ENCHANT Christmas has become synonymous with twinkling holiday lights and an immersive experience that captures the festive spirit. Originating in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 2016, the event quickly expanded due to its massive success. As LeeAnne Stables, Chief Marketing Officer for ENCHANT, explained, “The first Enchant was produced on an empty field owned by the city in 2016. It was so successful, despite an opening night rainstorm, with over 30,000 people showing up, that it shut down traffic around the city.” It was soon determined that it would be best produced in a warmer climate, leading to a move to Dallas, Texas. The original Enchant theme was based on a storybook about a mischievous elf named Eddie, written by Kevin’s wife, LeAnne.
The concept behind this holiday phenomenon began with a simple idea. “The idea of building a ‘light maze’ (which is the showcase element of Enchant) originated with Kevin Johnston during a night out with friends in 2015,” Stables said of the mazes. “At the time, he had a business in Vancouver, B.C., installing creative lighting décor called LightEM Up.” This year, ENCHANT can be found in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
The World’s Largest Light Maze
The centerpiece of the ENCHANT experience is the massive, story-driven light maze, which rotates themes annually. “Each year Enchant debuts an all-new light Maze, with a special story theme based on the lore of ENCHANT,” Stables explained. “The elements of the Maze are conceived a year in advance, and designers are given the basic story theme and elements from which they design the actual light installations, and connect the elements to create a ‘searchable’ walk-through experience for guests.”
Across all locations, guests will find signature features that define the brand. “The 100-foot lighted tree is the centerpiece of the Maze,” Stables stated. “Additionally, we are now famous for our ever-white trees, 25-foot reindeer, and incredible RBG installations based on the show theme. Outside the Maze, we are the only holiday event that creates a ‘skating trail’ that winds around through lighted trees. And our light-up cocktail cups!”
Enchant on the West Coast
The holiday event offers distinct experiences in its California and Nevada locations. The Los Angeles installation takes place at Santa Anita Park, while Las Vegas hosts its event annually at the Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin.
No two ENCHANT experiences are truly the same, and each experience is a major production. “The show rolls into a city with over 30 trucks and takes over three weeks to assemble,” Stables explained. “This includes covering the playing field with a floor, all the lighting elements, as well as the construction of a custom ice skating trail, and over 100 special vendor huts, performance stages and décor over 10 acres.”
The Village Marketplace
ENCHANT allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in a holiday wonderland, which includes a vibrant village marketplace. Local food vendors and artisans provide perfect shopping and dining options. “We love and rely on local vendors in each city to bring the Village concept to life with creative products, makers, gifts and festive treats,” Stables noted. “We want to support local small businesses, and we search farmers’ markets and other places early in the year to reach out to businesses we think would be successful at Enchant.” This commitment ensures that the marketplace offers unique gifts and festive food that reflect the local community while complementing the global spectacle of the light maze. Visitors can also enjoy ice skating on the light-lined trail and family photos with Santa.
