Everything new at Fairgrounds Festival of Lights

Tickets on sale Saturday, Nov. 15 

Erie County Fairgrounds Press Release

The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights is celebrating its 21st season. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. Western New York’s largest holiday light show returns filled with updated experiences, from new light displays and entertainment to hands-on workshops, expanded food offerings and a special hometown pride exhibit with many ways to give back to the community.

Everything new in 2025

•New light displays: It wouldn’t be the Festival of Lights without dazzling guests with new displays! This year, guests will spot new animated scenes such as “Cinderella’s Carriage,” a Santa yeti, and a holiday penguin slide. 

•Erie County Fair’s Pepsi All-Star Band: The Erie County Fair’s Pepsi All-Star Band joins the lineup for the first time, performing a mix of fair favorites and holiday hits on select nights throughout the season. Catch these all-star student musicians performing three times nightly inside Candy Cane Court on Nov. 28 and Dec. 6, 14 and 21. 

•“Rockin’ Christmas: The New Illuminated Pixel Show”: A fan-favorite returns to the festival this season with an all-new show! The reimagined display combines dynamic lighting technology with a high-energy rock holiday soundtrack, creating a synchronized experience that fills the Fairgrounds with color, rhythm and excitement.

•“A Very Buffalo Christmas,” presented by Totally Buffalo Cares: The all-new “A Very Buffalo Christmas” room brings hometown pride and spirit of giving to the “Winter Wonderland Workshop.” Presented by Totally Buffalo Cares, this heartwarming exhibit features Buffalo-themed Christmas trees, charitable giving opportunities, and hands-on activities for all ages. Guests can stop by the “Creative Kindness Station” to create and decorate uplifting messages for local children and seniors, or scan a QR code to donate gifts to local families in need.

•Double the laughs in Candy Cane Court: The “Christmas Tree Comedy Jamboree” is back and bigger than ever with the addition of a second all-new show. Guests can enjoy alternating animatronic comedy performances every half hour inside Candy Cane Court, featuring “Hippo Hop Holiday” and the brand-new “Jingle Bell Jokes.” 

•“Whoville Express” train ride, presented by Ford Stamping Plant: The “Whoville Express” train has been completely refurbished for 2025, featuring updated train cars and a new accessible car to make this beloved outdoor ride more inclusive. Once aboard, festivalgoers will embark on a Grinch-themed journey through a world of twinkling lights and holiday magic. 

•“Santa’s Magical Midway”: Favorites like the carousel, motorcycle, and bounce house are back, and this year, festivalgoers will also enjoy new kiddie rides including the teacup, the penguin, and the spaceship. Rides are additional cost.

The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights “Frosty Dance Party.” (Photo courtesy of the Erie County Agricultural Society)

The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights outdoor bar and holiday cocktails. (Photo courtesy of the Erie County Agricultural Society)

The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights outdoor market. (Photo courtesy of the Erie County Agricultural Society)

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•Holiday make & take classes: Guests can add a creative twist to their festival visit with new hands-on holiday workshops inside the “Winter Wonderland Workshop,” available on select dates. Each class includes a complimentary glass of champagne, a festival pass for that night, and the handcrafted keepsake to take home. Registration is required at www.the-fairgrounds.com/festivalclasses. 

√ Snow globe charcuterie class (Dec. 11): Build a whimsical and edible winter centerpiece with Meet & Eat Charcuterie. Register by Dec. 3. 

√ Holiday kissing ball class (Dec. 18): Craft a fragrant 15-inch evergreen kissing ball with Lockwood’s Greenhouses & Farm. Register by Dec. 10.

•Festive food & drink:

√ The Pretzalo newly joins the festival lineup with its signature Buffalo-shaped pretzel, paired with creative dipping sauces like “Jingle Dip,” loganberry cream cheese and Buffalo cheese. 

√ Plus, inside Candy Cane Court, festivalgoers can visit the new North Pole Waffle Co. stand to enjoy a Belgian waffle served with toppings like chocolate, strawberries or apples.

√ At the outdoor bar, Frosted Grapes & Hops, guests will find new beverage offerings like the holiday classic, Tom & Jerry, and three specialty hot chocolates ranging from “The Heat Miser” and the “Melted Snowman” to the “Cozy S’more,” in addition to current bar offerings.

•Expanded holiday market: The holiday market is growing with even more local artisans and handcrafted goods. New vendors for 2025 include Sofie’s Scentiments, Golden Spiral Vitality, Naked Buffalo Specialties, Hello Bootiful Designs, and Crafts by Sandy – expanding to a second chalet with new gourmet dips and seasonings.

•“Santa Line Trivia”: Waiting to meet Santa just got more entertaining! Guests can test their holiday knowledge with interactive trivia featuring questions about Christmas movies, traditions, and festival favorites. 

•Festival photo challenge: Guests who love capturing special moments at the festival can now win prizes for it! Those who post photos as part of the new photo challenge will be entered to win two tickets to the 2026 Erie County Fair. Learn more at www.the-fairgrounds.com/photochallenge.

•Theme nights: To add to the excitement of the festival, organizers have planned some special themed nights, including “Couple’s Night,” “Mascot Night,” “Ugly Sweater Night” and “Grinch Night.” Themed nights encourage guests to dress in their festive gear and discover special discounts throughout the festival at participating vendors. In addition, opening night ceremonies, $20 night and “Silent Night” all return in 2025.

Ticketing details

The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights runs select dates from Nov. 28 through Dec. 30, with tickets available starting at 10 a.m. Nov. 15 at www.FairgroundsHoliday.com. Tickets are sold by the carload, encouraging guests to pack the car and celebrate together. Guests can choose between a full experience carload pass or the drive-thru-only carload pass. Prices vary based on date and vehicle size. 

√ Full experience nights (includes drive-thru and walk-around festival): Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 18-23. Carload pricing starts at $33.90. 

√ Drive-thru-only nights: Dec. 4, 11, 15-17, 26-30. Carload pricing starts at $22.60. 

More about the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights: The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights is located on The Fairgrounds in Hamburg. It is produced by the Erie County Agricultural Society. For more information, visit www.FairgroundsHoliday.com.