Light Up the Lakefront
Visitors can enjoy a festive pajama party on the lakefront featuring holiday tunes on the Boardwalk Stage, strolling entertainment, and photo opportunities. Guests can take night rides on the Carousel, participate in Sportrock's Glow Climb, or donate children's pajamas to earn a s'mores kit to roast onsite. The celebration concludes with a professional fireworks display launched over the water.
Sat, Dec 5, 2026
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Plan Your Visit
Tickets
Free admission. A free s’mores kit is offered when you bring a Comfort Cases donation; the page also says a monetary donation onsite can qualify.
Hours
Event: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM; Carousel rides until 6:30 PM; fireworks at 7:00 PM.
Food & Drink
Before the fireworks, visitors can buy food or seasonal beverages at lakefront restaurants including Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen, Copper Canyon, Guapo’s, and Silver Diner.
Parking
All of rio’s free parking garages will be open and available. The page recommends arriving for programming starting at 4:00 PM and waiting out traffic after the fireworks by enjoying a meal or visiting listed attractions.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Bring brand-new, non-holiday-themed children’s pajamas to donate to Comfort Cases and receive a s’mores kit for roasting onsite.
- RSVP for Sportrock’s Glow Climb ahead of time if you prefer not to rely on walk-in availability.
- Use one of rio’s free parking garages, and allow time to reach the lakefront programming.
- Plan to stay for a meal or visit nearby attractions after the fireworks to wait out traffic.
- Expect the Lake Path and Playground to be closed for the afternoon and evening, and plan another route around the lakefront.
Special Events & Promotions
- Admission is free.
- Bring a Comfort Cases donation or make a monetary donation onsite to receive a free s’mores kit.
- The event includes a fireworks show on December 5.
- This year, rio is partnering with Comfort Cases and hosting a pajama party on the lakefront.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the event suitable for families?
Yes, Light Up the Lakefront is described as family-friendly, with holiday entertainment, activities and fireworks.
How can I get a s’mores kit?
Bring new, non-holiday-themed children’s pajamas or another approved Comfort Cases donation, or make a monetary donation onsite. Kits can be roasted onsite.
Do I need to book the Glow Climb in advance?
Sportrock’s Glow Climb accepts walk-ins or advance RSVPs.
What food and drink options are nearby?
Lakefront restaurants offer food and seasonal beverages. You can also wait out traffic after the fireworks with a meal or a visit to AMC, Dave & Buster’s or Sportrock.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.