In Upstate New York, the winter nights come alive with stunning holiday light displays. From the Adirondacks to the lower Hudson Valley, these magical shows start the celebrations early, adding a touch of grandeur to your festivities.
Here’s your guide to the top 10 enchanting displays, offering a brief on where to go, when, and how to get tickets. Let these mesmerizing lights brighten your holiday season with their captivating charm.
Upstate New York’s 10 Best Christmas Light Shows
1. ERDAJT’s Christmas Light Display
Where: 8 Patrick Drive, LaGrangeville
When: Lights on at 4:45 p.m. now through Dec. 28
Ticket: Free
The Gay family’s impressive display boasts over 720,000 lights. Witness this drive-thru show, enjoying the spectacle that syncs lights to music.
2. Lights on the Lake
Where: Onondaga Lake Park, 6751 Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. now through Jan. 12
Ticket: Prices vary; purchase tickets in advance on Lights on the Lake’s website
Enjoy a 2-mile-long drive-thru display at Onondaga Lake. This year it is featuring a whimsical Land of Oz, colorful arches, a fantasy forest, and more.
Learn more from here: Lights on the Lake: Holiday Light Show Update 2023
3. Wild Lights
Where: The Wild Center, 45 Museum Drive, Tupper Lake
When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from now to Feb. 24
Ticket: Tickets available online; prices vary
Experience music, lights, and nature at The Wild Center’s Wild Lights. Explore the decorated Wild Walk. And witness new holiday displays amidst the serene beauty of the Adirondacks.
4. Peace, Love & Lights
Where: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, 200 Hurd Rd, Bethel
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on selected dates from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31
Ticket: Prices vary; purchase tickets in advance on Bethel Woods’ website
This drive-thru event features themed areas like Groovy Way and an enchanted forest. Enjoy the dazzling lights in a setting rich with history.
5. RocLights at Victor Hills
Where: Victor Hills Golf Club, 1450 Brace Road, Victor
When: Dec. 2, Dec. 8-9, Dec. 14-24, Dec. 26, Dec. 30
Ticket: Tickets are available online; prices vary by vehicle size
Embark on a drive-thru adventure featuring an illuminated Candy Cane Lane, dinosaurs, and figure skaters. Join the event supporting the C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association.
6. Fairgrounds Festival of Lights
Where: The Fairgrounds, 5820 S. Park Ave., Hamburg
When: Dec. 1-3, Dec. 8-10, Dec. 15-23; Drive-thru days on Dec. 7, Dec. 14, Dec. 26-30
Ticket: Tickets available online; prices vary
Offering the both – drive-thru and walk-through experiences, this festival features a dance party with Frosty and a Disney-inspired light show. Undoubtedly, a magical spectacle for all visitors.
7. Poinsettias After Dark: Dimensions
Where: Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 S. Park Ave., West Seneca
When: Select nights in December, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Ticket: Tickets available online; prices vary
For all the plant enthusiasts, go explore this botanical garden after dark. This will be surrounded by a kaleidoscope of poinsettias adorned with fairy lights and reflective orbs.
8. Jungle Bells
Where: Animal Adventure Park, 85 Martin Hill Road, Harpursville
When: Thursday through Sunday, now to Dec. 30
Ticket: Included in general admission
Witness over 1.5 million lights while making merry with the Animal Adventure Park’s animals. Featuring giant caroling reindeer, brightly lit tunnels, and festive weekends with Santa – this trip is going to be memorable.
9. Winter Realms
Where: Charles R. Wood Park, 17 W. Brook Road, Lake George
When: Now through mid-February; check the website for the schedule
Ticket: Prices vary; children 3 and under enter free
With giant Igloo, an ice bar, and ice skating winter realms are really popular offering an enchanting experience. It also features a sculpture park this year.
10. Broome County Festival of Lights in Binghamton
Where: Otsiningo Park, 1 Ostiningo Park, Binghamton
When: Now through New Year’s Eve, Sunday to Thursday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Ticket: $25 per car
Experience a captivating light show accompanied by fireworks on special days. Along with visits from Satana Claus, adding extra cheer to this spectacular event.
Final Words
The holiday spirit shines brighter across Upstate New York with these top 10 mesmerizing Christmas light shows. Don’t miss these captivating light shows. Catch fireworks on special days, along with visits from Satana Claus, adding extra cheer to this spectacular event. Embrace the spirit of the holidays and bask in the brilliance of these spectacular light shows scattered across the beautiful landscapes of Upstate New York.