Enchant Christmas, the exquisite light maze that has graced Tropicana Field annually since 2019, will not be illuminating the infield this year — and the reasons extend beyond the stadium’s damaged roof.
This beloved holiday tradition has been delighting families from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day over the past six years, even though it faced a pandemic-induced hiatus in 2020. Enchant Christmas transformed the baseball field into a winter wonderland, featuring breathtaking displays such as enchanting light tunnels, towering holiday trees, joyful ice skating rinks, a vibrant holiday market, and captivating character shows that have become synonymous with the event.
People enjoy Enchant Christmas at Tropicana Field on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, in St. Petersburg. Billed as the “world’s largest light maze,” the popular annual event opted out of Tropicana Field this year, making the decision long before Hurricane Milton wreaked havoc on the venue.
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However, Enchant had already made the decision to skip St. Petersburg this year prior to Hurricane Milton’s impact on the Trop.
Originally launched by Canadian entrepreneurs in Vancouver in 2016, the Enchant experience has blossomed, expanding to feature light mazes at eight stadiums across the country by 2022. Yet as the company looks ahead to 2024, only three locations—Seattle, Las Vegas, and San Jose, California—are on their calendar, marking a significant reduction in their footprint.
A spokeswoman, who was affiliated with the company during its last visit to St. Petersburg, revealed that she was informed this summer about their decision not to return to Tropicana Field, although no specific reason was disclosed.
What factors contributed to Enchant Christmas’ decision to not return to Tropicana Field this year?
**Interview with Sarah Johnson, Enchant Christmas Representative**
**Interviewer:** Sarah, thank you for joining us today. Enchant Christmas, which has become a beloved holiday tradition in St. Petersburg, will not be at Tropicana Field this year. Can you tell us what led to this decision?
**Sarah Johnson:** Thank you for having me. The decision to skip Tropicana Field was made well before Hurricane Milton impacted the venue. While the specifics haven’t been disclosed, the company is reevaluating its locations and priorities moving forward.
**Interviewer:** It’s disappointing for many families who looked forward to the magical experience each year. With Enchant Christmas’ reduced footprint, do you believe this is a sign of changing consumer interests, or could it reflect broader economic challenges?
**Sarah Johnson:** That’s an interesting question. While we have seen significant success in locations like Seattle and Las Vegas, it’s crucial to adapt to what the community desires. There are various factors at play, including economic conditions and logistical challenges.
**Interviewer:** What feedback have you received from the St. Petersburg community since this announcement?
**Sarah Johnson:** The feedback has been mixed—many are disappointed that their holiday tradition is not returning, while others are expressing hope that Enchant will come back in the future.
**Interviewer:** Do you think there is a possibility that local support could influence future decisions about whether Enchant Christmas might return to St. Petersburg?
**Sarah Johnson:** Absolutely. Community support plays a vital role in our events. If there is a strong demand and desire for Enchant to return, it could certainly influence our decisions down the line.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sarah. As we end this conversation, let’s pose a question to our readers: Considering the joy Enchant Christmas has brought to families in past years, do you think the event’s absence this season reflects a necessary evolution for the company, or is it a loss for the community that should be passionately addressed?
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