The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to get into the spirit than by visiting some of the best winter festivals and holiday light shows around Western and Central New York! Whether you're near Buffalo, Rochester, or Syracuse, we’ve rounded up festive events perfect for family fun, date nights, and seasonal celebrations. So, bundle up, grab a hot cocoa, and let’s dive into our list of holiday happenings!

Buffalo area festivities

Festival of Lights at The Fairgrounds

• Dates: Full Experience - Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-23; Drive-Thru Only - Dec. 5, 12, 26-30
• Location: 5600 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg, NY
• Description: Western New York’s largest light show is back with over 70 displays, perfect for an enchanting evening out. Choose the “Full Experience” ticket for $33.90 per carload, which includes drive-thru displays and walk-up attractions. Or, for a quieter night, pick the drive-thru-only option for $22.60. With twinkling scenes and cozy spots, it's the ultimate winter wonderland.
• More Info: Festival of Lights

Jingle Falls USA

• Dates: Nov. 29 - Dec. 1, 2024
• Location: Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY
• Description: Kick off the holidays with Jingle Falls USA, featuring tree lighting, local vendors, and festive food trucks! Capture memories by the nearly 50-foot Christmas tree or warm up at one of the fire pits. This event offers the perfect blend of holiday charm and small-town festivity.
• More Info: Jingle Falls USA

Christkindlmarkt at Hofbrauhaus Buffalo

• Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Nov. 29 - Dec. 22
• Location: 190 Scott Street, Buffalo, NY
• Description: Experience a taste of Germany at Hofbrauhaus Buffalo’s Christkindlmarkt! This festive market is packed with local artisans, European treats, and holiday treasures. Grab a warm pretzel and browse the unique gifts—it’s a delightful holiday experience!
• More Info: Christkindlmarkt at Hofbrauhaus Buffalo

Rochester area festivities

Roc Holiday Village

• Dates: Dec. 6 - 29, 2024
• Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, Rochester, NY
• Description: Roc Holiday Village brings a little bit of magic to downtown Rochester with a bustling village filled with holiday activities! From free ice skating to cozy igloos, live music, and Santa’s Workshop, this event has something for everyone. Don't miss out on the special events and festive treats!
• More Info: Roc Holiday Village

Holidays at the Market

• Dates: Dec. 1, 8, 15, 19
• Location: Rochester Public Market, Rochester, NY
• Description: A beloved Rochester tradition, Holidays at the Market offers everything from holiday trees to unique gifts and treats. Take a carriage ride with Santa, decorate cookies, and shop for one-of-a-kind holiday finds.
• More Info: Holidays at the Market

Holiday Laser Show at Strasenburgh Planetarium

• Dates: Nov. 16 - Jan. 5
• Location: RMSC Museum & Science Center, Rochester, NY
• Description: Enjoy your favorite holiday songs with a twist as they come alive with laser lights in the planetarium’s family-friendly show. It’s a dazzling way to experience the holiday spirit under the stars!
• More Info: Holiday Laser Show

Syracuse area festivities

Christmas Carnival at Abbott Farms

• Date: Dec. 14, 2024, 12 PM – 7 PM
• Location: Abbott Farms, 3275 Cold Springs Rd, Baldwinsville, NY
• Description: Abbott Farms transforms into a holiday haven with games, crafts, prizes and light displays. Enjoy face painting, cookies decorating, and create your own ornaments. Admission is free. Just pay for the activity that you want to do!
• More Info: Christmas at Abbott Farms

Gingerbread Gallery at the Erie Canal Museum

• Dates: Nov. 22, 2024 - Jan. 12, 2025
• Location: Erie Canal Museum, Syracuse, NY
• Description: Step back in time with this charming gingerbread gallery, featuring elaborate gingerbread creations set in a festive 1800s canal town. A sweet treat for the whole family!
• More Info: Gingerbread Gallery

Lights on the Lake

• Dates: Nov. 18, 2024 - Jan. 13, 2025
• Location: Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool, NY
• Description: Drive through a two-mile winter wonderland with over 600,000 lights, including a twinkling tunnel and a synchronized musical light show. Admission is $10 per car on weekdays and $20 on weekends.
• More Info: Lights on the Lake

Get ready for holiday cheer!

Whether you’re drawn to the sparkle of a light show, the charm of a holiday market, or the cozy spirit of a winter festival, Western and Central New York have plenty to keep you in the holiday spirit. Add these events to your calendar and start planning your holiday adventures today! 

Before you hit the road, don’t forget to download the AAA Mobile app for quick and easy roadside assistance—your holiday outings just got a little more worry-free. Happy Holidays from AAA! 🎄 

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