Glittering Lights returns to Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Nov. 6 with new displays and military tributes

Glittering Lights reopens Nov. 6 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for its 2026 holiday season, running nightly through Jan. 3, 2027. The drive-through adds new displays, expands its America 250 tribute and offers free admission on two nights for veterans and military personnel.

Why it matters: - Glittering Lights is one of Southern Nevada’s biggest seasonal traditions, drawing families and visitors to a three-mile drive-through holiday show. - The 2026 season adds new attractions while tying the event to America’s 250th anniversary and honoring veterans and active-duty service members. - A portion of ticket sales benefits Speedway Children’s Charities.

What happened: - Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway returns Friday, Nov. 6, and runs nightly through Jan. 3, 2027. - The attraction opens at 5 p.m. each night, rain or shine. - Tickets start at $44 per carload and are available at glitteringlights.vegas. - The holiday drive-through features more than 6 million LED lights across a three-mile course.

The details: - The 2026 season introduces new displays and expands the patriotic Tribute to America presentation. - Avenue of Flags returns with flags representing all 50 states. - Each flag was flown over its state capitol in honor of Glittering Lights. - A new display called Under the Big Top, presented by Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, brings a circus-themed scene to the route. - The 12 Days of Christmas display has been expanded to a quarter-mile stretch. - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Clarice appear in the updated 12 Days of Christmas display. - Ho Ho Radio, produced by Sunny 106.5, will feature Debbie Gibson’s holiday single “Lit Up” from her Winterlicious D’Luxe album. - Gibson also recorded a special message for guests. - Ho Ho Radio is sponsored by Loyalty Plumbing & Air.

Between the lines: - The event is blending holiday entertainment with civic themes, using the America 250 milestone to broaden its appeal beyond seasonal spectacle. - The military appreciation nights turn the attraction into a community recognition event as well as a ticketed holiday experience. - The mix of new displays, celebrity music and familiar favorites signals a push to keep a long-running local tradition fresh for returning visitors.

What's next: - Veterans Appreciation Night, presented by Precision Window Tinting, is set for Nov. 11. - Veterans can receive complimentary admission with valid veteran identification. - Military Appreciation Night, presented by Olive Branch Psychiatrics, is set for Nov. 16. - Veterans and active-duty military personnel can receive complimentary admission with valid ID on that night. - Glittering Lights will continue through Jan. 3, 2027, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The bottom line: - Glittering Lights is back with a bigger patriotic tribute, new holiday scenes and two free admission nights for service members as the Las Vegas seasonal staple enters its 2026 run.