ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Seasonal festivities just got an upgrade at Coca-Cola Park's Illumination.
In its second year, the park added more experiences — and lights — to the holiday event, IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes announced at preview night Thursday evening.
This year, holiday spirit is shining brighter than before at Illumination, with the addition of 300,000 more lights. About 1.5 million lights now will brighten Coca-Cola Park from Nov. 14 through Jan. 3, 2026.
Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online, in-person at the Coca Cola Park ticket office or by calling 610-841-PIGS.
I just want to get better each year."IronPigs President Kurt Landes
Advance tickets cost $11 for November dates and $13 for December and January — the same price as last year.
Parking is free.
Coca-Cola Park operates as a cashless venue and suggests guests avoid bringing cash to the park.
Landes attributed the event's latest additions to his "inappropriate amount of time surfing the Internet" about holiday festivals and guest feedback from last year.
He said the park sends out feedback forms at the end of every night. Landes said guests from last year's Illumination event suggested more heaters and experiences.
Additional experiences this year include:
- Carousel rides and hayrides with Mrs. Claus
- Curling lanes
- Photo opportunities with new characters — Cousin Eddie and the Grinch
- More sELFie stations
- Expanded food menus
- A new large, heated dining tent near the beer garden
- A larger Santa's Polar Express train.
'Kicked it up a notch'
Favorites from last year's event also made a comeback, such as the Scavenger Hunt, letters to Santa, Santa's Workshop, the Christmas Holiday Marketplace and areas for large group outings.
"I just want to get better each year," Landes said. "And when we had that much positive support and feedback overall, it certainly empowers you to want to do more, to continue to give back.
"And have this place be a memory-making machine for all year."
Theme-nights are also making a return this year, including Lights and Leashes, Ugly Sweater Night and Pajama Night. A full list of theme-nights, giveaway and promotion nights are available online at IlluminationLV.com/events.
Illumination activities, such as the winter carousel and hayrides with Mrs. Claus, can be purchased at checkout and cost $3-5 per ticket. Pictures with Mr. Claus are free.
Thursday night visitor Peggy King said this year, it's clear Illumination "kicked it up a notch."
Another visitor, Melody Bradford, said, "There's more lights, there's more displays, there's more photo-ops.
"And it's definitely a more eclectic mix. I feel like the ski lamp [bench], like that, the new additions are really nice implements.
"But it's a nice opportunity for families."
