Festive and Full of Cheer: Holiday Light Displays
It’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday season! With a chill in the air and the promise of snow, it’s time to decorate.
The holiday season brings cooler temperatures, hot ovens, and dazzling decorations. All over Western New York, people are hanging up lights to spread joy and celebrate the holidays. From homes strung with flashing lights to full driving displays, there’s no loss of holiday spirit around here. To get you in the festive and grateful mood, we’ve rounded up some of the best lights displays on your Fresh Air Adventure in 2021.
Holiday Light Display Extravaganza at Six Flags Darien Lake
Where: Darien Center, NY
When: Nov. 18 - Jan. 2, 2022
Six Flags Darien Lake is shining bright this holiday season with a 1.25-mile drive-thru light extravaganza! November through January, attendees of all ages can explore 15 dazzling scenes celebrating the joy and festivity of the holiday season as they drive through the park and adjacent campgrounds. Nearly a million lights make up the displays, including the 12 Days of Christmas and Candy Cane Lane. Watch the night come to life before your eyes and feel the magic of the season in the air. Members and Season Pass Holders to Six Flags can enjoy this spectacular for free.
Where: Alexander, NY
When: Nov. 25 - 27, Dec. 03 - 04, Dec. 10 - 11, Dec. 17 - 19
A wonderland of lights comes to the countryside at The Western New York Gas & Steam Association drive-thru Christmas Light Display. Thousands of lights cover the ½ mile drive bringing to life classic Christmas scenes. If once around in the car isn’t enough to see it all, you can even go again. After the drive, stop by the food vendors on-site for classic fair foods delivered right to your car. The only thing better than a holiday light display is getting hot chocolate and a funnel cake after!
Medina's Olde Tyme Christmas Festival & Parade of Lights
Where: Medina, NY
When: Nov. 27
Medina’s Olde Tyme Christmas celebration brings a nostalgic small-town touch to the holiday season. Santa arrives in Medina the Saturday after Thanksgiving for a daylong celebration featuring parades, holiday activities for kids, decoration and costume contests, local vendors, and entertainment. The highlight of the celebration is the spectacular Parade of Lights, where dozens of brightly adorned parade floats pass by spectators, ending with a stunning firework show.
Holiday Train Rides at the Medina Railroad Museum
Where: Medina, NY
When: Nov. 27 – Dec. 19
Get into the holiday spirit with two festival train rides at the Medina Railroad Museum! November 27 and 28, families can board Santa’s Toy Land Express and take a magical 45-minute ride to the North Pole. On the ride to get Santa, kids can enjoy hot cocoa and a warm cookie and write a letter. Santa safely onboard, the train heads back to the museum while he visits with the kids and delivers a small gift. On December 4, the Polar Express™ Train Ride arrives in Medina and stays through December 19. Passengers can enjoy hot cocoa and treats as well a reading of the Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg and the motion picture soundtrack set to the scenic winter countryside. Santa and his helpers board the train at the halfway point to give out silver sleigh bells and on the way back, singing Chefs lead passengers in Christmas carols!
2.5 Million Christmas Lights Display at The Red Osier
Where: Stafford, NY
When: Dec. 1 - 31
You’ve never seen anything quite like the Red Osier Christmas Lights! This iconic Batavia landmark is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 2 million lights strung around the building, ranging from Christmas trees to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! Attendees can meet Santa, take a horse and carriage ride under the lights, and enjoy a mug of hot cocoa. There will also be food for purchase, including Christmas cookies, sandwiches, chili, salt potatoes, and more.
Where: Angelica, NY
When: Dec. 3 - 18
In the picturesque village of Angelica, the post office is more than a place to get and send mail – it’s a Christmas destination! Threatened with closure in the 1980s, Angelica residents rallied to save their post office by creating a specialty Angel stamp that can only be used once a year, during the holiday season. On the first Friday in December, people from all over town and the world gather at the “Angel Station” to mail their packages and holiday cards with the special stamp, helping the post office continue for another year. Attendees can enjoy two weeks of celebrations, including hot chocolate and cookies during mailing time. On December 12, visitors and residents alike gather to enjoy the glow of luminaries and a Living Nativity scene at Park Circle.