5 Must-Know Secrets About Brandon Lights MS: The Ultimate Drive-Through Holiday Experience For 2025
The "Brandon Lights" spectacle, officially known as Magic of Lights, is returning to the Brandon Amphitheater for the 2025 holiday season, offering a dazzling, two-mile drive-through experience that has become a premier holiday tradition in Mississippi. This year, families can expect a fresh array of digital animations and brilliant LED displays, including brand-new attractions that elevate the event's status as a must-see destination in Rankin County. The attraction, which transforms the amphitheater grounds into a breathtaking winter wonderland, is the perfect way for visitors to celebrate the season from the comfort and safety of their own car.
As of December 25, 2025, the newest information confirms that the event will run from November 21, 2025, through January 3, 2026, making it one of the longest-running light displays in the region. This highly anticipated annual event features an estimated two million twinkling lights, providing an affordable, "one carload, one price" option for families looking to create magical holiday memories.
The Essential 2025 Brandon Lights (Magic of Lights) Visitor's Guide
The Magic of Lights experience is more than just a drive-through; it's an immersive journey through a series of themed light tunnels and animated scenes. Understanding the logistics and the unique attractions for the 2025 season is key to planning your perfect visit to the Brandon Amphitheater.
- Location: Brandon Amphitheater, 8190 Rock Way, Brandon, MS 39042.
- 2025 Dates: Confirmed to run from November 21, 2025, to January 3, 2026.
- Operating Hours: The lights typically shine brightly from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM nightly, regardless of weather, as the experience is designed to be enjoyed from inside your vehicle.
- The Experience: A spectacular two-mile route that winds through the grounds, featuring a variety of holiday characters and scenes brought to life by state-of-the-art LED technology.
Secret #1: Unveiling the Brand-New 2025 Attractions and Displays
To maintain its status as one of Mississippi's most popular holiday attractions, Magic of Lights continually introduces fresh, innovative displays. The 2025 season is no exception, bringing several major new entities that are already generating buzz.
The Mattel Waving Christmas Barbie
One of the most talked-about new additions is the massive, animated Mattel Waving Christmas Barbie display. This colossal attraction stretches to an impressive 320 feet and is a must-see for fans of the iconic doll and a fantastic photo opportunity. It brings a unique, modern pop-culture twist to the traditional holiday light show.
The Reindeer Rest Stop & Dinosaur Holiday Theme
The 2025 event also introduces the brand-new Reindeer Rest Stop, a charming, family-friendly scene perfect for younger visitors. Additionally, a new dinosaur-themed holiday display promises a prehistoric twist to the Christmas season, adding to the already popular Prehistoric Christmas section, which is a returning favorite. This blend of classic and creative themes ensures there is something to capture the imagination of every age group.
Secret #2: The State's Longest Light Tunnel & The Route's Hidden Gems
The core of the Brandon Lights experience is the immersive drive-through route itself, which is strategically designed to maximize the feeling of being completely surrounded by the holiday spirit.
The 400-Foot Light Tunnel
The undeniable highlight for many visitors is the state's longest light tunnel. Stretching 400 feet, this phenomenal tunnel completely engulfs your vehicle in a kaleidoscope of synchronized, twinkling lights, creating a truly magical and memorable moment. It is a returning favorite that has been a staple of the show since its inception.
The Route Through The Quarry
The two-mile route begins with an extravagant display of lights throughout "The Quarry" area near the Amphitheater. This unique natural setting provides a dramatic backdrop for the millions of LED lights, enhancing the visual impact of scenes like the popular Winter Wonderland. The entire experience is set to your car radio, which broadcasts festive holiday music synchronized with the light displays.
Secret #3: The "Jolly Holiday Village" Experience
While the Magic of Lights is primarily a drive-through event, the journey culminates in an opportunity to stop and enjoy a walk-through area known as the Jolly Holiday Village. This section, located at the Brandon Amphitheater itself, provides a chance to stretch your legs and engage in more traditional holiday activities.
The village is presented by Entergy and often features attractions like Santa's Workshop, opportunities for photos with Santa Claus, and concessions offering hot cocoa and other festive treats. The atmosphere here is lively, serving as the perfect capstone to the spectacular driving tour.
Secret #4: The 2025 "One Carload, One Price" Ticket Strategy
One of the most attractive features of the Brandon Lights is its simple and affordable ticketing structure, which is based on the vehicle, not the number of passengers. This "One Carload, One Price" model makes it an excellent value for large families or groups.
Updated 2025 Ticket Pricing (Approximate Gate Price):
- Weekday Standard Vehicle (Mon-Thurs): Approximately $28.98 per vehicle.
- Any Day Standard Vehicle: Approximately $33.12 per vehicle.
- Limo/Party Bus: Approximately $56.93.
- Season Pass: An "Any Day Season Pass" is also available for those who plan to visit multiple times throughout the season.
Pro Tip: Purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended, as gate prices are often higher, and special deals or early bird pricing may be available on the official Magic of Lights website or through ticketing partners like Tixr.
Secret #5: Why Brandon Lights Became a National Sensation
The rapid rise of the Brandon Lights to a regional holiday powerhouse is rooted in its quality and recognition. The event was featured on a national stage, cementing its reputation for excellence.
The show received national attention when it was featured on ABC’s hit show, "The Great Christmas Light Fight" in 2023. This exposure highlighted the sheer scale—over two million lights—and the technical complexity of the displays, drawing visitors from across the Southeast, not just the local Brandon and Rankin County area. The organizers’ commitment to using cutting-edge LED technology and creating memorable, cohesive themes is what truly sets this display apart from typical local light shows.
Planning Your Visit to Brandon, MS
Visiting the Magic of Lights is a festive event that requires a little planning, especially during peak holiday weekends and the week leading up to Christmas. The city of Brandon, MS, a vibrant community, often coordinates other holiday events, such as its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, to complement the experience.
To ensure a smooth experience, visitors should check for the latest traffic updates, particularly around the Brandon Amphitheater, and plan to arrive earlier in the evening to beat the rush. The drive-through itself can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic volume and how slowly you wish to enjoy the spectacular scenes like the Winter Wonderland and the massive light tunnel. The combination of a spectacular light show and the welcoming atmosphere of the City of Brandon makes this a perfect holiday getaway.
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