I hate to rate a drive-through holiday light spectacular as "just okay," but the entire process was a big letdown. I purchased a discounted ticket ($25 per car) to check out the Glittering Lights display, a 2.5 mile stretch of Christmas lights that decorate the Las Vegas Raceway. We had been warned of long lines, so we arrived early (around 5 pm) on a Tuesday night. The line of cars stretched back to the Interstate! There were signs stating a posted wait time from that point (supposedly 60 minutes). It took us almost TWO HOURS to get into the display!
They try to sell you on the "Fastpass" line, which is an additional $50. But you don't have to wait. I think that's crazy, but if you have money to burn then go for it.
The traffic here is bonkers. They have a system where they wave five cars through at a time, but they have 3 separate lanes so it takes forever. We waited almost an hour in the first line. Once you get to the second line area, there are people walking around trying to sell you stuff (raffle tickets, overpriced popcorn, hot chocolate). Three lines merging into one is pure chaos, but at least the employees try their best to direct traffic.
Once we got up to the entry point, we were each given a pitiful little peppermint candy and off we went. Headlights off, please.
The lights were pretty cool, but not very creative. It's basically a bunch of cutouts with lights strung through. If you've always wanted to see a light-up Carrabba's Italian Grill logo, you prayers will be answered. There is at least an attempt at some theming, with an "Under the Sea" area, a "Safari" area (the best), a "Race Track" area, a "Dinosaur" section, and a "Vegas Sports" section, among others. It's hard to tell what you're looking at unless you look ahead into the distance.
The best part is the "Neon Forest," an absolutely gorgeous stretch of lighted trees. I really loved that, and anyone who likes lights will likely agree.
It takes about 12 minutes or so to drive through, but I felt like we were rushed because employees kept waving people to drive faster. After that long wait, I wish I could've taken my time to really soak it all in!
I have always wanted to do the Glittering Lights experience, and this seemed like the perfect year to do it since it's a very safe activity (you stay in your car and don't have contact with anyone). But I won't ever do it again. Honestly, you can see much better lights for free (and without a crazy long line) in your own neighborhood.
My tips as a first-timer:
1. Make sure your car is full of gas and the heater works.
2. Go to the bathroom beforehand (they do have port-a-potties set up while you wait).
3. Try to stay in the far right lanes during your entire wait. You can see more lights / Santa / carolers that way.