It’s not the holiday season until millions of twinkling lights are on display in Indio — and they’re so bright that not even Santa Claus can miss them.
The festive drive-thru light show Magic of Lights returns to the Empire Polo Club this month to once again spread some holiday cheer in the Coachella Valley. Running Nov. 18 through Dec. 31, guests will have a chance to take photos with Santa Claus, stroll around a Holiday Village and take in various light displays featuring a 32-foot-tall Barbie, a prehistoric Christmas scene and more.
This is the fourth year of the event, and Mark Girton, vice president of the Empire Polo Club, said it features “the best course that we’ve done” with new attractions and expansions.
What’s new at Magic of Lights this year?
Girton said the whole Magic of Lights experience has been reimagined with a new course that runs in the opposite direction than previous ones. The Holiday Village is located at the end of the course again, but in a new location.
This year’s event will debut the nearly 800-foot Palm Tree Tunnel, making it one of the longest in California, the vice president said. Girton described it as a “giant snowflake and icicle tunnel” with blue and white colors featured. Because light contamination is limited around that area, Girton said the visuals “really pop.”
“That has turned out to be pretty spectacular,” he said. “I was hoping to hit a home run, but I think we hit a grand slam.”
Additionally, the Holiday Village will now have a Christmas tree lot on site where families can purchase trees for the holidays. Girton said the lot will open around Thanksgiving and be available until Christmas, or until trees sell out. Pricing will depend on the trees, their size and type, and there will also be wreaths and garland for sale.
The village will also feature improved food and beverage options, giant inflatables, soccer fields and more.
When is Magic of Lights open?
The festive drive-thru event opens Tuesday, Nov. 18 and runs through Dec. 31. Magic of Lights illuminates the night from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
How much is Magic of Lights admission?
Magic of Lights is offering a special sneak peek of the grounds until Friday, Nov. 14, for $24.99 per car.
The regular season price is $35.99 per car beginning Nov. 18. A season pass is also available for $79.99 per car (pass cannot be transferred to other vehicles).
Throughout the run, guests can enjoy $5 off weekday discounts at the box office with valid ID. Those discount nights include Military Mondays, First Responders & Healthcare Worker Wednesdays and Double Drive-Thru Nights on Tuesdays. Additional promotional nights will be announced at MagicOfLights.com/CoachellaValley.
If you go
What: Magic of Lights drive-thru holiday light display
Where: Empire Polo Club, 81-800 51st Ave., Indio
When: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from Tuesday, Nov. 18 through Wednesday, Dec. 31
Cost: $35.99 per car (beginning Nov. 18); $79.99 per car season pass
More info: MagicOfLights.com/CoachellaValley
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 5 things to see at Indio’s 2025 Magic of Lights drive-thru holiday display
Reporting by Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
