There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by checking out some of the amazing Christmas events in New York. There are tons of places to view Christmas lights in New York during the holiday season – so much so, that it’d be easy to overlook a few. And we’d hate for you to miss out on the best Christmas light displays in New York, so we set out to find only the most dazzling and spectacular displays to share with you. You can check out the list below to learn all about them, and make your holiday season a little brighter this year.
- Capital Holiday Lights - Albany
Wikimedia Commons Editor’s Note: This year, unfortunately Capital Holiday Lights may not be open due to a lack of venue. Visit the Capital Holiday Lights website for updates. Right in the heart of Albany in Washington Park, you’ll find the Capital Holiday Lights, which runs from late-November through early-January! Drive through the park to see over 100 light displays from the comfort of your car. Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, vary in price, depending on the number of passengers in your vehicle. The show is open on select nights. Madison Avenue, Madison Ave, STUYVSNT PLZ, NY 12203, USA
- Lights on the Lake - Liverpool
OnondagaCountyParks/YouTube What most of our residents would consider to be one of the best Christmas light shows in New York, the Lights on the Lake holiday display never disappoints. Featuring a fantasy forest, larger-than-life Land of Oz, colorful section arches, memorable animated scenes, and a fairy tale magic grand finale, you won’t want to miss out on this! It’s open from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., mid-November until mid-January. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 6790 Onondaga Lake Pkwy, Liverpool, NY 13088, USA
- Parade of Lights - Corning
Rochelle Media Works/YouTube One of the most charming Christmas events in New York, this festive event kicks off with the lighting of both the Centerway Square and Bridge Street trees. The Parade of Lights in Corning will follow right after. Corning’s Gaffer District has made this unforgettable parade a tradition for over 20 years; it’s something locals look forward to every season. Beginning near Riverside Drive, the parade, which goes over the bridge and ends on Market Street, features dozens of glowing floats and displays. Corning, NY 14830, USA
- Westchester Winter Wonderland - Valhalla
quita71/YouTube Held for the first time in 2012, Westchester Winter Wonderland is a relatively new tradition to the area; however, it’s a spectacular seasonal festival that shouldn’t be missed. The festive affair takes place at Kensico Dam Plaza, not too far from the North Kensico Christmas Light Show. A true holiday extravaganza, the event includes 1.2 miles of holiday lights with Elf Disco, a whimsical display of jubilant children from around the world, a breathtaking Peace on Earth LED display with animated trumpets and angels, and two 30-foot snowflakes that light up the largest holiday Christmas tree in Westchester. 1 Bronx River Pkwy, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
- Fairgrounds Festival of Lights - Hamburg
Lee Ruk/Flickr Take a drive out to the town of Hamburg in Erie County and you’ll be able to see for yourself western New York’s largest holiday festival. The beloved annual event is open on select nights throughout December. Use the south entrance of the Hamburg-Erie County Fairgrounds to begin your 1-mile long drive through the display, where you can see the gorgeous lights up-close. Visit the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights website for tickets and dates of this year’s festival. 5820 South Park Ave, Hamburg, NY 14075, USA
- Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Light Show - Shirley
Girl Scouts of Suffolk County/YouTube Located in Smith Point County Park in the hamlet of Shirley, the girl scouts of Suffolk County have been putting on this incredible holiday light show for over 10 years now. Only accepting credit cards, all of the proceeds from the show go directly to services for children. The display is open on select nights, from late-November to early-January. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Visit the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Light Show webpage for this year’s dates and tickets. Smith Point County Park, 1 William Floyd Pkwy, Shirley, NY 11967, USA
- A Frosty Fest - Ulster Park
A Frosty Fest/Facebook Just south of Kingston along the Hudson River at the Headless Horseman Hayrides on Broadway, you can visit one of the best Christmas light displays in New York, otherwise known as A Frosty Fest. The annual festival features 12 attractions, some of which can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car. Reservations aren’t required, but are strongly recommended, as this is one of the most popular Christmas events in New York. 778 Broadway, Ulster Park, NY 12487, USA
So, what do you think? Are these the best Christmas light displays in New York? Did we miss any of your favorite New York Christmas lights? Is there a holiday light display that you love to revisit every year? Feel free to reach out and let us know about it!
Wikimedia Commons
Editor’s Note: This year, unfortunately Capital Holiday Lights may not be open due to a lack of venue. Visit the Capital Holiday Lights website for updates. Right in the heart of Albany in Washington Park, you’ll find the Capital Holiday Lights, which runs from late-November through early-January! Drive through the park to see over 100 light displays from the comfort of your car. Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, vary in price, depending on the number of passengers in your vehicle. The show is open on select nights.
Madison Avenue, Madison Ave, STUYVSNT PLZ, NY 12203, USA
OnondagaCountyParks/YouTube
What most of our residents would consider to be one of the best Christmas light shows in New York, the Lights on the Lake holiday display never disappoints. Featuring a fantasy forest, larger-than-life Land of Oz, colorful section arches, memorable animated scenes, and a fairy tale magic grand finale, you won’t want to miss out on this! It’s open from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., mid-November until mid-January. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
6790 Onondaga Lake Pkwy, Liverpool, NY 13088, USA
Rochelle Media Works/YouTube
One of the most charming Christmas events in New York, this festive event kicks off with the lighting of both the Centerway Square and Bridge Street trees. The Parade of Lights in Corning will follow right after. Corning’s Gaffer District has made this unforgettable parade a tradition for over 20 years; it’s something locals look forward to every season. Beginning near Riverside Drive, the parade, which goes over the bridge and ends on Market Street, features dozens of glowing floats and displays.
Corning, NY 14830, USA
quita71/YouTube
Held for the first time in 2012, Westchester Winter Wonderland is a relatively new tradition to the area; however, it’s a spectacular seasonal festival that shouldn’t be missed. The festive affair takes place at Kensico Dam Plaza, not too far from the North Kensico Christmas Light Show. A true holiday extravaganza, the event includes 1.2 miles of holiday lights with Elf Disco, a whimsical display of jubilant children from around the world, a breathtaking Peace on Earth LED display with animated trumpets and angels, and two 30-foot snowflakes that light up the largest holiday Christmas tree in Westchester.
1 Bronx River Pkwy, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
Lee Ruk/Flickr
Take a drive out to the town of Hamburg in Erie County and you’ll be able to see for yourself western New York’s largest holiday festival. The beloved annual event is open on select nights throughout December. Use the south entrance of the Hamburg-Erie County Fairgrounds to begin your 1-mile long drive through the display, where you can see the gorgeous lights up-close. Visit the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights website for tickets and dates of this year’s festival.
5820 South Park Ave, Hamburg, NY 14075, USA
Girl Scouts of Suffolk County/YouTube
Located in Smith Point County Park in the hamlet of Shirley, the girl scouts of Suffolk County have been putting on this incredible holiday light show for over 10 years now. Only accepting credit cards, all of the proceeds from the show go directly to services for children. The display is open on select nights, from late-November to early-January. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Visit the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Light Show webpage for this year’s dates and tickets.
Smith Point County Park, 1 William Floyd Pkwy, Shirley, NY 11967, USA
A Frosty Fest/Facebook
Just south of Kingston along the Hudson River at the Headless Horseman Hayrides on Broadway, you can visit one of the best Christmas light displays in New York, otherwise known as A Frosty Fest. The annual festival features 12 attractions, some of which can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car. Reservations aren’t required, but are strongly recommended, as this is one of the most popular Christmas events in New York.
778 Broadway, Ulster Park, NY 12487, USA
For more seasonal fun, take a look at these New York Christmas cities.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Christmas Light Displays In New York November 16, 2021 Daniella DiRienzo What are some other can’t-miss Christmas events in New York? When it comes to Christmas events in New York, one that shouldn’t be missed is the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. A holiday favorite, the annual event is comprised of about 60 shopping and food kiosks. The highlight of the event, though, is a 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink, which, by the way, is New York City’s only admission-free ice skating rink. There’s also a rink-side pop-up restaurant known as The Lodge Deck, which serves up festive cocktails and hearty dishes. The holiday light show at the Bronx Zoo is also among the can’t-miss Christmas events in New York. The seasonal display is comprised of sparkling, animated lights and LED displays of animals. Sure to impress, the dazzling display features more than 200 animal-themed lanterns, representing wildlife from various corners of the world. In addition to the mesmerizing lights, guests can enjoy holiday-themed music, ice carvings, stilt walkers, costumed characters, a wildlife theater, holiday train, seasonal treats, and more. Where else can I view Christmas lights in New York? When searching for Christmas lights near me, don’t overlook the New York Botanical Garden Glow. Though still a fairly new event (it was held for the first time in winter 2020-2021), it’s easily one of the best displays of Christmas lights in New York. During the dazzling outdoor light experience, the garden’s grounds are set aglow with thousands of energy-efficient LEDs and festive installations. Easy to navigate, a 1.5-mile trail winds through the display, ensuring you don’t miss any of the whimsical, picture-perfect installations. The fun doesn’t end with the lights, though. There are also dance performances, ice carving demonstrations, and other seasonal activities. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Prospect Heights is also a great place to view Christmas lights in New York. Held on select nights November through January, the “illuminated light spectacular,” otherwise known as Lightscape, features a 1-mile winding trail lined with brilliant displays. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Learn more here. What other holiday shows are among the best Christmas light displays in New York? The best Christmas light displays in New York aren’t limited to the shows mentioned above. There are several other holiday events worthy of being deemed among the best Christmas light displays in New York, including Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. Since its start, the Brooklyn display, which includes numerous homes in the Dyker Heights neighborhood, has grown into one of the top and most beloved Christmas events in New York. When it comes to viewing the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, you have a few options, including walking and bus tours. Learn more here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Christmas Light Displays In New York
November 16, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo
What are some other can’t-miss Christmas events in New York? When it comes to Christmas events in New York, one that shouldn’t be missed is the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. A holiday favorite, the annual event is comprised of about 60 shopping and food kiosks. The highlight of the event, though, is a 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink, which, by the way, is New York City’s only admission-free ice skating rink. There’s also a rink-side pop-up restaurant known as The Lodge Deck, which serves up festive cocktails and hearty dishes. The holiday light show at the Bronx Zoo is also among the can’t-miss Christmas events in New York. The seasonal display is comprised of sparkling, animated lights and LED displays of animals. Sure to impress, the dazzling display features more than 200 animal-themed lanterns, representing wildlife from various corners of the world. In addition to the mesmerizing lights, guests can enjoy holiday-themed music, ice carvings, stilt walkers, costumed characters, a wildlife theater, holiday train, seasonal treats, and more. Where else can I view Christmas lights in New York? When searching for Christmas lights near me, don’t overlook the New York Botanical Garden Glow. Though still a fairly new event (it was held for the first time in winter 2020-2021), it’s easily one of the best displays of Christmas lights in New York. During the dazzling outdoor light experience, the garden’s grounds are set aglow with thousands of energy-efficient LEDs and festive installations. Easy to navigate, a 1.5-mile trail winds through the display, ensuring you don’t miss any of the whimsical, picture-perfect installations. The fun doesn’t end with the lights, though. There are also dance performances, ice carving demonstrations, and other seasonal activities. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Prospect Heights is also a great place to view Christmas lights in New York. Held on select nights November through January, the “illuminated light spectacular,” otherwise known as Lightscape, features a 1-mile winding trail lined with brilliant displays. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Learn more here. What other holiday shows are among the best Christmas light displays in New York? The best Christmas light displays in New York aren’t limited to the shows mentioned above. There are several other holiday events worthy of being deemed among the best Christmas light displays in New York, including Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. Since its start, the Brooklyn display, which includes numerous homes in the Dyker Heights neighborhood, has grown into one of the top and most beloved Christmas events in New York. When it comes to viewing the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, you have a few options, including walking and bus tours. Learn more here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When it comes to Christmas events in New York, one that shouldn’t be missed is the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. A holiday favorite, the annual event is comprised of about 60 shopping and food kiosks. The highlight of the event, though, is a 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink, which, by the way, is New York City’s only admission-free ice skating rink. There’s also a rink-side pop-up restaurant known as The Lodge Deck, which serves up festive cocktails and hearty dishes. The holiday light show at the Bronx Zoo is also among the can’t-miss Christmas events in New York. The seasonal display is comprised of sparkling, animated lights and LED displays of animals. Sure to impress, the dazzling display features more than 200 animal-themed lanterns, representing wildlife from various corners of the world. In addition to the mesmerizing lights, guests can enjoy holiday-themed music, ice carvings, stilt walkers, costumed characters, a wildlife theater, holiday train, seasonal treats, and more.
Where else can I view Christmas lights in New York?
When searching for Christmas lights near me, don’t overlook the New York Botanical Garden Glow. Though still a fairly new event (it was held for the first time in winter 2020-2021), it’s easily one of the best displays of Christmas lights in New York. During the dazzling outdoor light experience, the garden’s grounds are set aglow with thousands of energy-efficient LEDs and festive installations. Easy to navigate, a 1.5-mile trail winds through the display, ensuring you don’t miss any of the whimsical, picture-perfect installations. The fun doesn’t end with the lights, though. There are also dance performances, ice carving demonstrations, and other seasonal activities. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Prospect Heights is also a great place to view Christmas lights in New York. Held on select nights November through January, the “illuminated light spectacular,” otherwise known as Lightscape, features a 1-mile winding trail lined with brilliant displays. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Learn more here.
What other holiday shows are among the best Christmas light displays in New York?
The best Christmas light displays in New York aren’t limited to the shows mentioned above. There are several other holiday events worthy of being deemed among the best Christmas light displays in New York, including Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. Since its start, the Brooklyn display, which includes numerous homes in the Dyker Heights neighborhood, has grown into one of the top and most beloved Christmas events in New York. When it comes to viewing the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, you have a few options, including walking and bus tours. Learn more here.
