World of Illumination Rockin’ Christmas Review

Rockin’ Christmas is a full-throttle musical experience to amp up your holiday. Check out my review of World of Illumination Rockin’ Christmas here.

A special thanks to World of Illumination for hosting us on opening night of Rockin’ Christmas in Marietta. As always, all opinions are my own.

Take a drive through this musical holiday light show for a rockin’ start to the season! My review will tell you everything you need to know about visiting the World of Illumination Rockin’ Christmas light show.

What is World of Illumination?

World of Illumination is billed as the world’s largest drive-through animated light show. They create uniquely themed drive-through light displays for an unforgettable experience.

They started in 2019 with only two light displays in Arizona. This year, they have 6 different shows in 6 locations including Georgia, Arizona, Utah, and Missouri.

Each year, they rotate the displays through each location so you can have a new experience. They have themes like Reindeer Road, Cosmic Sleighride, Arctic Adventure, Candy Rush, and Enchanted Safari.

Rockin Christmas Animated Light Show

World of Illumination’s Rockin’ Christmas is a mile-long symphony of sight and sound. You’ll see displays like giant musical notes, a retro Santa spinning it old school, and more.

Tickets and Getting There

Tickets cost $39.99 per car on Tuesdays-Thursdays and $49.99 per car on Fridays-Sundays and holidays. You can purchase tickets online and at the gate. Use promo code WOI2023 for 15% off weekday tickets from November 15, 2023 through December 14, 2023!

The gates don’t open until 6 p.m. So if you arrive early for your 6 p.m. ticket, you’ll have to sit outside the gates.

From there, you’ll drive through a long lane before coming to a split between ticket holders and those who still need to purchase tickets. For those with tickets, you’ll be directed to one of many lanes to have your ticket scanned for entry.

What You’ll See During Rockin’ Christmas

Once you’ve scanned your ticket, you’ll tune your radio to the provided channel, turn off your headlights, and drive at 3 mph through the world’s largest drive-thru animated light show.

Rockin’ Christmas is like a journey through time in music. The displays start with simple woodwind instruments and little drummer boys, then move to 70s disco dancers and iPods.

All the lights are synchronized to the music on the radio. And the music playing is cool music that the kids will love. There was “You Make It Feel Like Christmas” by Gwen Stafani and Blake Shelton; Lindsey Stirling’s “Carol of the Bells”; and even “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd.

There are only a few songs, so you’ll likely hear them multiple times on your trip through. When the show resets, the lights and music go dark for a few seconds before starting over at the beginning again.

Santa sits in a comfy chair in the middle by the giant Christmas trees. He waves and “Ho ho ho’s” while you drive past. Sometimes elves will be there to take his place if Santa is busy in the workshop that night.

Depending on how fast or slow you drive, or how crowded it is when you visit, it can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes to go through the light show. It took us about 40 minutes because we were behind someone who stopped at every display; please don’t be that person. They specifically tell you not to stop, and you’re causing the people who haven’t gone through yet to wait even longer.

Tips for Visiting Rockin’ Christmas

• During the busy season, you can expect longer wait times. Pre-Thanksgiving is probably the best time to go for no wait.
• If you really don’t want to wait, book a 6 p.m. ticket. We had only 3 cars in front of us right at 6 p.m.
• There is a bathroom pull-off just before you scan your tickets.
• Since tickets are priced per car, feel free to (safely) pack your car with friends and family and split the cost.

More Festive Holiday Events

Get into the holiday spirit with these top festive events.

• License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville is Full of Winter Fun
• 22 Magical Holiday Events in Georgia This Season
• 14 Incredible Holiday Light Displays in Georgia
• Where to Go Outdoor Ice Skating in Atlanta, Georgia

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• Find cheap accommodation: Use my tips for finding cheap accommodation for travel every time.
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Cheers!

Paige

Have you experienced World of Illumination Rockin’ Christmas? Let me know what you thought of this drive-thru animated light show in the comments!