A New Hampshire holiday tradition returns Thanksgiving night as Gift of Lights celebrates its 16th season at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS), welcoming families to experience 39 nights of holiday displays while supporting children and families throughout the region.
Running Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027, Gift of Lights transforms the speedway into a festive holiday destination with a 2.5-mile drive-through light show. Families can enjoy the displays from the comfort of their vehicles while making memories and celebrating the holiday season together.
Beyond the holiday entertainment, Gift of Lights provides opportunities for guests to make a difference in their community. A portion of event admission and proceeds from s’mores kit purchases benefit the New Hampshire Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCCNH), which supports children in need throughout New England.
“Welcoming families to experience the beautiful light displays is a holiday tradition we look forward to every year,” said New Hampshire Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager David McGrath. “The best part, however, is seeing the community come together to support children in need through Speedway Children’s Charities and provide food donations for the Loudon Food Pantry.”
Gift of Lights also partners with the Loudon Food Pantry to help provide food for local families during the holiday and winter months. Guests who bring three or more non-perishable food items for the pantry will receive $5 off single-vehicle admission purchased at the event entrance. Since Gift of Lights began in 2011, attendees have donated nearly 106,000 pounds of food, providing nearly 99,000 meals for families in need.
Guests can also enjoy s’mores around the fire pits at the end of the light display route. S’mores kits will be available for purchase beginning Friday, Nov. 27 with proceeds benefitting SCCNH. The s’mores area will be closed Thanksgiving and Christmas evenings.
Gift of Lights runs Nov. 26, 2026 through Jan. 3, 2027 with gates opening at 4:30 p.m., weather permitting. Fridays and Saturdays run from 4:30-10 p.m., while Sundays through Thursdays run from 4:30-9 p.m. The special hours for Dec. 20-24 are 4:30-10 p.m. Admission is $35 per car and $60 per bus, limousine or RV. All event traffic should enter through the NHMS South Entrance off N.H. Route 106 North.
