The holiday season will shine a little brighter at The Monster Mile as the popular “Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway” drive-thru light show returns for its fifth consecutive year, beginning Thanksgiving night.

The annual holiday tradition will illuminate the campgrounds of Dover Motor Speedway from Thursday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027, giving families and visitors the opportunity to celebrate the season from the comfort of their vehicles.

Presented by Winterland, Inc., a holiday décor and lighting firm based in Marion, Ind., with more than 30 years of experience, Gift of Lights features more than 100 festive scenes and approximately 2.5 million lights along a nearly two-mile pathway winding through the speedway property.

New-for-this-year is the addition of a season pass for $75, allowing customers to enjoy the holiday light magic all season long. Each season pass is valid for one vehicle per visit and includes unlimited visits to Gift of Lights Dover on any operating night throughout the 2026–2027 season.


The schedule for the in-car experience includes:

Regular Hours (Nov. 26-Jan. 3):

  • Sunday-Thursday: 5-9 p.m.
  • Friday-Saturday: 5-10 p.m.

Holiday Hours (Dec. 20-27):

  • Daily: 5-10 p.m.

Admission is $35 per carload, with one price covering everyone in the vehicle. Admission for buses, limousines and RVs is $60.

The all-new Merry & Bright Bundle is also available every night throughout the season for $55, a $70 value. The package includes admission for one carload, two light-up bulb necklaces, two pairs of magical 3D glasses and one bag of specialty holiday popcorn.

Tickets are available online at GiftOfLightsDover.com or can be purchased upon arrival. No advance reservations are necessary. A special flash sale begins Monday, Nov. 9, at 8 a.m., with additional details available at GiftOfLightsDover.com.

Vehicles should enter the display at 1229 Persimmon Tree Lane, Dover, DE 19901, and will exit onto Leipsic Road. Follow posted signs for traffic flow and up-to-date information.

Several special theme and discount nights are planned throughout the holiday season, giving visitors additional opportunities to enjoy the festive displays. The schedule includes:

  • Thursday, Nov. 26 – Opening Night: Gift of Lights officially opens for the holiday season.
  • Monday, Nov. 30 – Military Monday: $5 admission (per carload) for all active-duty airmen, reservists, guardsmen, guardians, and veterans. Valid military I.D. required.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 1 – Giving Tuesday: $5 off admission (per carload).
  • Wednesday, Dec. 2 – Pet Night: Bring your furry friends along for a ride through the holiday lights. $5 off per carload with a pet in your vehicle.
  • Monday, Dec. 7 – Military Monday: $5 admission (per carload) for all active-duty airmen, reservists, guardsmen, guardians, and veterans. Valid military I.D. required.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 8 – Pajama Night: Families are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday pajamas while enjoying the displays. $5 off per carload if anyone in your vehicle participates.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 9 – Christmas Sweater Night: Visitors are encouraged to wear their favorite festive holiday sweaters. $5 off per carload if anyone in your vehicle participates.
  • Sunday, Jan. 3 – Closing Night: The final opportunity to experience Gift of Lights for the 2026 holiday season.

The 2026 Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway is made possible in part through the generous support of Carter Machinery, Energize Delaware, Cracker Barrel and Delaware Lottery, whose contributions help bring this annual holiday tradition to families throughout Delaware and the surrounding region.

“Gift of Lights has become a wonderful holiday tradition for families throughout Delaware and the surrounding region,” said Mike Tatoian, Dover Motor Speedway's president and general manager. “We're excited to welcome everyone back to The Monster Mile for another season and give families an opportunity to make special memories together during the holidays.”

FOLLOW US:

Follow Gift of Lights on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, Find more information on the Dover Motor Speedway event at GiftOfLightsDover.com.

Keep track of all of Dover Motor Speedway’s events by following on Facebook, X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok (@MonsterMile). Keep up with all the latest information on DoverMotorSpeedway.com and our mobile app.