Carriage Rides are Unavailable Today
Due to poor weather conditions, carriage rides will be unavailable this evening for the safety of the horses, drivers and guests.
Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights is STILL OPEN for regular vehicles.
Andy, Elf in the Park has returned from the North Pole and it’s your turn to tell us where he is somewhere in the park each week. He will be changing locations throughout the season so you’ll want to come back to find him on your next trip. Your efforts will be rewarded by entering our contest to find Andy. You might win Showplace movie tickets, a $50 gift VISA gift card from Liberty Federal, a $50 gift card from Ritzy’s, Tickets to an Evansville Thunderbolts game or enjoy some exuberant jumping time at Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Please see our separate page for Andy for more details. In the meantime, keep your eyes open and start looking for this festive and mischievous elf. You just never know where he’s going to show up next.
Enter the Bosse Field parking lot on Heidelbach Avenue, park your car and take a quick photo under our new Snowflake Arch. Sponsored by Berry Global, this new Photo Op is great for taking a snapshot of your time at Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights. Be careful of guidewires as you step under the arch.
Please DO NOT stop along the drive-through route to take a photo. You MUST be parked in the parking lot and walk over to the arch. The arch faces the baseball stadium, Bosse Field.
The elves from IBEW Local 16, JATC and NECA are here to celebrate the opening of Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights. From the beautifully decorated trees to the friendly reindeer, Garvin Park will be a celebration of the holidays for everyone! Look at this first display with every light and ornament in place! Thank you to the Power of 3: IBEW Local 16, JATC and NECA! Easterseals is so grateful for the expertise and generosity of the Power of 3 for helping to raise therapy funds for children and adults with disabilities. Since the beginning, these wonderful men and women have raised more than $4.5 million dollars for those in need!
From the tallest light display to the smallest light bulb, the Power of 3: IBEW Local 16, JATC and NECA, are constantly keeping the lights on. It is definitely a team effort and Easterseals is so thankful for their talent and expertise.
It’s almost like the men and women of IBEW Local 16, JATC and NECA have magical juggling skills every time Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights appears each year. One day the lights are safely in storage and the next day, the electricity is turned on and it’s the holiday season in full bloom! Actually, it IS magical!!
The electrician elves are getting the stars on tops of the trees and turning on the lights! You wouldn’t believe the number of cords and light bulbs it takes to make an entire park sparkle so brightly!
Even the reindeer get to work at Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights every year. We know a certain electrician loves cats more than anything, yet Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights looks to Rudolph and his vast network of reindeer to get Santa’s workload done each year!
It takes lots of lifts, bucket trucks, ladders and electrical cords to get more than 80 light displays powered up! Enjoy your ride through Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights tonight!
It’s our new Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights logo light display! We’re celebrating 31 years and we want to shine bright and keep the magic of the holidays glistening! Our title sponsor, Ritzy’s Luxury Grill & Ice Creams, is the driving force behind Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights. Andy Guagenti, founder of Ritzy’s, brought the idea of a light display event to Evansville starting with 26 displays. Now with more than 80 displays, Ritzy’s continues to be an exceptional supporter of Easterseals and generously donates time and financial support. Plus, annually Ritzy’s provides lunches to our IBEW/JATC/NECA/Teamsters/Operating Engineer volunteers during set-up and tear down days…that’s more than 9,650 meals since 1994.
Seven beautiful lighted trees are placed at the end of North Main Street as the starting point for your drive. Each tree sequences separately allowing a brilliant array of color and twinkling lights. This intricate display boasts thousands of bulbs and the tallest tree is more than 20 feet tall.
To celebrate the Penguins of Patagonia exhibit at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, this display features a penguin couple. The couple was added in 2019 in anticipation of welcoming the real live penguins that arrived at the zoo in October 2021.
The wonderful story of the Nutcracker is illustrated in this new display with a whimsical twist of the tale…all of our characters are mice! From the precious gift of the Nutcracker and the impending stroke of midnight on the grandfather clock, to the sword fight with the notorious Rat King, the scenes of this special story are unveiled. We see the celebration of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince dancing their way through the snow covered hills of the Land of Sweets and our mice soldiers stand guard to keep all safe and happy. The dazzling Nutcracker story comes to life in this exquisite and delightful display. Sponsored by a generous friends of Easterseals, RodentPro is headquartered right here in Evansville, IN.
Salute our two toy soldiers as you drive by these tall displays. Each stands on either side of the street and welcomes visitors to enjoy the dozens of displays throughout the park.
Flying bears with balloons and a juggling bear make this long time display a favorite. The bears bring a bit of the circus fun to Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights. Enjoy these characters as they entertain you!
Santa is playing the 12 days of Christmas at his grand piano! He is a marvelous musician and if you start singing now, you’ll finish the song by the end of your drive! This display brightens the night sky each evening.
An amazing group of Easterseals supporters, Team 5:15 Cycling, sponsors this energetic display. Why 5:15, you ask? They bike at 5:15 AM and get their miles in early so they can partake in some delicious holiday meals and desserts!
Who doesn’t love a bubble bath and getting all wrapped up in a blanket for a nighttime story. This elf is ready to make his reindeer sparkling clean and get the hot chocolate ready for ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas!
Santa is getting ready for the holidays and he’s making sure his tank is filled before he stops by for Mrs. Claus to join him. Just look at that hot rod – it’s one of Santa’s favorites!
The IUOE Local 181 Operating Engineers spend hours and hours each year helping with set up and tear down on all of the displays in Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights. We thank them so much for their generous spirit. With this display, IUOE Local 181 steadfastly makes sure the star makes it to the top of the tree for the holidays using their trusty forklift. Can you hear it beeping as they get it into position to get it just right and shining bright? Oh, it’s perfect!
It’s that time of the year to find the absolute best Christmas tree. The snowman and snowwoman are delighted with their choice as they drive by in their shiny red truck and wave at their pal. It’s no wonder Expressway Auto chose this cheerful light display with its spinning wheels and friendly companions. It’s always a terrific time when selecting the best tree as well as driving the roads to see all the beautiful holiday lights. Hey, tell the family and your friends and share the joy of Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights with them!
Even when there is a chill in the air, we like to celebrate spring and summer. The Hummingbird and Flower promises the sunshine and warmth for next year and reminds visitors that the circle of life continues.
New in 2024, we have the perfect addition to Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights with our very own drone lighting the night sky! Sponsored by the area’s spectacular video producer, Evansville Aerial, the giant drone dazzles with lights in an amazing 3D light display. Watch as the blinking lights start alerting Santa’s sleigh where to deliver those gifts!
Peaceful swans are floating near the twinkling fountain down by the lake. The display is animated with the swans’ wings as well as the twinkling lights on the fountain illustrating moving water.
Love is in the air at the Reindeer Soda Shoppe where our two deer friends are sharing their soda and gazing at each other. With animation in the straw, you can almost taste the delicious drink while smiling at these sweet friends.
Watch as the Jack-in-the-Box pops out as you drive by! This classic set of toys is a favorite. Plus, if you listen, you’ll hear the elephant drumming the Little Drummer Boy oh so sweetly! Enjoy!
Watch out or you’re going to get bonked on the head. Oops, it happened again. Our penguin duo are special friends, but they certainly don’t want to miss having a snowball fight whenever they have a chance. Don’t worry, they will be forever friends no matter how many times that snowball lands. Our friends at Shepherd Insurance are new to Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights this year and we welcome them with open arms – and maybe even a friendly snowball if we get a chance! Thank you for your wonderful support of Easterseals.
Celebrating the Life of Amara Tucker is the focus of this delightful display. Amara is seen dancing on a colorful rainbow amid the clouds and twinkling stars, looking happy and friendly to all.
Honoring the life of Andrew Nash, this memorable light display is a cornerstone for Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights and the mission of Easterseals. Our little boy enjoys decorating the tree with his fabulous bear friends, including topping the tree with a festive star.
It takes quite a bit of time to get the semi loaded with all the special gifts for everyone around the world. We are immensely grateful for this hard working elf as he carefully packs the semi with love and care!
The bunnies are on track to deliver gifts to one and all! Animated gifts bounce their way from the holiday truck to our friendly bunny in charge as he waves to you. If you are possibly thinking Bunny Bread, you’re right, check out the generous sponsor!
Hey kids, check out the new house for our reindeer! Smiling from antler to antler, our reindeer enjoy pleasant evenings under the protective roof of their new house waiting for Christmas to arrive each and every year.
Our energetic elf is getting the gift boxes ready for Santa’s sleigh! He sure knows how to get the job done quickly and without one package on the ground! We’re thrilled with this amazing new display!
He’s on the slopes and just gliding on the top of the glistening snow. We think he’s looking at an Olympic run for 2028, so keep an eye on our Snowboarding Snowman this year!
We cherish our caring Nurse as she helps our little Teddy Bear. Watch as she makes sure his ear is all better and sealed with an amazing smile. We’re excited comfort, healing and tender loving care is featured in this endearing display!
Today’s Risk Takers are Tomorrow’s Change Makers! As the motto for the McCutchanville Elementary School Mustangs, our energetic Elf takes a risk with his ski jumping talents and then lands with amazing precision! Great job!
Oh, the ants are getting ready for a feast. Happily marching together, these trio of ants will be having a sweet party with their family and friends once they gather all the goodies!
Santa is perfecting his shots! Watch as the scoops of ice cream land perfectly in the giant Ritzy’s cone. Santa still has it and he’s going for a triple. Oh, and don’t forget a cheeseburger and fries from Ritzy’s. Hey, this is making us hungry! Thank you to Ritzy’s, our very generous title sponsor and incredible friend of Easterseals!
Rudolph is getting in shape for the big ride around the world with Santa. You wouldn’t believe the number of miles that he does on the treadmill each week, but our Elf Fitness Trainer keeps track of it so Rudolph doesn’t overdo it. Rudolph gets sooooo excited!
As an incredible farmer as well as an avid attendee of Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights, Bill Ramsey is honored by his family with this new display, Tractor Gift Baler. We celebrate with the Ramsey families the life of Bill Ramsey and will enjoy watching the Elf farmer taking care of his gifts for Santa!
Donated in 2021 to Easterseals by the Dream Center of Evansville, our new Nativity scene gathers 12 different characters and celebrates the holiday season with peace and love.
The animals are on the loose and we’ve got to catch them. Actually, this is their hill in the park and they are just fine! Can you count 12 different characters, some with animation and others towering over their smaller friends? This displays started with just a handful of animals, but has grown through the years to the delight of many!
We celebrate the life of Jeb Nicholas Gourley with this special display. Jeb was “all boy” and loved playing outside. If there was a frog or turtle in sight, he wouldn’t hesitate to scoop it up or maybe even stick it in his pocket. He could also make the BEST humpback whale sound, ever! So, it’s only fitting the trio are forever illuminated. We wish everyone the wonder and magic of this holiday season!
Oh my, love is in the air for this sweet little girl and her special reindeer friend! Katie Diane Fisher loved Disney and Princesses, especially Cinderella, and we can see the special bond this cute couple has in remembrance of Katie. Katie’s family celebrates her life with hearts and kisses and everything magical!
Our Snow Angel is in memory of a joyful little boy, Mason Lee Mileham. Mason was an energetic boy who loved his family and enjoyed having fun! Having passed away at age 6 on April 19, 2022, Mason will always be in the hearts and minds of his family and friends. His Grandfather, John Rohlman, has shared his love of Mason with this beautiful display and knows Mason is his Angel.
Dennis Rowe was a passionate and accomplished artist as well as a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. His wife Kathy is honoring Dennis with our artist Elf who is painting this delicate ornament with care. Dennis painted Evansville landmarks and other locales and loved to travel. His love for his wife Kathy, his children Todd (Shenae) and Matt (Ben) and very much for his grandchildren, Elorie and Ethan, was what made his art and life so exceptional.
The Evansville community is blessed with the many gifts The Engelbrecht Family have shared with the Tri-State. J.P. Engelbrecht honors his family with this very entertaining and warm snowman! With their current ownership of South Central Incorporated and past ownership of South Central Communications, it is only fitting that our Snowman is getting ready for some holiday entertainment and a bit of festive cheer as he warms himself by the fire.
Reagan Burge is dear to the heart of her grandmother, Maria Bayer, and to all of her family. The Christmas Tree is here to honor Reagan’s memory. We celebrate the holiday season with the Tri-State and hope everyone stays close to family and friends! From the colorful bulbs to the glistening star on top, our Christmas Tree is ready to shine and bring a smile to each visitor’s face.
One of the best moments in a holiday movie is the dare to touch one’s tongue on a pole in the very cold outdoors. Our boy has taken that dare and seems to be stuck! Paula and Bob Guzzo are sharing this classic scene in memory of their amazing son, Scott Guzzo. The movie was one of Scott’s favorites and he laughed and enjoyed this scene each time it came on screen. Scott had a big and wonderful personality and was bigger-than-life in every social setting. He loved to travel, listen to music and was very proud of his long list of celebrities that he met in his very active 39 years.
Can you smell the sweet gingerbread cookies as they come out of the oven? Mmmmm… so good! Our gingerbread people and their life size candy lollipops and gumdrop trees are just the perfect holiday treat. The display, located along the far end of the lake in Garvin Park, gives our gingerbread people a great view of all the Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights displays. Enjoy!
It’s our snowman and all of his giant gifts just waiting to say hello! Wave back to him and start dreaming of those gifts you would like to see under your tree. Maybe it’s just a white Christmas you want, well, our Snowman has some snowflakes to make it beautiful, too!
Joy to the Wild! From the forest animals to the campfire, this is just a special event for a very special child. Our little boy, Bryson, is enjoying quiet time with Santa and taking in the warmth of the fire. Even more, the marshmallows are toasting and the hot dogs are getting done just right so the two can sit back and have a delicious meal. Bryson and Santa will be sleeping soundly in their tents tonight so wish them sweet dreams!
Due to poor weather conditions, carriage rides will be unavailable this evening for the safety of the horses, drivers and guests.
Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights is STILL OPEN for regular vehicles.