5 things to know about Middletown’s holiday drive-through display

Here are five things to know about Light Up Middletown at Smith Park in Middletown:

1. Hours of operation

The 19th Light Up Middletown is open from 6 to 10 p.m. every night from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.

RELATED: Light Up Middletown adds more attractions for its 19th season

2. What to expect

The drive-through holiday lights display features thousands of lights and displays throughout the city park. This year, visitors will drive through a longer tunnel as they enter the park and pass candy cane lane. A 30-foot Christmas tree has also been added near the electronic tree display.

3. Cost

Admission to Light Up is by donation. Proceeds are used to upgrade Smith Park, purchase lights and overall maintenance of the displays. This year, Light Up Middletown, the Ohio Balloon Challenge and the Middletown Youth Soccer Association each donated $10,000 to repave a large parking area in the park.

RELATED: 3 groups spend $30,000 to improve Middletown’s Smith Park

4. Special events

Santa Claus will be at LUM from 7 to 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday through Dec. 23. Pictures will be available for $10 or two for $15. Santa will greet the children in the Santa House. Hot air balloons will once again be on display during a special balloon glow event from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11.

5. Who does the work?

Most of the set-up and tear down is done by the “Grandpa Gang,” an all-volunteer group. Volunteers from AK Steel have assisted the last few years.

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