The Lights, the Laughs, and the Lions

A Look Back at Tempe’s Best Holiday Light Show

Every winter, Tempe glows a little brighter thanks to World of Illumination, but last season’s Enchanted Safari took the magic to a whole new level. It wasn’t just the best drive-through light show in Tempe, it was a roaring good time that filled every car with laughter, music, and memories.

Welcome to the Jungle

The moment visitors entered the Enchanted Safari, they were greeted by a symphony of color and sound. Giant elephants danced in rhythm to the beat, flamingos shimmered in pink and gold, and mischievous monkeys swung through the air in brilliant flashes of light. It was like stepping into a storybook, one where the pages were made of glowing LEDs.

Our design team built Enchanted Safari to blend the wonder of the holidays with the wild fun of a safari adventure. The end result was a place where imagination could run free. We saw kids pointing in delight, adults rolling down windows to capture videos, and even a few people singing along to the synchronized soundtrack.

Crafting the Experience

A lot of care goes into creating the World of Illumination experience, and Enchanted Safari was no exception. From the first sketches to the final test run, every detail mattered. Each animal was designed by our artists to feel alive, with gentle movements and color shifts that matched the rhythm of the music.

Building the best drive-through light show in Tempe also meant getting creative with local flair. Our team used the desert backdrop to make the lights shine even brighter, letting the mountains frame the final scene. It was the perfect mix of holiday sparkle and Arizona charm.

The Joy of Connection

We like to say that World of Illumination is powered by joy, and nowhere was that more true than at the Tempe show. Every night, the line of cars shimmered with excitement. Friends brought snacks to share, families wore matching pajamas, and couples turned up their radios for the full experience.

Some visitors came from across the Valley, while others discovered it right in their own backyard. But everyone had the same reaction once they entered the safari, wide eyes, big smiles, and a sense of wonder that brought people together. That’s what keeps us creating year after year.

Stories That Stayed With Us

We heard from so many guests after Enchanted Safari wrapped up, and the stories touched our hearts. One mom told us her little boy couldn’t stop talking about the glowing lions and made his own paper version at home. Another family shared that it was their first big holiday outing after welcoming a new baby, and the lights made it feel like pure magic.

Those stories remind us that our shows aren’t just about lights, they’re about moments. About families making memories, about laughter echoing through the car, and about finding a little holiday cheer in the middle of the desert night.

Looking Forward to More Magic

The World of Illumination team is already back at work, dreaming up new adventures for Tempe. We can’t give away too much yet, but we can promise it will be filled with light, color, and joy. Each year, we challenge ourselves to top the last, and Enchanted Safari set the bar high.

If you missed out last season, don’t worry, you’ll get another chance to experience the fun soon. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates about tickets and dates. Shows tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to grab your spot early!

Until We Meet Again

We want to thank every guest who joined us for Enchanted Safari and made it such a success. You’re the reason we do what we do. Whether you were roaring with the lions or laughing with the monkeys, your joy lit up the night as much as our millions of bulbs did.

So until the next adventure begins, keep that holiday spirit shining bright, Tempe. We’ll see you soon for another unforgettable ride through the lights.