28 Things to do at the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights

All included in your full experience ticket!

Did you know you can experience the magic of the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights for as little as $4 - $5 per person when you pack the car? From dazzling displays to festive shows and hands-on fun, your ticket includes tons of free activities and attractions for the whole group… no add-ons required!
Here’s everything you can enjoy included with your ticket, organized by location, so you don’t miss a thing:

North Pole Experience
Transport yourself to the North Pole as you make your way through enchanting displays including a toy shop, elf village, and the arctic.

1. Visit Santa, share your holiday wishes and capture a special photo
2. Play holiday trivia while waiting in Santa’s line
3. Explore the intricate model train display presented by the WNY Garden Railway Society
4. Enjoy the interactive Virtual Reality experience, where motion tracking brings playful characters to life on screen as participants jump and move

Winter Wonderland Workshop
Get creative and spread cheer with hands-on activities for all ages:

5. Make a holiday craft to take home
6. Send Santa your wish list
7. Write a letter to a veteran with the help of WNY Heroes
8. Visit the WNY United Drive Safe Exhibit
9. Stop by the Totally Buffalo Cares room to create cards for children at Oishei Children’s Hospital

Candy Cane Court
Laugh, sing, and celebrate with this holiday animatronic show:

10. Watch the Christmas Tree Comedy Jamboree animatronic show
11. Pose in the many photo ops, including the Milk for Health BIG carton and the gingerbread cut-outs
12. Pick-up your Scavenger Hunt to explore the grounds and turn it back in for a chance to win a gift card to Bricks & Minifigs Southtowns

Santa’s Barnyard
Meet our furry friends and learn about life on the farm during winter:

13. Visit with farm animals, including donkeys, cattle, sheep and goats
14. Learn how farm animals stay healthy during cold winter months
15. Pose with the Milton Cat skid steer
16. Warm up under the heater while you visit!

sELFie Park

17. Gather around the firepits
18. Snap photos in all of the festive selfie stations
19. Participate in the photo challenge for a chance to win tickets to the 2026 Erie County Fair

Train Depot
All aboard for whimsical fun:

20. Ride the Whoville Express Train, which includes special light displays and music
21. Dance with Frosty the Snowman at the top of every hour

Frosted Grapes & Hops

22. Warm up under the heaters or fire pits at the festive outdoor bar
23. Take your chance at corn hole or giant Jenga

Outside
Don’t forget to explore all the magic outside!

24. Dance and sing-along to the Illuminated Pixel Show
25. Say hello or snap a selfie with Fair Bear
26. Strike a pose in one of the many festive outdoor photo ops
27. Visit the towering 76-foot tree and its glowing 40-foot tree companion
28. Take in all the dazzling light displays throughout the grounds

If you do bring extra spending money, make the night even more magical! Stop by Frosted Grapes & Hops for a holiday drink, swing through Santa’s Magical Midway for kiddie rides, decorate cookies, get your Fair food fix, or visit the many holiday artisans and small businesses throughout the grounds!