Light Up the Season: Volunteer at The Lights of Christmas

As the holiday season draws near, The Lights of Christmas returns to Warm Beach Camp, transforming its grounds into a dazzling display of festive wonder. Behind the sparkling lights and joyful ambiance is a devoted team of over 60 nightly volunteers who make the magic happen.

This year, you’re invited to join that team—to volunteer at The Lights of Christmas and become part of something truly spectacular.

A Volunteer’s Perspective

“While serving as a volunteer at Warm Beach Christian Camp and Conference Center in late summer 2023, my husband and I caught “The Lights of Christmas” fever. This is a serious condition with only one cure: go and serve the whole season of The Lights of Christmas, and that’s just what we did.

The work in October and November was fun! We helped make set pieces, string lights, and deliver publicity to area churches and businesses. The wide eyes and O-shaped mouths of children and adults alike upon seeing costumed Santa and Mrs. Claus out in the community was the highlight of the pre-festival fun.

And then came the main event! Each night about 75 staff and volunteers gathered for devotions, prayer, and announcements before the gates opened. I’ll never forget a staff member’s singing of “Little Drummer Boy” in American sign language one night before we opened. No two nights were ever the same! The sense of excitement in the staff and volunteers as we waited for the opening of the gates was like the childhood feelings of anticipation that I experienced long ago.

The aromas of kettle corn and hot chocolate wafted through the parking lot of Joyland, where Kurt (my husband) was often stationed. Wearing his reflective vest, crazy Christmas hat, and waving his lighted wand, he treated guests to a joyful dance while directing them to their parking spots.

For two weeks, I giggled my way through being a “Joy Ambassador”, at the Joyland Activity Stop. There was a big “J” and “O”, lit up in green and white; a photo op for guests to enjoy. Many folks didn’t get that they were supposed to stand next to the letters with arms stretched overhead to make the “Y”. So, I gave them a little help and then snapped photos of them. Other nights I welcomed visitors to a tree-filled room where Bruce the Spruce, the Talking Christmas tree, shared his jokes to the amazement of guests who just couldn’t figure out how he worked. I won’t divulge the secret!

I also had the honor of being Mrs. Claus at the Santa’s Village Activity Stop for two weeks, sitting next to the big guy. Kids of all ages did the traditional thing—pictures with Santa. And guess who smiled the most—the parents!

It wouldn’t be a holiday event without the lights—over a million of them, they steal the show! But the most spectacular scene of all and the reason Kurt and I are passionate about this ministry, is the all-white, life-size, lighted Nativity scene. As cars round the bend, the playful music of the event changes to the triumphant Halleluia Chorus. The goose bumps on my arm weren’t due to the winter temperature but due to the Holy Spirit reaching hearts in celebration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. To God be the Glory!!!” Experience shared by volunteer Kay Kidwell.

Stories like this echo what others have shared. Over the last 5 years, over 700 volunteers and 159 staff have worked in roles like parking, greeting, ticketing, and costume characters—without their help, the event simply couldn’t happen.

Why Volunteer at The Lights of Christmas?

Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time—it’s about sharing hope, building community, and crafting memories. This annual Washington holiday tradition hosts volunteers that serve as the very heart of the event, greeting guests, distributing treats, helping behind the scenes, and more.

• Make a Positive Impact
  Volunteers help bring the Christmas story to life, creating a joyful, welcoming atmosphere for families, children, and visitors of all ages. As one volunteer reflected, “The event helps people surrounded by darkness see God’s light.” — and volunteers help turn that metaphor into reality.
• Earn Service Hours & Build Skills
  Many volunteers are students needing community service hours. And it’s not just hours—they will build practical skills in customer service, logistics, crowd management, and creative teamwork.
• Great For Groups & Camps
  Volunteers can come solo, with family, or as part of a larger group (church group, school club, business team). There are many roles suited for everyone who wants to serve. Groups of 5-15 have the option to participate in overnight service retreats which include housing, meals, devotionals, and evening volunteer assignments.

Why Your Time Matters
The Lights of Christmas is a beacon of community, faith, and joy during the winter season. Volunteers are not just helpers—they are storytellers, ambassadors, and hope-bringers. Volunteering at The Lights of Christmas connects you to something far greater than yourself, and the ripple effect of kindness spreads to every visitor who drives through the lighted route.

If you’ve ever wanted to give back in a meaningful, joyful way this holiday season, there’s no better place than The Lights of Christmas. Whether it’s your first year or your fifth, your involvement makes all the difference.

Want to be the light in the darkness this holiday season? Consider volunteering with The Lights of Christmas. For more information visit TheLightsofChristmas.com