
You drove to Glendale for cosmic adventures and to Tempe for safari magic. You brought grandparents, cousins, neighbors, and friends. You made our shows part of your holiday traditions, and we're so grateful.
The West Valley deserves world-class holiday entertainment, and we're proud to provide it. Surprise, you showed up with excitement and wonder, and you made this season something special.
See You Next Season, Surprise!
The countdown to the 2026 Surprise Christmas lights season has officially begun! We're already planning new displays, new experiences, and new ways to bring holiday magic to the West Valley.
Thank you for making 2025 an incredible season. Surprise and the West Valley, you embraced us as your own, and we couldn't be more grateful.
Until next November, keep the holiday spirit alive—and get ready for another year of spectacular lights close to home!
See you under the lights!
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