Nov 20, 2023

Nov 20, 2023
Nov 20, 2023

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Mahomet Light Tunnel

Mahomet Light Tunnel

Mahomet Light Tunnel

Mahomet, IL

Category:

Commercial

8

Team members

involved

Members involved

Members

involved

Client:

Mahomet Area Chamber of Commerce

Son of a Nutcracker Light Team

Designer

Being part of the Mahomet Village Christmas festival is our favorite way to kick off the holiday season. Seeing the joy on the kids' faces as Santa lights the tunnel is why we do what we do. It’s a privilege to create this experience for our community.

For the second year, we had the honor of creating the Mahomet Light Tunnel, a centerpiece of the town's Christmas celebration. Our vision was to create a breathtaking and immersive experience where families could feel completely surrounded by the magic of the holidays. The goal was to build not just a structure, but a destination that would create lasting memories for the entire community.

For the second year, we had the honor of creating the Mahomet Light Tunnel, a centerpiece of the town's Christmas celebration. Our vision was to create a breathtaking and immersive experience where families could feel completely surrounded by the magic of the holidays. The goal was to build not just a structure, but a destination that would create lasting memories for the entire community.

When we took over this project, we knew we wanted to elevate the experience. We replaced the previous installation's green wire with a brilliant white wire to perfectly match the tunnel's PVC frame. This deliberate choice makes the wiring virtually disappear, leaving only the pure, dazzling effect of more than 15,000 lights seemingly floating in the air.

When we took over this project, we knew we wanted to elevate the experience. We replaced the previous installation's green wire with a brilliant white wire to perfectly match the tunnel's PVC frame. This deliberate choice makes the wiring virtually disappear, leaving only the pure, dazzling effect of more than 15,000 lights seemingly floating in the air.

When we took over this project, we knew we wanted to elevate the experience. We replaced the previous installation's green wire with a brilliant white wire to perfectly match the tunnel's PVC frame. This deliberate choice makes the wiring virtually disappear, leaving only the pure, dazzling effect of more than 15,000 lights seemingly floating in the air.

Project gallery

Project gallery

Project gallery

Installation Highlights

The Walk-through Experience:

Stretching across Main St, the tunnel creates a spectacular pathway of light. Wrapping the entire structure in over 15,000 individual bulbs creates a fully immersive experience. As visitors walk through, they are surrounded on all sides by a brilliant, warm glow that makes for unforgettable photo opportunities and a truly magical stroll.

The Grand Lighting Ceremony:

The highlight of the project is its role in the Mahomet Village Christmas festival. We coordinate the grand lighting with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. As they lead the parade to the entrance, we illuminate the tunnel in four distinct segments, lighting their path as they walk through. The sight of hundreds of children and families following Santa into the glowing tunnel is the perfect start to the holiday season.

Unwavering Performance:

To ensure the tunnel remains a reliable attraction all winter long, we used the highest quality materials. The lights feature co-axial connectors, which create a secure, weather-resistant seal. This prevents bulbs from going out and ensures the tunnel stays shining brightly for everyone in town to enjoy, no matter the weather.

Installation Details

Color Palette

We chose a classic Warm White color palette to create a timeless, cozy, and enchanting atmosphere. This color provides a brilliant yet soft glow that is perfect for family photos and creates a welcoming ambiance for visitors of all ages.

Materials and Lighting

This installation features commercial-grade WeatherPRO™ 5mm Warm White LED Christmas Lights. With a 4" spacing, the over 15,000 bulbs provide maximum density and impact. These professional LEDs have a bulb lifespan of up to 100,000 hours, ensuring a long-lasting and reliable display. The choice of white wire was critical for blending the lights seamlessly into the structure.

Installation Technique

Our team meticulously wrapped every inch of the tunnel's PVC frame. The 4" spacing ensures a dense, continuous field of light with no gaps. Using white wire was a key strategic upgrade, making the structure itself secondary to the stunning visual effect and creating a cleaner, more magical appearance.

Community Impact:

The Mahomet Light Tunnel has quickly become a beloved holiday tradition. It serves as the grand finale to the village parade and a central gathering spot for the community throughout the season. We are thrilled and honored to be a part of this tradition and are already excited to create the light tunnel for 2025 and many years to come!