Syracuse becomes a wonderland of fresh fallen snow and festive lights during the holiday season. Discover mesmerizing light displays that you can enjoy with friends and family while celebrating the season.
Lights on the Lake
This nightly display reigns as the Syracuse area’s top holiday light attraction. Onondaga Lake Park transforms into a two-mile-long drive-thru experience with several themed displays including Land of Oz, Twinkling Fantasy Forest, a Fairytale Magic Grand Finale and more! Tune into Sunny 102 and listen to sounds of the season throughout the drive. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Runs daily November 13th, 2023 - January 12th, 2024
The Annual Festival of Trees @ Destiny USA
Destiny USA has partnered with Rahab Refuge Ministries this Christmas Season by hosting their 2nd annual Festival of Trees from November 22, 2023, through January 7, 2024. This fundraising event benefits Rahab Refuges’ House of Hope residential program, which provides trafficking survivors in Central New York with shelter and the skills necessary to re-enter society. The Festival of Trees consists of 16 beautifully decorated Christmas Trees & other holiday décor displayed in glass pyramids throughout the shopping center. Shoppers/the public will have the opportunity to purchase a ticket to win the contents of each decorated pyramid, including the décor and the gifts. The raffle tickets will be available for purchase starting 11/22 at rahabrefugeministries.org, as well as at the ticket table located at Destiny USA (select hours). The raffle drawing will be on January 2, 2024.
Downtown Syracuse
See the lights surrounding the Clinton Square ice-skating rink including a giant Christmas Tree and Menorah. Partake in the annual Syracuse family tradition at the 2023 annual tree lighting ceremony, which kicks off Friday, November 24 at 6p. View decorated storefront window displays and take advantage of evening shopping hours and holiday sales. Enjoy winter-proof outdoor dining while choosing from special holiday-themed menu items. Venture a bit further and discover the Downtown Star’s “selfie spot,” located in Hanover Square. Discover even more from Downtown Committee of Syracuse!
Lights on the Farm @ Abbott Farms
A part of their Christmas at the Farm festivities, visitors can take a wagon ride through the light display at Abbott Farms. Admission also includes access to the hot chocolate bar, a visit with the animals, letters to Santa, and participating in a variety of other winter holiday activities.
Dates and Times are currently TBD. Stay up-to-date here.
The Wild Winter Wonderland of Lights
The Wild Animal Park in North Chittenango, just a short drive from Syracuse, features the largest zoo light display around during the holiday season. Travel to The Wild Experience the season like never before with a a family trip to see some exotic animals up close and personal, holiday light displays, Santa on-site daily for meet-and-greets and photos, bounce houses and more. Opening Thanksgiving Eve Wednesday, November 22 and running 5 - 9p most days through January 1, 2024 (check their website for exact dates and times).
Festival of Trees & Lights
Now in its 38th year, walk among hundreds beautifully decorated Christmas trees on display throughout the museum during Everson’s annual Festival of Trees and Lights. On display December 2 - 16, 2023, guests can experience live performances and more activities than ever this year. This beloved Central New York tradition celebrates the season with a wide variety of trees, wreaths and other seasonal items available for purchase, and the Museum Gift Shop has plenty of selections for your holiday gift-giving. View the full festival calendar here.
