One million LED lights and thousands of combined hours will bring the Veterans United Holiday Bright Lights/Holiday Nights drive-through light display to life for the sixth consecutive year at 550 Veterans United Drive in south Columbia.
The free community event runs December 10 through December 21.
In a news release announcing the 2025 lightshow, VU spokesman Chad Moller also said that the company’s annual light display, which has hosted some 80,000 visitors since the event began in 2020, will be discontinued after this year’s exhibit.
VU started the light display during the pandemic “as a way to safely bring cheer and connection” to the community, the news release stated.
“Bright Lights/Holiday Nights began as a way to lift spirits during an incredibly difficult time, and it’s grown into something really special,” said Ian Franz, director of culture for VU. “The event holds a special place in the hearts of our employees, who have loved sharing it with the community.”
Company leaders said the decision to discontinue the light display after 2025 comes as VU continues to experience strong business growth and community involvement. With new developments in the vicinity and the increase in traffic that follows, “it is no longer feasible for the lightshow to continue and still be good neighbors to those in the area,” the news release said.
VU officials emphasized that the transition reflects both logistical considerations — including nearby new housing and community facilities — and “a natural evolution toward new opportunities for celebration and giving back.” Company officials have not specified what those “new opportunities” might be.
Meanwhile, motorists can experience the 2025 display Monday through Friday from 7 to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. To avoid traffic backups, motorists are encouraged to drive through during less crowded times, which typically are after 8:30 pm each night.
No reservations are required, and admission is free. Updates will be posted on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VULights.
VU’s news release added, “Veterans United extends its heartfelt thanks to the community for embracing Bright Lights/Holiday Nights year after year and looks forward to celebrating one last dazzling holiday season together.”
At a Glance
- The one mile driving route welcomes roughly 1,000 cars per evening.
- Approximately 80,000 visitors have driven through the display in the first five years of the event.
- The 2025 display will feature more than one million LED lights across dozens of themed installations.
- Updates and community photos will be shared at facebook.com/VULights.
Traffic and Entry
The Columbia Police Department will assist with traffic flow. Vehicles should enter from the easternmost Veterans United Drive campus entrance (accessible only from Grindstone Boulevard/State Farm Parkway during event hours) and exit from the westernmost drive. A traffic map is available on the VULights Facebook page.
