Holiday Light Displays Illuminate Johnson City and Gray

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The holiday season is illuminating Northeast Tennessee with the opening of various Christmas light displays.

At the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray, Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland has launched its enchanting drive-through exhibition, featuring vibrant lights and tunnels that dance to the rhythm of Christmas tunes broadcasted on the radio.

Caleb Holden, the Light Show Manager, shared that Shadrack’s has introduced a fresh holiday theme this year.

“This season, our theme is the North Pole,” Holden explained. “All our lights are synchronized to complement the music as well.”

In other news, Jonesborough first responders recently rescued a cat that was frozen to a manhole cover.

“It was great, the music was perfect to all the displays that matched the music,” the family said. “We loved going through the tunnels with all the lights going across and with the themes, Waylon [our son] was trying to dance, which was fun.”

Another light display, CandyLand Christmas, opened this weekend at Founder’s Park in downtown Johnson City and features 180 multi-colored, decorated Christmas trees.

The trees are decorated by downtown businesses.

A couple of Candy Land visitors, Mallory Bryan and Evan Boyle, marked their second year visiting the trees, where they said it seems as if even more trees are decorated this year.

“It’s quite the spectacle, you can drive by and see them everywhere,” Boyle said. “Just looking at the trees, there might be more than the last time we came.”

Bryan told News Channel 11 it made her want to shop more in downtown businesses as it brings the community together.

“We’re going to keep coming as long we we’re here,” Bryan said. “It’s a nice community event, and it promotes the Johnson City community.”

Another group of Candy Land visitors, Sarah Matta and Austin Wingate, told News Channel 11 they are returning to their hometown, Johnson City, where they are excited for this year’s lit trees to continue the Christmas tradition.

“I’m from the area, but I’ve moved out of state, and it’s so fun to come back and see the trees and keep continuing that tradition as we come back,” Wingate said.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland is open every day from 6-10 p.m., and Candy Land Christmas is open through January 4th.

Viewers can submit their own holiday light displays to News Channel 11 for a chance to be featured on Holiday Lights Spectacular. Pictures and videos will be aired on Good Morning Tri-Cities, Daytime Tri-Cities, and First at 4 all of December.

To submit holiday light photos or video, email HolidayLights@WJHL.com or visit WJHL’s Holiday Lights Spectacular under the community tab.