The local baseball park becomes unrecognizable as Hobgood transforms into a winter wonderland for the holidays. Starting Nov. 25, the fields are turned into a maze of lights formed into the shapes of reindeer, elves, and other Christmas characters. The attraction remains open until Dec. 23, and with tickets only $10.00 for ages 14 and older, families and friends can revisit the Holiday Lights of Hope all throughout the month.  

“Holiday Lights of Hope is my favorite event of the year. I love seeing the joy it brings to all of the families when they see the huge light-up displays. As a volunteer for the past two years, I always enjoy helping out, whether it be taking pictures or assisting kids with the toys they are building. Also, as the Student Government president, helping out in the Etowah community is a big part of my life. With all that being said, I totally recommend going to visit the lights this holiday season to help people in need and bring a smile to your face,” Brooke Belsito, senior, said. 

The Holiday Lights of Hope is a charity organization, and all proceeds go towards the Anna Crawford Children’s Center. The center is a non-profit which provides services for children and their families who have been affected by sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. The light show first started out as a small event at Hobgood in 2012 but has grown enormously since then. 

“I like to go towards the beginning of December with my friends to start off the holiday season. I really enjoy the lights, and it brings back good memories from when I was younger. They also sell really good hot chocolate,” Aaliyah Murry, sophomore, said. 

Beyond the light attractions, the Holiday Lights of Hope also includes concessions, a craft workshop, and a visit from Santa himself, who will be there from opening at 6 p.m. to closing every night at 9 p.m. The event tends to run an hour longer on the weekends, closing at 10 p.m. Children can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and whisper their Christmas lists in Santa’s ear while parents and teenagers enjoy taking pictures and making memories with loved ones. 

“I volunteered to be a part of the Holiday Lights of Hope this season because I love Christmas. My family went to the Lights of Hope last year, and we all loved it. I also like to help out in my community in any way I can, so I think it is the perfect mixture of what I enjoy,” Chelsa Takeubai, senior, said. 

Visit the Holiday Lights of Hope at 6688 Bells Ferry Rd in Woodstock, Georgia to benefit charity and immerse oneself into the Christmas spirit this season.