Delano Light the Night is a volunteer run-nonprofit organization whose mission is to help bring joy and happiness to the community during the holiday season by decorating Central Park with a beautiful Christmas display.   

Delano Light the Night began in 2020 as a small memorial display created by Dorothy Zitzloff and her son Brad, in remembrance of Dorothy’s late husband/Brad’s father, Dave. What started as a family’s display of love, grew little by little each year, eventually expanding to what it is today. With over 1000 color changing pixl lights, interactive props, lighted archways, towering mega-trees, and a walking path lined by over 100 lighted trees sponsored and beautifully decorated by local families, businesses and community organizations, Delano’s Central Park transforms into a winter wonderland. The display continues to expand each year as new props and lights are added.    

Delano Light the Night’s display is open from Thanksgiving weekend through the end of December each year.  Throughout the month, there are events and activities that happen each weekend, including Christmas caroling, musical performances, firepits for making smores, a concession stand (located in the Splashpad building) a visit from the Delano Ambassadors and even pictures with Santa. In 2025, heated clear poly Igloos were added in the splash pad area, available to rent for a Christmas meal under the lights and catered from local restaurants.    

In 2024, the Zitloff family decided that the display had become too much to manage for just them and the friends who had been helping them, and a decision was made to seek help from the community.   Volunteers were recruited, and a committee of about 10 members was formed, headed by Dorothy and Brad.  Each year, the Light the Night committee members dedicate countless hours during the “off season” to advertising and fundraising efforts, repairing props, and planning the next display.   A display of this magnitude takes hundreds of man-hours to build and tear down each year.   Starting each October, the DLTN committee members begin assembling the display, working in the park each weekend.   Many more volunteers are recruited from local churches and community organizations to help during set-up.   For more information or to help volunteer, visit DLTN’s website at:    https://www.delanolightthenight.com.