Lighthouse Point Park Fantasy of Lights Canceled Due To Storm Damage: Goodwill of Southern New England

From Goodwill of Southern New England:

NEW HAVEN, CT — Goodwill of Southern New England announced Monday "with deep regret and heavy hearts" that its signature annual holiday event, the Fantasy of Lights at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, will not take place for the 2026 season.

Severe storm damage sustained across Lighthouse Point Park has left the grounds unsafe for large-scale public access, leading the City of New Haven and the Department of Parks and Recreation to determine that the park cannot safely accommodate the drive-through event this year.

For more than three decades, the Fantasy of Lights has stood as an iconic holiday tradition for thousands of families across Connecticut and Rhode Island. The cancellation represents an unprecedented and painful pause for an event that has brought festive cheer, wonder, and multi-generational memories to the region for 31 consecutive seasons.

"We are deeply heartbroken to share that we cannot welcome our community, families, and friends to Lighthouse Point Park for our traditional light show this holiday season," said H. Richard Borer, Jr., President and CEO of Goodwill of Southern New England. "For over thirty years, the Fantasy of Lights has been so much more than a display of lights—it has been a treasured holiday tradition where parents, children, and grandparents gather to celebrate togetherness while uplifting our neighbors in need. While public safety and the restoration of the park must come first, this decision weighs heavily on every one of us. We share this disappointment profoundly with the thousands of families whose holiday memories are rooted in this event, and we are deeply sorry that we cannot host the full experience at the park this year."

The organization extends its deepest, most sincere gratitude to the dedicated network of supporters who have made the event possible year after year.

"We want to express our immense gratitude to our extraordinary volunteers, who have bundled up in freezing temperatures night after night to spread holiday joy," continued Borer. "We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our generous corporate sponsors, our partners at the City of New Haven, and especially the entire Lighthouse Point and East Shore neighborhood, whose warmth, patience, and hospitality have welcomed tens of thousands of visitors each season. You are the true heartbeat of this event."

To keep the holiday spirit shining and offer the community a meaningful moment of togetherness, Goodwill of Southern New England will host a small tree lighting ceremony at the Lighthouse Point Park pavilion on Thursday, November 19, beginning at 4:00 p.m. While the full drive-through light display cannot safely operate this year, this intimate gathering invites neighbors, volunteers, long-time attendees, and supporters to come together safely, share in the warmth of the season, and celebrate the enduring community bond that has illuminated the park for decades.

"Our gratitude to our volunteers, sponsors, and neighbors is immeasurable," said Alliyah Tropiano of Goodwill of Southern New England’s fundraising team. "While we will deeply miss seeing everyone at the gate each evening, our devotion to the community remains unshakable. Our team is actively exploring every possibility to return next year brighter and better than ever, adapting as needed to ensure this cherished tradition continues."

Beyond serving as a beloved family tradition, the Fantasy of Lights is Goodwill of Southern New England’s largest signature fundraising event. Proceeds from every vehicle admission and corporate sponsorship directly fund the organization’s person-centered employment training, educational programs, and essential support services, which empower more than 1,000 local individuals of all abilities—including those with disabilities and other barriers to employment—each year.

The unexpected cancellation leaves a critical funding shortfall for these life-changing community programs. Goodwill warmly invites community members and long-time attendees to help bridge this gap during the holiday season.

Supporters can make a direct, tax-deductible donation online at www.goodwillsne.org or support Goodwill’s social enterprise model by shopping and donating at Goodwill retail stores and donation centers across south-central and eastern Connecticut and Rhode Island. Every item donated and every purchase made at Goodwill retail locations directly generates vital revenue that is reinvested into workforce development, skills training, and employment opportunities for individuals striving for personal and financial independence.

About Goodwill of Southern New England

Goodwill of Southern New England is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals of all abilities that face barriers to employment by providing job training, education, and employment services. With a legacy spanning more than 160 years, Goodwill continues to foster independence, promote purpose, and strengthen communities across south-central and eastern Connecticut and all of Rhode Island. Proceeds from the sale of donated goods in our retail stores and from community fundraising events are reinvested directly into our mission-driven programs, creating new lives, opportunities, and futures for individuals throughout our community.