If you’re in the Central Florida area this weekend and you’d like an evening of all-around feel-good holiday magic, please run (do not walk) to Give Kids the World Village. Night of a Million Lights ends it’s second annual run on Sunday, January 2nd and if you miss it, you’re missing something fantastic. Let me count the reasons why…
The wish children and their families.
The purchase of NOAML tickets help fund a place that truly creates magic for critically ill children and their families. A week filled with all of the best things of childhood is what the wish kids can expect while at the Village, and all proceeds go toward making these life-changing moments happen. A night out plus you’re helping families who desperately need a little magic? That’s the best kind of win-win.
Miss the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights? Relive the good old days here.
New this year to Night of a Million Lights is a section of villas that have been covered in lights by the Village’s amazing volunteers. Add a little Trans-Siberian Orchestra, along with several other upbeat holiday classics, and lo and behold, you’ve got Osborne-adjacent lights happening right in front of you. I have to say that I got a little misty-eyed when that familiar music started to play and the lights started dancing. I miss Osborne so much, and just to have a taste of them back plucked every last heartstring I have.
The wish kids have had a hand in crafting the event.
Every 20 minutes or so, you’ll hear a recording play of a wish child whose life has been impacted by the Village. To hear those precious kids tell their stories and share their holiday wishes is incredibly moving. The children’s artwork is featured throughout the dancing lights portion of the event as well. You’ll find little reminders of what the Village is all about sprinkled throughout Night of a Million Lights, and it’s a lovely thing.
You get to be a kid again.
Laugh at the minions caroling in front of the Universal Orlando villa. Play a boardwalk game as you stroll along. Be surrounded by 75 themed Christmas trees as you explore Stellar’s Tree Trail. Eat a churro or slurp up an Icee (personally, I recommend the Elf-flavored Icee). And take the tram ride past the DIS/Dreams Unlimited Travel sponsored villa, of course. The tram ride through the decorated villas is narrated by the voice of the Little Mermaid, Jodi Benson, and it’s completely charming. Stop and revel in an evening that’s been crafted just for you to savor a bit of the magic of the holidays.
Whatever you do, if you find yourself with a free evening this weekend, head to the Night of a Million Lights website and purchase a ticket. And enjoy the last moments of the holidays while making a little magic for a critically ill child and their family.
Night of a Million Lights runs each night from 5-10pm through Sunday evening, January 2nd. Event parking is being staged this year at Pioneer Village (located at 2491 Babb Road, Kissimmee), and charter buses run constantly to the Village and back each evening. Tickets are available starting around $20.
ps. If you’re an established GKTW volunteer, you’re eligible for half-off tickets from December 31st to January 2nd by using the links sent to you from the Village via email this week. Be sure to check your inbox!