Commerce Township Transforms Into a Magical Winter Wonderland
In the heart of Commerce Township, excitement is buzzing as the beloved Glenlore Trails has pulled off another stunning transformation. From spooky to spectacular, the annual “Aurora Winter Wonderland” interactive light show opened its gates on November 15, bringing a burst of holiday cheer to residents and visitors alike. This enchanting display will continue shining brightly on Thursday and Friday nights until December 29.
A Festive Transformation
Who knew it took just 14 days and the hard work of 25-30 dedicated crew members to switch Glenlore Trails from an eerie Halloween spectacle to a dazzling winter retreat? These talented folks have swapped out eerie decorations, shuffled things around, and even reprogrammed an incredible array of lights to create a magical setting. Each visit offers a breathtaking experience that’s sure to leave everyone in awe as they step beneath a spectacular canopy of colorful lights.
What’s in a Name?
The name Aurora might spark thoughts of the northern lights, and this year’s theme draws inspiration from those mesmerizing natural displays. “The Aurora theme just felt right for the original concept,” shares Scott Schoeneberger, the show’s founder and managing partner of Bluewater Technologies, which oversees the trails. “It wasn’t necessarily a holiday-themed show the first year, but a wintry display of lights.” Year after year, the 🥳 delightful ambiance remains, while subtle adjustments keep things fresh. This season, wand activations have been added to enhance the interactive experience.
Special Guests Make Magic Happen
But that’s not all! Glenlore Trails has some exciting surprises lined up for visitors. On December 8, Velvet, a festive group of carolers, will serenade attendees, and from December 13-15, everyone’s favorite jolly old fellow, Santa Claus, will make a special appearance. Don’t forget, though — if you want a chance to meet Santa, you’ll need to grab a special ticket!
From Pandemic Pivot to Community Tradition
In an unexpected twist, Glenlore Trails was born out of necessity during the pandemic. Schoeneberger explains, “We originally started Glenlore as a way to keep our staff at Bluewater working during the COVID-19 shutdown.” Thanks to the team’s events production expertise, creating this magical winter experience came naturally. But would it catch on with the community? “We didn’t know what kind of reaction from the community we would receive, but it’s been incredible,” he says, chuckling as he mentions how people often refer to it as a “favorite family tradition.”
A Growing Attraction
The numbers speak for themselves. Each year, approximately 100,000 visitors walk through the enchanted trails, all while ensuring comfort for everyone. To maintain a cozy atmosphere, attendees are allowed to enter the trails every 15 minutes. Ticket prices start reasonably at $20 for adults, with discounts available: $18 for group deals, $15 for seniors, and just $12 for kids ages 4-12. Tickets can easily be snagged online at glenloretrails.com.
Location, Location, Location!
For those looking to soak in the holiday magic, Glenlore Trails can be found at 3860 Newton Road in Commerce Township. So grab your loved ones, bundle up, and head out for an evening of enchantment and wonder. This holiday season, make memories that will last a lifetime!
