The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through New York That’s Nothing Short Of Magical

Plan a magical Christmas road trip across New York to see the best holiday light displays.

It's time to start getting excited for Christmas in New York! Some of our more eager residents may already be planning where to put up their lights and decorations for the season, while others will follow through with the annual traditions of hanging up holiday cheer right after turkey day. If you're wondering what Christmas lights in New York will be worth seeing this year, worry not! We've planned a Christmas road trip for you that's absolutely magical. This will put even the most grinchy of Grinches into the Christmas spirit.

This trip will take you all the way across the Empire State to see the most magical Christmas lights in New York. Use Google Maps to see the route.

1. Fairground Festival of Lights

We'll start our winter in New York trip off at the Hamburg-Erie County Fairgrounds. Here, you'll take a one-mile drive through the best Christmas lights in NY. This one's open the whole month of December, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas day. It's Western New York's largest holiday festival. You can experience fun activities like a 10,000-square-foot walkthrough that leads visitors to the North Pole, and much, much more.

2. Canalside

Visiting Buffalo's Canalside is a great way to spend the day outside any time of year. But during Christmas in New York, it's absolutely magical. The Connecting Terminal Grain Elevator is lit up each night, putting on a light display unlike any other in the Empire State. During the holidays, the light display is filled with Christmas cheer. The magical holiday-themed show is delightful no matter your age. If you want to keep yourself busy until nightfall, you can enjoy ice skating or check out shops in the area.

3. Lights on the Lake

Lights on the Lake is the best holiday attraction in New York! This one is one that's been around for over 30 years. The two-mile holiday drive-thru in New York will take you through all kinds of interesting areas, like the Larger-Than-Life Land of Oz and Twinkling Fantasy Forest. This is a great family-friendly Christmas activity. Please note that vehicle passes must be purchased in advance online.

4. Capital Holiday Lights

The Capital Holiday Lights display is a Capital Region favorite, right in Albany's Washington Park. You can drive through the entire park to take in the sight of over 100 light displays. Stop in at the Lake House to find refreshments, crafts, and other holiday activities. NY at Christmas has never been so sparkly.

5. A Frosty Fest

This fun annual holiday event is perfect for the whole family. With a seemingly endless list of delights and fun to be had, this spectacular NY Christmas tradition is part of what makes the season merry and bright.

6. Winter Wonderland

The Westchester Winter Wonderland is a drive-thru Christmas lights display in New York that has quickly won over our residents with its enchanting light displays. The 1.2-mile drive-thru event features thousands of lights and a 40-foot Christmas tree.

Did we forget your favorite light display that you think should be added to this Christmas road trip of lights in New York? Share your suggestions in the comments: you never know, maybe you'll see them in a future article. For more seasonal cheer, remember: it's not Christmas in New York until you do these 12 enchanting things!

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