Fairgrounds Festival of Lights 2026 dates

WNY’s largest light show returns for 22nd season 

Erie County Fairgrounds press release & photo

The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights returns for its 22nd season, bringing Western New York's largest holiday light show back to The Erie County Fairgrounds. Guests can enjoy more than 70 dazzling light displays, festive tunnels and arches, with select nights offering a full holiday experience that will include a visit with Santa, live animals, an outdoor train ride, holiday crafts and animatronic holiday show. 

The Festival of Lights will run select dates from Nov. 27 through Dec. 30. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at www.FairgroundsHoliday.com.

All Festival of Lights admission is priced per vehicle rather than per person, allowing families and friends to experience the event together for one price. All pricing includes fees. 

•Drive-thru only nights, Dec. 3, 6, 10, 14-16, 26-30: Guests can enjoy the holiday light displays from the comfort of their vehicle on these evenings, making them a simple and affordable way to enjoy a holiday tradition. Drive-thru only admission is: standard carload: $22 per carload; XL carload: $39 per carload. 

•Full experience nights, Nov. 27-29, Dec. 4, 11, 13 17: Full experience nights include the drive-thru light show plus a variety of holiday activities and entertainment, including Santa, live animals, an outdoor train ride, kids craft, animatronic holiday display, “Frosty's Dance Party” and illuminated pixel show. Guests may also enjoy holiday shopping, seasonal treats, kiddie rides, and cookie decorating throughout the evening. Full experience nights admission is: standard carload: $34 per carload; XL carload: $56 per carload. Full experience prime nights (Dec. 5, 12, 18-23) feature the full festival experience and take place during some of the festival’s most popular holiday dates. Guests will enjoy all of the activities and entertainment offered during full experience nights. Admission for a standard carload is $45 while an XL carload is $73.

At the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights (Photo credit: Tom Wolf Imaging)

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•Special days and discounts include opening night (Friday, Nov. 27): Help us kick off the holiday season with special festivities including the ceremonial tree lighting, performances by the Erie County Fair’s Pepsi All-Star Band and special giveaways; “$20 Carload Night & Silent Night” (Sunday, Nov. 29): Experience the Festival of Lights' full experience for just $20 per carload, regardless of vehicle size. This evening will also feature sensory-friendly accommodations in the walk-around portion of the event, with sounds and flashing lights reduced where possible. Note that the lights in the drive-thru portion of the festival will have some flashing light displays. 

Additional details regarding theme nights, special entertainment, and new attractions will be announced in the coming weeks.

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.