For 34 years, the nonprofit Give Kids The World Village has been brightening the lives of critically ill children and their families from around the world; and now, local businesses led by Presenting Sponsor Dreams Unlimited Travel, will have the chance to illuminate the Village – literally.
For 53 nights from Friday, Nov. 13, through Sunday, Jan. 3, the village will come alive with Night of a Million Lights, a walkthrough holiday light spectacular that is sure to warm the hearts of Central Florida residents. More than 1 million lights will adorn the 84-acre whimsical Village, including a 150-foot lighted tunnel leading to 33 decorated villas; more than 50 larger-than-life holidaythemed wireframes, some spanning more than 40 feet; an enormous incandescent gingerbread arch; and out-of-this-world space-themed decorations showcasing the village’s newest centerpiece, Henri’s Starlite Scoops.
Adding to the fully immersive lights and sounds experience, Santa Claus will greet guests from the balcony of Towne Hall, with Give Kids The World’s beloved ambassadors, Mayor Clayton and Ms. Merry, on hand to lend some holiday cheer.
Corporate and community partners can get into the holiday spirit by adopting a villa, with the creative freedom to decorate it however they’d like for display throughout the 53 nights of the event. A friendly contest among the villas is guaranteed to bring some added fun and excitement, with longtime Village supporter Dreams Unlimited Travel already planning on ways to outshine the competition.
“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the season than by shining some light on the wonderful work Give Kids The World does to bring happiness and hope to critically ill children and their families through this event,” said Dreams Unlimited Travel CEO Pete Werner.
Guests can purchase tickets on the Give Kids The World website at www. gktw.org to walk among the brilliant lights, vote on their favorite villas, and take part in a variety of family activities in a socially distant manner. Most of the village’s wheelchair-accessible attractions will be available at no cost, including The Enchanted Carousel, Marc’s Dino Putt, Kelly’s Sunny Swing and Lori’s Magical Flight – all elaborately decorated for the holidays. Complimentary hot cocoa and ice cream will also be served throughout each evening. In addition, guests can visit the village’s most iconic venue, the Castle of Miracles – featuring a mysterious forest, a wishing well that burps, a magic tree that makes pillows, and more.
The castle is highlighted by thousands of stars that fill the ceiling and the adjoining Star Tower, each placed in honor of a wish child who has visited the village.
Proceeds from the event will support Give Kids The World’s mission to provide wish vacations for critically ill children and their families. When wishgranting organizations receive a request from a critically ill child who wants to visit any of the worldclass theme parks Central Florida has to offer, Give Kids The World fulfills the wish – providing each child and his/her family with a magical weeklong stay at absolutely no cost. Each family receives transportation, accommodations in one of the village’s 166 storybook villas, all meals and snacks, nightly entertainment, tickets to Orlando’s worldclass theme parks and attractions, and priceless experiences at the village. Since 1986, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 176,000 families from 50 states and more than 76 countries.
