Fantasy of Lights Christmas light display in Evansville, Indiana

If you’re looking for a place to see Christmas lights in Evansville, Indiana, head to Garvin Park, where 61 light displays are set up as part of Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights.

My family checked out this Evansville Christmas tradition on a visit to Indiana over the weekend. We loaded the kids up in the car – but not before getting in our PJs and serving up a round of hot chocolate with whipped cream AND marshmallows.

The Fantasy of Lights is a drive-through exhibit. There is an admission fee of $7 per car or $10 if you have a minivan-full, and it all goes to the local Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center.

The light displays are all pictures and holiday scenes, most sponsored by local businesses. I especially liked the ones where the businesses got creative and sponsored a display that reflects what they do. There was a bicycling Santa representing a cycle shop, and a local builder had a group of elves building a house.

Fantasy of Lights also has Christmas music playing on an FM transmitter, so you can use your car radio to hear the soundtrack as you drive through.

It took about 25 minutes to wind through the displays in the park, and it was a very fun way to end a day spent with family.

Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights is open nightly through January 2, 2011, at Garvin Park in Evansville. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

When the weather is clear, you can also park the car and get a horse-drawn carriage ride through the light display for $30.

Be sure to check out the video my family made of our Christmas lights adventure at the top right of this page.