What's New

The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights is back for its 21st season, brighter, bigger, and more magical than ever. This year, guests can discover dazzling new light displays, lively entertainment, hands-on workshops, tasty treats, and a heartwarming hometown pride exhibit with plenty of ways to give back.

New Light Displays
The Festival of Lights wouldn’t be complete without exciting new light displays! This year, be on the lookout for animated new scenes including Cinderella’s Carriage, a Santa Yeti, and a holiday penguin slide, alongside many of your returning favorites.

Rockin’ Christmas: The New Illuminated Pixel Show
A fan-favorite returns in an all-new way! The revamped Illuminated Pixel Show pairs dazzling synchronized lights with a high-energy rock holiday soundtrack creating a synchronized experience that fills the Fairgrounds with color, rhythm, and excitement.

A Very Buffalo Christmas
Presented by Totally Buffalo Cares
Step inside the Winter Wonderland Workshop to experience A Very Buffalo Christmas. This new exhibit celebrates local pride while giving back to the community. Guests can create uplifting messages for children and seniors at the Creative Kindness Station, scan QR codes to donate gifts to local families in need, or simply enjoy the festive holiday spirit surrounded by Buffalo-themed Christmas trees and decorations.

Double the Laughs in Candy Cane Court
The Christmas Tree Comedy Jamboree is back and better than ever with the addition of a second show! Hippo Hop Holiday and the all-new Jingle Bell Jokes alternate every 30 minutes, bringing double the animatronic laughs to Candy Cane Court, featuring a talking Christmas tree and reindeer family.

Whoville Express Train Ride
Presented by Ford Stamping Plant
All aboard the Whoville Express! This beloved ride has been fully refurbished for 2025, including updated train cars and a new accessible car. Guests can enjoy this free, outdoor Grinch-themed journey filled with twinkling lights and whimsical Whoville magic.

Santa’s Magical Midway
Classic rides like the carousel, motorcycle, and bounce house return, along with new kiddie rides this year, including the Teacup, the Penguin, and the Spaceship.

Erie County Fair Pepsi All-Star Band
For the first time, the Festival welcomes the talented Erie County Fair Pepsi All-Star Band. These all-star student musicians will perform a mix of Fair favorites and holiday hits filling Candy Cane Court with festive cheer.
Catch them on November 28, December 6, December 14 and December 21.

Theme Nights
Make your visit extra special by joining one of our themed nights, including Couple’s Night (December 5), Mascot Night (December 12), Ugly Sweater Night (December 19), and Grinch Night (December 21). Guests are encouraged to dress in their festive best and enjoy special discounts at participating vendors. Opening Night Ceremonies, $20 Night, and Silent Night also return for 2025.

Holiday Make & Take Classes
Add a hands-on class to your Festival visit with festive workshops inside the Winter Wonderland Workshop. Guests can sip a complimentary glass of champagne and create their own keepsakes to take home.

Snow Globe Charcuterie Class (December 11): Build a whimsical, edible centerpiece with Meet & Eat Charcuterie.
Holiday Kissing Ball Class (December 18): Craft a fragrant 15-inch evergreen kissing ball with Lockwood’s Greenhouses & Farm.

Learn More

Festive Food & Drink
New culinary offerings will delight festivalgoers. Try the Pretzalo’s Buffalo-shaped pretzel with specialty dips like Jingle Dip, Loganberry Cream Cheese, or Buffalo Cheese. Inside Candy Cane Court, the new North Pole Waffle Co. stand serves Belgian waffles with chocolate, strawberries, or apples. Frosted Grapes & Hops has added new festive drinks to its bar menu, including the classic Tom & Jerry and specialty hot chocolates called the Heat Miser, the Melted Snowman and the Cozy S’More.

Expanded Holiday Market
The Holiday Market grows again in 2025, welcoming new local artisans and additional chalets. Discover luxury candles from Sofie’s Scentiments, jewelry and crystals from Golden Spiral Vitality, goat milk soaps and scrubs from Naked Buffalo Specialties, festive gifts from Hello Bootiful Designs, and expanded products from Crafts by Sandy. You can visit these vendors in the outdoor chalets or inside the Candy Cane Court.

Santa Line Trivia
Waiting to meet Santa is now part of the fun with interactive trivia featuring questions about Christmas movies, holiday traditions, and Festival favorites. Test your holiday spirit!

Festival Photo Challenge
Capture your magical moments and enter the Festival Photo Challenge for a chance to win two tickets to the 2026 Erie County Fair.
Learn more

From sparkling new light displays and interactive workshops to new food, drinks, and festive fun, the 21st Fairgrounds Festival of Lights is packed with special moments. Plan your visit and discover the magic waiting at the Fairgrounds this holiday season.