As the days grow shorter with winter’s approach, the night skies are getting brighter with holiday cheer across New York State! So put on your favorite sweater and have your hot chocolate at the ready, because you won’t want to miss these magical winter lights festivals, holiday light spectaculars, and dazzling drive-thru experiences. Photo credit: @rickgodinproductions on Instagram.

Originally published 12/03/2021

Credit: @luminocityfestival on Instagram

When: November 8, 2024–January 5, 2025

LuminoCity Festival is transforming Long Island’s Eisenhower Park into a wonderland of lights this winter season. Go on a journey through shimmering lands as you explore this year’s theme, “Sweet Dreams,” featuring glowing sculptures, magical lights, and immersive exhibits in a dazzling display of light and color. Enjoy festive treats and drinks, pop by the gift shop, and take part in specialty theme days and giveaways. East Meadow. Tickets are $24 to $32 per person; children 3 and under are free.

Credit: @storkesque9 on Instagram

When: November 8, 2024–December 28, 2024

See spectacular holiday lights and get up close with animals at the same time at Jungle Bells: Holiday Lights at Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville. Marvel at nearly 2 million lights on display throughout the park, complete with the tallest fully lit tree in the area and live reindeer! Stop in at Santa’s workshop for photos with the man in red every Friday and Saturday, encounter the Grinch, and book special animal encounters including painting with penguins and a capybara meet and greet. Jungle Bells: Holiday Lights is primarily a walk-through experience but a drive-thru only experience is offered on December 18. Harpursville; Thursdays-Sundays; tickets range from $16.99-18.99 per person, plus tax.

Credit: @fingerlakeswelcomecenter on Instagram

When: November 18, 2024 – January 13, 2025

This fantasy winter wonderland along Onondaga Lake is an awe-inspiring display of twinkling lights, colorful section arches, animated displays, and holiday cheer that goes for miles. One of the few drive-thru holiday light shows, you can enjoy two miles of beautiful holiday lights, including the Land of Oz and a twinkling fantasy forest, from the warmth and comfort of your car. Liverpool; tickets are sold by the carload and must be purchased in advance, with pricing at $10 Monday–Thursday and $20 Friday-Sunday.

When: November 22, 2024 – January 4, 2025

Stop by Jones Beach State Park for a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience. Pile the whole crew into the car and journey through more than a mile of spectacular multi-colored larger-than-life displays including a new North Pole scene, Bigfoot Monster Truck, and Barbie dollhouse. Even better, tickets are priced by the carload, making it the perfect family-friendly holiday experience. Jones Beach; $20-$40 per vehicle.

Credit: Winter Cathedral by Mandylights. Copyright Sony Music. Courtesy of Brooklyn Botanic Garden

When: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025

Wander through an enchanting illuminated trail of over one million lights at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden‘s after-dark spectacular! Along this mile-long trail, discover light installations by local and international artists, including the monumental Winter Cathedral Tunnel, Fire Garden, and more. In the mood for hot chocolate, or perhaps some holiday snacks for your journey? The Gardens has you covered, with food concessions dotted throughout its dazzling glowing pathway. Brooklyn; ticket prices vary.

Credit: Julie Larsen Maher © WCS

When: November 22 , 2024–January 5, 2025

During the evenings, the Bronx Zoo shines bright with holiday cheer amid this walk-through experience full of immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns, and animated light shows. This outdoor celebration includes festive entertainment, seasonal treats, a holiday train, ice carving demonstrations, and classic holiday music. Sensory friendly nights are scheduled for December 5 and January 3, 2025. The Bronx; prices range from $26.95-$56.95.

Credit: @nyc.super.mom on Instagram

When: November 24, 2024–December 31, 2024

Put on your favorite holiday playlist and get ready for a dazzling 1.2-mile drive-thru holiday light extravaganza in Valhalla! See classic displays and attractions including your favorite elves Ned and Albert, glittering angels of peace, candy cane lane, dancing trees, and a 50-foot dove, meet the Ice Queen in the Ice House, travel through the glowing 175-foot Transporter Tunnel, cruise down Rudolph’s Runway into the North Pole, and marvel at the largest Christmas tree in Westchester! For the grand finale, guests can make a New Year’s wish upon a 30-foot glistening star located at the end of the interactive show–all right from your car. Valhalla; tickets start at $35 per car.

Credit: @shinybreathing on Instagram

When: November 29, 2024-December 29, 2024

Head on down to the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival for a drive-thru holiday light show powered by Healey Brothers. Located at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in the scenic Sullivan Catskills, enjoy the holiday lights from the comfort of your car along a 1.7-mile route through new and returning themed areas, from Candy Cane Lane and Groovy Way, to the Enchanted Forest and Holidays Around The World. Double up on the holiday fun by pairing your light show experience with the Gingerbread Build & Sip (December 15), shop artisan goods at the Holiday Market (November 29-December 1), or indulge in a treats box for four, available as an add-on with your purchase, excluding Mondays. Bethel; tickets start at $32 per car; one ticket per carload.

Credit: @highpeaks_ai on Instagram

When: November 29, 2024 – December 30, 2024 

Surround yourself in stunning natural beauty and colorful lights in this mesmerizing after-dark experience housed within the historic Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens! Thousands of twinkling lights will guide you through the magically illuminated greenhouses unveiling textures, shapes, and shadows as the plant collections and brilliant poinsettia display are bathed in a whole new light.  Add a touch of romance to your garden experience with drinks, wine, cheese, and a sweet treat at Thurs-Date Nights, a separate ticketed experience. Buffalo; ticket prices vary.

Credit: @rickgodinproductions on Instagram

When: November 29, 2024 – February 22, 2025

Brighten your winter nights with Wild Lights at the Wild Center. Wander through an enchanted and illuminated wonderland as the 115-acre campus is transformed with thousands of twinkling lights and a magical soundtrack. Bask in the glow of Wild Walk after dark and surround yourself with immersive music and lights as you stroll through Forest Music. A hot cocoa bar, ice sculptures, and photo ops complete the experience. Tupper Lake; Wild Lights tickets are not included in regular admission and cost $10 for adults, $5 for youth, and free for children 4 and under.

When: November 29, 2024 – December 29, 2024

Experience holiday magic as the Fenimore Farm & Country Village is transformed into a spectacular light show. Get the whole family together for a self-guided walking tour through the country village as it’s decked out in a wonderland of elaborate, multi-colored light displays. Cooperstown; $15 for adults (18+), $10 for teens (13-17), $5 for juniors (7-12), free for children under 6.

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