Fairgrounds Festival of Lights
*The event has already taken place on this date: Sat, 12/30/2023
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
Guests can enjoy the Full Experience Ticket for $30 per carload (plus fees) across 18 nights. The full experience includes both the drive-thru displays and walk-up attractions. The dates for full experience include: November 24-26, December 1-3, 8-10, 15-23.
Gates open 5-9pm with buildings closing at 10p. Enterance to the drive-thru light display is located off of McKinley Parkway
All New this year...
- Live entertainment inside Expo Hall. A complete schedule is available at www.FairgroundsHoliday.com.
- Visit with Santa’s furry friends who help make the holiday enchanting in Santa’s Barnyard!
- Winter Wonderland Workshop. In addition to Letters to Santa, Letters to Troops and holiday-themed DIY crafts and cookie decorating sponsored by TOPS Friendly Markets. (Additional fees)
- Erie County Fair Merchandise. Festival guests will have the chance to go back in time when shopping for holiday gifts at Retro Buffalo’s all new chalet, which includes Erie County Fair merchandise. (Additional fees)
- Relocated Tree Displays. New this year, guests can walk up to the massive 76 ft. tree. This is the tallest tree in New York this side of Rockefeller Center.
- "Frosted” Grapes & Hops. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase beverages to enjoy as they walk throughout the Festival. (Additional fees; must be 21 years of age to purchase alcoholic beverages)
Returning Attractions
Only available on full experience dates—
- North Pole Experience featuring visits with Santa and a train display from Western New York Garden & Railway Society
- Santa’s Christmas Express Train Ride
- European Style Outdoor Shopping Market
- Santa’s Magical Midway with indoor kiddie rides
- An illuminated pixel show
- Frosty’s Dance Party
- Indoor and outdoor shopping plus food and drink options will be available as well. Additional costs associated with some of these attractions
For 2023, we added Drive Thru Only Nights by request. There will be eight nights that guests will have the option to purchase a Drive-Thru Only Ticket for $20 per carload (plus fees). The drive-thru only ticket provides the ultimate flexibility for guests who prefer to stay inside the car for a discounted price. Experience the drivethru of light displays only on the following nights: November 30, December 7, 14, and 26-30. Drive-thru nights do not include walk-up attractions. Gates will be open 5-9pm.
Reserve your night online at www.FairgroundsHoliday.com.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.