Fairgrounds Festival of Lights announces new holiday competitions & community giving initiatives

Press Release

The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights is thrilled to announce it will host four holiday competitions during the 2024 event. Like the Erie County Fair, exhibitors will have the chance to compete for ribbons and cash prizes by entering creative work or joining on-the-spot competitions. Festival of Lights attendees will have the opportunity to view the entries on display inside of the “Winter Wonderland Workshop.” Plus, festivalgoers can witness the on-the-spot competitions happen live when visiting the festival on Dec. 8 and 15.

“We’re excited to add competitions back to the Festival of Lights event after a several-year hiatus,” CEO Jessica Underberg said. “The Festival of Lights competitions provide the opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their creative talents, compete for cash prizes, and add to the magic at the Fairgrounds this holiday season.”

Festival of Lights competitions

•Holiday blanket contest: Help us warm up our community! The holiday blanket contest provides an opportunity for competitors to create a holiday- or winter-themed blanket while giving back to the community. All blankets will be showcased throughout the festival, and at the event’s conclusion, will be donated to Friends of the Night People. Competition classes include quilts, afghans, crochet, knit, tie, T-shirt and sweatshirt blankets. Open to ages 5 and up. Online registration deadline is Nov. 8 and blanket drop-off is Nov. 18. Competitors pay one price of $15 for an unlimited number of entries in festival contests. Entry registration includes a $15 discount off the “Full Experience Carload Ticket” priced at $33.90. 

•Holiday photography contest: Capture the spirit of the season! There are three photography divisions, including junior (ages 5-17), non-professional (ages 18-plus) and professional (ages 18-plus). Photographers can submit up to five photos (entries), and each entry must represent a different class (full class listing can be found on the festival’s competition webpage). Top photos from each division will be displayed during the festival on an electronic screen. Online registration deadline is Nov. 8 and online photo submission is Nov. 18. Competitors pay one price of $15 for an unlimited number of entries in festival contests. Entry registration includes a $15 discount off the “Full Experience Carload Ticket” priced at $33.90.

•On-the-spot holiday wreath decorating contest on Dec. 8: Show off your wreath-decorating skills live at the festival! There are three divisions including junior (5-17), non-professional (ages 18-plus) and professional (ages 18-plus). Wreath, floral wire, decorations and tools will be provided. Competitors will have one hour to decorate their wreath. Limited spots are available. This live competition takes place at 6 p.m. Dec. 8. Sign-up online by Dec. 6. Registration is free for this contest, but requires a ticket to attend the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights ($33.90). 

•One-the-spot gingerbread house decorating contest on Dec. 15: Get ready for a fast and furious gingerbread competition! There are three divisions including junior (5-17), non-professional (ages 18-plus) and professional (ages 18-plus). The gingerbread house will be provided and pre-constructed. Competitors will have one hour to decorate their house. Limited spots are available. This live competition takes place at 6 p.m. Dec. 15. Sign-up online by Dec. 6. Registration is free for this contest, but requires a ticket to attend the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights ($33.90). 

Season of giving

Holiday blanket donations aren’t limited to just competitors at the Festival of Lights! New this year, festival attendees can donate new or gently used blankets to benefit Friends of the Night People. Blankets can be dropped in the marked box inside of the “Winter Wonderland Workshop,” or given to staff at the drive-thru or walk-up ticket booths.

Additional community giveback efforts return to the 2024 Festival of Lights including:

√ Donate to the Armor Volunteer Fire Co. on Saturday, Dec. 14. While in the drive-thru line, spare some change for our friends at Armor and help fill their boots! 

√ Festivalgoers can donate toys to the News Neediest Fund. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off with staff at the drive-thru or walk-up ticket booths through Dec. 19. 

√ Attendees can share the spirit of the season by writing letters to local veterans and active military in the “Winter Wonderland Workshop.” Letters will be distributed for the holidays.

More about the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights

Entering its 20^th year, the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights is Western New York’s largest light show featuring over 75 drive-thru light displays and enchanting walk-up attractions, including visits with Santa, the Whoville Express Train Ride, the “Winter Wonderland Workshop” and holiday food, drink and shopping. The ticketed event takes place select dates throughout November and December. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Nov. 15 and are one price per carload.

The event is produced by the Erie County Agricultural Society, producers of the Erie County Fair. For more information, visit www.FairgroundsHoliday.com.