50 Reasons to Visit the Festival of Lights

With so many things to see and do, it’s impossible to narrow your visit down to just one reason… so we’re sharing 50!
What’s your reason?

The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights is Western New York’s largest holiday light show, filled with twinkling displays, delicious treats, and festive fun for all ages. Whether you’re here for the sparkle, the snacks, or the selfies, there’s a reason for everyone to celebrate!

1. To get into the holiday spirit
2. To see the dazzling light displays
3. To visit Santa
4. To sip hot cocoa under the lights
5. To drive through the twinkling tunnels
6. To pose under the towering 76-foot tree
7. To make a holiday charcuterie board in the all-new holiday class Learn More
8. To feel like a kid again
9. To get your Fair food fix
10. To strike a pose in the iconic wreath
11. To visit the all-new A Very Buffalo Christmas! display by Totally Cares
12. To treat yourself to something sweet
13. For the “Instagram-worthy” moments
14. To jam out to HoHo Radio (87.9 FM in the drive-thru route)
15. To make memories that will last a lifetime
16. To visit Santa’s barnyard and meet friendly farm animals
17. To play the all-new holiday trivia in line for Santa

18. To support local artisans and small businesses
19. To see the Christmas Tree Comedy Jamboree animatronic show
20. To warm up with a fresh donut or hot pretzel
21. To dance with Frosty
22. To see the intricate model train display by The WNY Garden Railway Society
23. To start (or continue) a tradition
24. To decorate festive cookies in the Winter Wonderland Workshop
25. To cozy up at a firepit
26. To try the all-new food items, like Holiday Belgian Waffles with special toppings
27. To see the winning work from WNY United’s K-12 Healthy Choices Art & Poetry Contest
28. To enjoy a drink under the lights at the outdoor bar, Frosted Grapes & Hops
29. To capture your child’s first photo with Santa
30. To get your shopping done at the Holiday Market
31. To dance and sing-along to the all-new Tran Siberian Orchestra-inspired Illuminated Pixel Show
32. To see the Erie County Fair Pepsi All-Star Band perform holiday hits
33. To compete in the family scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes
34. To see a talking reindeer

35. To find a one-of-a-kind handmade gift
36. To enjoy a one-of-a-kind holiday cocktail
37. To win tickets to the 2026 Erie County Fair in the all-new photo contest
38. To make foam holiday ornaments
39. To send your wish list to the North Pole
40. To ride the Whoville Express train ride
41. To make a kissing ball in the all-new Holiday class Learn More
42. To see Fair Bear
43. To write a letter to a veteran with the help of WNY Heroes
44. To treat yourself
45. To enjoy the kiddie rides
46. For a reason to get out with friends!
47. To see the Grinch up close! (if you're lucky)
48. To see the Fairgrounds in the wintertime
49. To pose for your next holiday card photo
50. Because there’s nothing else like it in WNY!

What’s your reason to visit?
Tag your photos and share your favorites using #FairgroundsHoliday and see why the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights has become a Western New York holiday tradition for over 20 years.