Posted on November 22, 2022
HAMBURG, NEW YORK – Following the weekend’s unprecedented lake effect storm, the opening of the beloved Western New York holiday tradition has been delayed one week.
The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights, the region’s largest annual holiday festival, will now open Friday, December 2nd at 5:00pm.
The remaining Festival of Lights dates are scheduled for December 9-11, 16-18 and an expanded nightly schedule December 19-23. Admission must be purchased online, reserve your night at www.FairgroundsHoliday.com; there are a limited number of tickets available per night. Patrons that already purchased admission for November 25, 26 or 27 will be refunded. Please allow 7-10 business days for the refund to process.
The festival has expanded in 2022 with more holiday fun along 42nd Street in addition to the drive through of light displays, arches and tunnels. Be sure to dress the family for the weather as there are outdoor areas of the festival.
New to the 2022 Festival are the walk around activities along 42nd Street including the North Pole Experience that has a winding path featuring a toy shop, elf village, a train display by the WNY Garden Railway Society and Santa’s House where Santa can be found every night of the festival. Also added is an Illuminated Pixel Show, a Disney inspired light show with pixel castles, pixel fireworks, pixelized buildings and more along the buildings on 42nd Street. A brand new Santa’s Christmas Express Train Ride that will offer guests a free ride through different light displays sponsored by Tops Friendly Markets. Santa’s Reindeer will be on site every night of the festival. Families can make their way through ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas’ Interactive Maze based on the classic holiday story. Holiday shopping opportunities are on site to find the perfect gift with vendors inside the Expo Hall and at the Outdoor European Market. There are even indoor kiddie rides highlighted by the Holiday Carousel to enjoy at the Ag-Grange Building. A variety of food and drink options will be offered at the event.
The holiday fun will begin with the drive through at the all-new entrance off of McKinley Parkway (the entrance closest to Clark Street). The gates will be open from 5:00pm-9:00pm, with the buildings and grounds staying open until 10:00pm
Several special nights are planned for the event…
- Official Tree Lighting with WIVB-TV– rescheduled for Friday, December 2nd at 6:00pm – join us on 42nd Street as we officially light up the 42’ tall Christmas tree with special guests from WIVB-TV that will culminate with a brief Skylighters Fireworks show. A limited number of Evans Light Sticks will be handed out to help light up the night.
- Armor Volunteer Fire Company Boot Drive – Saturday, December 3rd – Members from the Armor Volunteer Fire Company will be on site to collect donations. Funds raised will go towards ensuring they’re always ready to answer the call.
- Shine A Light on Hunger Food Drive to benefit FeedMore WNY – Friday December 9th, Saturday December 10th and Sunday December 11th – Bring your non-perishable food items for FeedMore WNY. The first 500 vehicles that donate each night will receive a free goodie bag compliments of Milk For Health, WNY Immediate Care and Tops Markets.
The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights is produced by the Erie County Agricultural Society (ECAS). For more information regarding the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights visit www.FairgroundsHoliday.com.
