Canceled Independence Day display is a sign of the times

Langley Lights the Night will not happen on July 4 this year.

By Kira Erickson • June 6, 2025 1:30 am
File photo by Peter Morton Last year’s Langley Lights the Night drone show was visible from the homes of many Langley residents.
File photo by Peter Morton Last year’s Langley Lights the Night drone show was visible from the homes of many Langley residents.

The (drone) show will not go on this year.

Langley Lights the Night, a display of colorful lights provided by a fleet of drones, will not happen on July 4 this year.

Langley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nicole Whittington-Johnson shared the news with the city council this week. In a press release, she cited a combination of limited volunteer availability, permitting and safety logistics and broader economic uncertainty as reasons for postponing this year’s show.

Last year’s inaugural Langley Lights the Night drew thousands of people to the Village by the Sea to see the aerial spectacle on the Fourth of July. The drones provided a unique alternative to a traditional fireworks show.

Chamber staff are already looking ahead to 2026, when the show might return. For those who are feeling generous, there is now a Community Spirit donation option on the chamber’s website, visitlangley.com.