It is here! Bright Nights at Forest Park’s 26th season opens tonight! We are so excited to be able to continue the holiday tradition with our partners at the Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management, the generous sponsors, partners, and friends like Keith O’Connor, Charlie Breguet, Patricia Gagnon, Anthony Cignoli and so many others who have volunteered their time and talents.
We hope you fill your car with holiday revelers and enjoy the magic and splendor that only Bright Nights delivers!
-- Judy Matt
President
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Bright Nights is Ready to Glow
Bright Nights at Forest Park’s 26th season is ready to glow. The more than 675,000 lights have been fined tuned and more LED (light emitting diodes) bulbs have been added. The crew at the Springfield Park Department takes great care in each of the 475 pieces to create the magical scenes that guide our visitors through the holiday spectacular that was designed by John Catenaci and manufactured by Carpenter Decorating Company.
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A few pieces have been repositioned from Santa’s Magical Forest to the route. Be on the lookout for the trio of elves, the dancing trees, and Bright Nights’ signature moon. Rudolph, of course, will be amongst the deer in Winter Woods. |
The Game of Life spinner will continue to rotate in Toy Land. The flowers will bloom with love, peace and hope in the Garden of Peace. The elves in the North Pole village will toss snowballs to each other and packages into Santa’s sack. |
New this year is that all admission tickets must be purchased in advance. They are available online at brightnights.org and at all Big Y World Class Markets.
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COVID-19 Protocols for Bright Nights
Wearing masks, social distancing and being with close family members during the coronavirus has been advised by medical experts including Springfield’s own Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Health Caulton-Harris, to help stop the spread. The Spirit of Springfield has heeded the advice and has put safety protocols into place for Bright Nights at Forest Park.
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They include:
- Advance ticket purchases online or at Big Y World Class Markets
- Closure of the front gate promptly at 8:45pm
- Visitors required to stay in their vehicles at all times
- No stopping along the drive
- Restrooms are available for emergency use only and are located near the entrance
- Masks must be worn when interacting with others, using restrooms and when social distancing cannot be maintained
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Dr. Mark Keroack, Baystate Medical Center’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said Bright Nights is “just what the doctor ordered.”
Please help us keep our visitors and staff safe by following the COVID-19 safety protocols.
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Bright Nights Gift Shop
The Bright Nights Gift Shop has a new location thanks to the Springfield Business Improvement District. They have transformed the Springfield Visitor Center into a holiday shop filled with Bright Nights merchandise and crafts from local artists.
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The shop, located at 1319 Main Street, will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturday from 12noon to 4pm. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, an Saturdays after Christmas.) |
Stop by on your way to Bright Nights and enjoy the holiday lights on Main Street, Court Square, Memorial Bridge, and on many of the downtown buildings.
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Loyalty Card Members Rewards
Bright Nights Loyalty Card members are fans, followers and true believers. They are also eligible for discounts and giveaways. This includes a Local Eats & Sweets coupon booklet, 25% off Bright Nights merchandise, a free mini LEGO kit and free Bright Nights adult or child’s face mask.
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All of this and more are available at the Bright Nights Gift Shop at the Springfield Visitor Center at 1319 Main Street. For a complete list or to get your Bright Nights Loyalty Card visit brightnights.org.
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Letters to Santa Online
Santa will be making appearances at Bright Nights, but he will not be available for visits or photographs. True believers can send him letter by way of brightnights.org.
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Tiny tots who will have their eyes all aglow can send Santa a note and share their three holiday wishes. He and his team of elves will respond by mail to as many of the letters as he possibly can. |
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• Bright Nights is Ready to Glow
• COVID-19 Protocols for Bright Nights
• Bright Nights Gift
•Loyalty Card Members Rewards
• Guest Column -
Dr. Robert Roose
Mercy Medical Center
• Bright Nights Tickets
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Dr. Robert Roose
Chief Medical Officer
Mercy Medical Center
It's hard to believe that we are just a few weeks away from the start of the holiday season — a time of year made more festive by the efforts of the Spirit of Springfield with events like Bright Nights at Forest Park.
The holiday landscape looks a bit different this year because of the pandemic. Bright Nights, with its design and protocols, provides the chance to enjoy both a familiar tradition and a respite from the anxiety and concern that COVID-19 has brought us - all from the safety of your own vehicle.
Keeping such holiday traditions alive during these challenging times is so important, and for me, the connection is personal. My wife, Heather, grew up in this area and has fond memories of driving through Bright Nights with her family each year. And we are now making Bright Nights an annual holiday tradition in our own family, sharing its beauty with our son, Emmett.
Mercy Medical Center is committed to serving as a transforming, healing presence in our community – and continues to keep the safety of you and your loved ones first, as well as your health and well-being in our hearts. We are proud to partner with the Spirit of Springfield in support of events such as Bright Nights that renew a sense of community and bring joy to so many people this year and always.
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Bright Nights Tickets Online |
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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2020
Bright Nights at Forest Park
November 25th to January 6th
Forest Park
Bright Nights 5K Virtual Run
December 12th to December 20th
2021
Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic
Friday, June 4th
10am
Franconia Golf Course
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