BEHIND THE FILTER PODCAST
- Johnette Cruz

- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
After Dark Edition
After Dark Edition Hits the Road: Talking Lights, Laughs, and Viral Trends!
We took the After Dark Edition of the Podcast on a field trip, and what better first stop for the holiday season than a place where the lights shine brightest? This week, we're talking about everything from dazzling holiday spectacles to the wild world of social media trends, all while exploring one of Indianapolis's most exciting winter traditions.
Our first stop for the festive season is the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, home to the return of Christmas Nights of Lights!
This isn't just a holiday tradition; it's a massive undertaking featuring over one million synchronized LED lights. The show is set to run nightly from November 7th through December 31st, and the hype is real. As LeRoy Lewis III, Director of Community & Media Engagement, put it, they're adding new elements this year to make the show even more memorable.
While driving through the site of this light spectacular, the conversation naturally turned to all things new and trending.
The Christmas Nights of Lights is bringing some serious glow-up to 2025, including:
Three giant RGB Christmas trees creating a stunning centerpiece.
The impressive 180-foot-long Cosmic Wall of Lights.
Brand-new life-sized scenes, like a Nativity and a whimsical Candyland display.
A patriotic giant American Flag display.
Just as the Fairgrounds is adding dazzling new elements, we tackled the newest viral stories and social media trends dominating our feeds. We dissected some of the most bizarre and hilarious things blowing up online this week, discussed which trends will last, and which ones will fade faster than a cheap string of lights.
What's the connection? It's all about finding the things that make people stop, look, and share the joy—whether it’s an incredible light display or a hilarious 15-second video.
If you’re ready to see the spectacle we're talking about, here’s what you need to know:
When: Daily until December 31 (6:00 PM to 10:00 PM)
Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds (Entry via Gate 3 on 42nd Street)
Tickets: Online reservations are required! Prices vary by vehicle size (starting at $38 per car).
Stay tuned for our next stop as we continue our holiday season tour!
Watch or listen to the full episode below!
Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to this blog, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube for future episode releases! If you have a story, or would like to sponsor an episode please email Johnette at johnette@johnettecruz.com
~J



















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