Gift of Lights is a drive-thru holiday light show at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 1122 NH-106, Loudon. It runs November 26, 2026 to January 3, 2027, from 4:30pm to 9pm (Sun to Thu) or 10pm (Fri, Sat and Dec 20 to 24). It costs $35 per car. Enter at the South Entrance off Route 106 North. You never leave your car, so it is ideal if walking is hard.
Every winter, the track that hosts NASCAR in New Hampshire turns into a drive-thru light show. You follow a route through displays of lights at your own pace, with the heater on and the radio playing.
For anyone who struggles with cold, ice or long walks, that is the whole appeal. There is no parking lot hike, no standing in line in the snow and no uneven paths. Grandparents, wheelchair users and young kids can all enjoy it together from the same seat.
Dates and hours
| When | Hours |
|---|---|
| Fridays and Saturdays | 4:30pm to 10pm |
| December 20 to 24 | 4:30pm to 10pm |
| Sundays to Thursdays | 4:30pm to 9pm |
| Sunday, December 13 | 6:30pm to 9pm (run and walk event first) |
The season runs from Thanksgiving night, November 26, 2026, to Sunday, January 3, 2027. Hours depend on the weather, and closures are posted by noon on the day.
Tickets and prices
- Car: $35
- Bus, limousine or RV: $60
- More than 15 people: add $2 per person
- Season pass: available, but not valid for buses, limos or RVs. See the Speedway site for the price.
You need one ticket per car, per visit. Tickets bought online are valid on any night the show is open, so you can pick a clear evening.
Getting there
The Speedway is at 1122 NH-106, Loudon, NH 03307, north of Concord. All traffic enters at the South Entrance, off Route 106 North. A food truck is open next to the Main Grandstand ticket booth from November 27 to January 3, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas evenings.
Why it suits limited mobility
Most holiday events in New England mean walking outdoors in the cold on paths that may be icy. Gift of Lights does not. You drive, you look, you go home.
- No walking at all unless you choose to stop at the food truck.
- Warm, seated and private. Good for anyone who tires easily or does not do well in crowds.
- You set the pace, so it is easy to take breaks.
Plan restroom stops before you arrive. The Speedway does not publish details on restrooms during the show, and the line of cars can be long on busy nights.
Visiting family for the holidays?
We rent wheelchairs, transport chairs, rollators and scooters by the day, so a visiting parent or grandparent can join in everything else on the holiday list. Oceans Mobility, 45 Ashworth Ave, Hampton Beach.
Tips for a better visit
- Go on a weeknight. Fridays, Saturdays and the week before Christmas are the busiest.
- Arrive at 4:30pm for the shortest line.
- Buy online so you can choose the night once you see the forecast.
- Fill up and use the restroom before you join the line.
Gift of Lights: FAQ
When is Gift of Lights 2026?
Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving) to Sunday, January 3, 2027, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. The show runs 39 nights.
What are the Gift of Lights hours?
Gates open at 4:30pm. The show runs until 10pm on Fridays, Saturdays and December 20 to 24, and until 9pm Sunday to Thursday. On Sunday, December 13 it opens at 6:30pm because of a run and walk event earlier that evening. All hours depend on the weather.
How much does Gift of Lights cost?
$35 per car, or $60 per bus, limousine or RV. Vehicles with more than 15 people pay $2 per extra person. Online tickets are good for any night the show is open. A season pass is also sold.
Which entrance do you use for Gift of Lights?
The South Entrance, off NH Route 106 North. All traffic must enter there.
Is Gift of Lights wheelchair accessible?
It is a drive-thru show, so you stay in your car the whole time. That makes it one of the easiest holiday events for anyone who cannot walk far or uses a wheelchair.
Is Gift of Lights open in bad weather?
Hours are weather dependent. If the show closes, the Speedway posts a notice by noon that day.
Keep planning
Sources
Checked November 11, 2026. Venues and towns change their rules; the official source always wins. Spot something out of date? Let us know.