Lights on the Lake
This is one of the best drive-through light displays in the State. 2 miles and thousands upon thousands of dazzling lights in fun and whimsical light displays that depict everyone’s favorite parts of the holiday season. Arrive between 3:30 – 4:30 pm every night to walk through the displays.
Open: November 13 – January 12, 2024 – 5 pm – 10 pm
Address: 6790 Onondaga Lake Pkwy, Liverpool
Gingerbread Village at Turning Stone Casino
This massive Gingerbread Village is made up of:
- 6,500 gingerbread pieces
- 2,500 Hershey’s Kisses
- 1,500 pounds of frosting
- 132 pounds of fondant
- 480 white chocolate KitKat bars
- 50 boxes of shredded wheat cereal
- 25 pounds of chocolate rock nuggets
Dates: Open Daily November 20th through New Year’s Day
Address: Turning Stone Casino – 5218 Patrick Rd, Verona, NY
Gingerbread Gallery – Erie Canal Museum
Gingerbread houses are one of the most delightful parts of the holiday season. For 36 years, people have been visiting the Erie Canal Museum to see some of the most unique and ornate gingerbread houses around. It is a favorite holiday tradition for many New York families.
Open: November 17 – January 7, 2024
Address: 318 Erie Boulevard East, Syracuse
Festival of Trees and Light at The Everson Museum of Art
Nothing is more Christmas-y than Christmas trees, and the Festival of Trees delivers that and more. The festival isn’t just trees; guests can expect to see live performances, crafts making, and a holiday marketplace.
Open: December 2nd – 16th
Address: 401 Harrison Street, Syracuse
Breakfast with Santa at Beaver Lake Nature Center
Join us for a hearty breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and local maple syrup and then enjoy a visit with Santa.
Dates: December 2nd & 9th 9am-12pm
Address: 8477 E Mud Lake Rd, Baldwinsville, NY,
Holiday Nights at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Visit the Zoo and see it transformed into a winter wonderland. Sing along with holiday carolers, visit Santa, gather around and warm up by glowing fire pits with family and friends, enjoy festive lighting, ice sculpture carving, animals, and much more!
Open: Fridays & Saturdays December 1st- December 16th – 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Address: 1 Conservation Pl, Syracuse
The Wild Winter Wonderland of Lights
Enjoy a walk-through holiday light show at the Wild Animal Park. Kids will love meeting Santa and the petting zoo and bounce houses, which will all be open and available during the event.
Open: November 22nd – January 1st, 2024 ~ 5 pm – 9 pm
Address: 7621 Lakeport Rd., Chittenango
Glimmer Nights at the Farmers’ Museum
Glimmer Nights, a six-week holiday light show extravaganza, will take place on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from November 24 – December 30. At Glimmer Nights, visitors of all ages will experience the museum as never before on a self-guided walking tour through a wonderland of elaborate, multi-colored light displays. The path winds through the museum’s Country Village and other areas, each creatively illuminated with a unique theme.
Open: November 24th – December 30th 5pm-8pm
Address: 5775 State Highway 80 (Lake Road), Cooperstown
Drive Thru Holiday of Lights – Santa’s Village
Enjoy the 5th Annual Otsego County Fair Drive Thru Holiday of Lights. This holiday light show is full of fun and whimsical light displays the entire family will enjoy.
Open: December 14th-16th and 18th-23rd ~ 6 pm -8 pm
Address: Otsego County Fair Grounds
Winter Zoobilee at the Utica Zoo
- 5 Game Stations With Prizes at Each
- Winter-Themed Craft Stations
- Campfires with Roasted Marshmallows
- Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Also Featured:
- LIVE Music from Max Scialdone from his NEW holiday album from 10 am – 12 pm
- A special performance from the Happy Haggs Dance Troupe of Central New York starting at 1pm
- Magic Shows from Jim Okey Magic Comedy throughout the day
Date: December 16th 10am -3pm
Address: 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica
The Polar Express Train Ride
Live the magic of the classic Polar Express Train Ride story with the Adirondack Railroad. Depart from Utica’s Union Station and travel north while being served hot chocolate and cookies. When you arrive at the North Pole, Santa will board the train to visit with each family, and give each child their first gift of Christmas in the form of a Silver Bell, just like in the book or movie!
Open: November 17-December 18, 2023
Address: 321 Main Street, Utica