Michigan City’s Festival of Lights is one of our favorite holiday traditions, bringing the community together to celebrate the season with sparkling displays, festive music, and plenty of hometown holiday spirit. Each December, Washington Park and Heisman Marina transform into a winter wonderland, making it the perfect place to enjoy a little seasonal magic.
This year, JOYRide is making the experience even more memorable! We’re bringing back our Festival of Lights rides with a few exciting additions, including a special partnership with Ritz Klub Tavern, festive refreshments, and an exclusive opportunity to ride with us in the Festival of Lights Parade!
If you’re planning a holiday date night, a family outing, or looking for a fun way to enjoy one of Michigan City’s most beloved traditions, here’s everything you need to know about experiencing the Festival of Lights with JOYRide.
Enjoy the Festival of Lights from Your Own Private JOYRide
Experience the Festival of Lights without the stress! Taking a JOYRide through the light display allows you to fully immerse yourself in the festival. With JOYRide, you’ll be able to experience the festival to its fullest extent, hear the holiday music, and get a great view of the dazzling lights. Our drivers will handle everything so you don’t have to, including the route, the timing, and the navigation. Sit back, sip your holiday drink, snuggle under a cozy blanket, and enjoy the glow around you.
Each ride winds through Washington Park, Fedder’s Alley, and Heisman Marina to view the spectacular lights festival while you sit back and take in the scenery under a cozy, warm blanket. No stress, no hassle, just you, your loved ones, and the beauty of the festival unfolding before your eyes. If you want to experience the magic of the season, there’s nothing more immersive than a JOYRide under the lights.
Make It Extra Sweet with Hot Chocolate
Nothing pairs better with the Festival of Lights than a cup of hot chocolate! Guests have the option to add a specially prepared cup of hot chocolate to their JOYRide ticket at checkout. Looking for something with a little more holiday spirit? Our partnership with Ritz Klub Tavern brings four specialty holiday cocktails to this year’s Festival of Lights experience!
Sip Something Festive at Ritz Klub Tavern
The Ritz Klub Tavern has created a special holiday cocktail menu just for Festival of Lights guests. Stop inside the Tavern to check out these seasonal favorites:
- Naughty & Nice: Whiskey, ginger beer, cranberry, and grapefruit, topped with orange juice.
- Christmas Punch: Orange Smirnoff, cranberry, and Prosecco.
- Merry Mocha: Hot cocoa and espresso vodka, topped with whipped cream and festive holiday sprinkles.
- Mistletoe Margarita: Tequila, fresh lime juice, triple sec, simple syrup, and cranberry juice.
Please remember that holiday cocktails and other Tavern purchases are separate from your JOYRide ticket and are available for purchase on site. If you plan to enjoy a cocktail before your ride, be sure to give yourself enough time!
NEW THIS YEAR: Ride With JOYRide In The Festival Of Lights Parade!
Have you ever watched the Festival of Lights Parade and wished you could be part of the fun? This year, you can! Experience the Festival of Lights like a VIP with our exclusive Festival of Lights Parade Experience on December 5th. We’re giving a very limited number of guests the opportunity to ride with us in the parade before heading out for their own private Festival of Lights ride through the park.
Each VIP ticket is good for two people, and we’re offering just THREE VIP BOOKINGS! The ride also includes two limited-edition ‘I Heart MC’ tumblers, each filled with hot chocolate! This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the Festival of Lights in a whole new way. If riding in the parade has been on your holiday bucket list, now’s your chance to make it happen!
Snag your VIP ticket before these coveted spots fill up!
Your Local Guide To A Little Extra Holiday Magic
What truly makes each JOYride extra special is having a local guide at the pedals. Our drivers know the festival like the back of their hand. They’ll be sure to make the ride extra magical for guests, pointing out the showstopping displays and small details you might otherwise miss. With a fellow local leading the way, the ride becomes more than a scenic tour. It’s a shared story, filled with insider tips, hometown pride, and the kind of warmth you only get from someone who loves the community as much as you do! It’s the difference between seeing the festival and experiencing it through the eyes of someone who calls it home.
Snuggle Under A Warm Blanket
What’s a fun winter outing without a little extra coziness? Each JOYRide comes with a soft, warm blanket that’s perfect for snuggling up under while you enjoy the view. Sharing a blanket under the glow of thousands of lights instantly makes the evening even better. There’s something truly special about being wrapped up in a blanket, surrounded by the amazing light display as you watch the park transform into a winter wonderland!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my ride still take place if it’s snowing on the day of my ride?
In the event of inclement weather (extreme cold, snow, icy road conditions), we will cancel the ride. You can rebook for a different day.
Are your trikes enclosed for the winter rides?
No, the trikes are not enclosed. The beauty of this ride is the crisp winter air and clear visibility to the light display. Not to worry! We have cozy blankets on board, and you can add a hot beverage for the ride.
What time should we arrive?
Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This allows enough time to check in and enjoy your refreshments. If you’re planning to purchase a holiday cocktail inside Ritz Klub Tavern, please allow additional time so you can finish before your scheduled departure.
Is hot chocolate included with my ticket?
Hot chocolate is an optional add-on available when you purchase your ticket. It is not automatically included with general ride tickets.
Can we purchase holiday cocktails?
Absolutely! Ritz Klub Tavern will have four specialty holiday cocktails available for purchase on site. These purchases are separate from your JOYRide ticket.
How long is each ride?
Each JOYRide lasts approximately 20 minutes and is designed for two passengers.
What if JOYRide cancels the rides due to inclement weather?
In this situation, we refund the ticket price and absorb the processing fees if you are not able to rebook for another time.
What if I have to cancel my ride the day of the booking?
Tickets are non-refundable if you cancel the day of the booking.
Where do we meet for our ride?
All guests should check in at the Ritz Klub Biergarten, our designated meeting and departure location.
What is the weight limit of the trikes?
The maximum weight capacity of the trikes is 620 lbs, including the weight of the drivers. Calculate 160 lbs for the driver.
When are Festival of Lights JOYRide tickets available?
JOYRide will be offering Festival of Lights rides on Fridays and Saturdays, December 5th–19th. Please visit our ticket page for available dates and departure times.
Make This Year’s Festival of Lights One to Remember!
This holiday season, skip the crowded cars and let our team pedal you through the magic. What better way to experience the beautiful lights than in the back of a trike under a warm blanket and a holiday drink in hand? With a cozy ride, toasty-warm blankets, hot chocolate, festive specialty cocktails at Ritz Klub Tavern, and a VIP parade opportunity, there’s even more reason to make JOYRide part of your holiday plans.
General ride tickets and VIP experiences are limited, and we expect these special holiday rides to fill up quickly. Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your outing!
Ready to ride? Visit our ticket page to reserve your spot and experience the magic of Michigan City’s Festival of Lights with JOYRide!
