What's Hot

    Explore CNY: Embrace the season in Old Forge

    September 28, 2023

    Fall Activities Guide

    September 28, 2023

    Best Spots for Fall Family Photos in Central New York

    September 28, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Trending
    • Explore CNY: Embrace the season in Old Forge
    • Fall Activities Guide
    • Best Spots for Fall Family Photos in Central New York
    • Eight Fall Theme Walks
    • 315 Bulletin
    • Treat Yourself: The 2023/24 Broadway in Syracuse season will feature Tony Award-winning musicals, movie adaptations
    • Tanya Reese, Program Coordinator for the Cancer Services Program
    • Treat Yourself: Festa Italiana returns for its 25th year
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
    Family TimesFamily Times
    • Community Guide
    • Things to Do in CNY
      1. Central New York Events
      2. Activities
      3. Treat Yourself
      Featured

      Explore CNY: Embrace the season in Old Forge

      By Courtney KlessSeptember 28, 20230
      Recent

      Explore CNY: Embrace the season in Old Forge

      September 28, 2023

      Fall Activities Guide

      September 28, 2023

      Best Spots for Fall Family Photos in Central New York

      September 28, 2023
    • Parenting
      1. Pregnancy
      2. Babies
      3. Kids
      4. Preschoolers/Toddlers
      5. Special Needs
      6. Teens
      7. Pets
      8. View All

      The Power to Save a Life: Cord blood is being used to treat more than 80 diseases

      January 30, 2020

      It’s Not What It Looks Like: Reflections on motherhood’s changes, outside and inside

      July 29, 2019

      In Search of Sleep: 8 Strategies for coping with wakeful babies

      July 29, 2019

      A Surgical Birth: Many pregnant women are likely to deliver by cesarean

      July 29, 2019

      Strangers Bearing Advice: New babies bring out the expert in everyone

      August 1, 2021

      Hand to Mouth: How to help babies start to sample solid food

      August 1, 2020

      315 Bulletin

      August 1, 2020

      Name, Please? Expectant parents face another momentous decision

      August 1, 2020

      Prep Work: Keep your family’s food safe this summer

      June 1, 2022

      A Blooming Craft: These homemade flowers make a great centerpiece

      March 1, 2021

      Rainbow Snowflakes: A colorful craft even little ones can make

      November 24, 2020

      DIY Critter Magnets: Make cute clips for hanging reminders and more

      September 1, 2020

      DIY Critter Magnets: Make cute clips for hanging reminders and more

      September 1, 2020

      Allergy Adjustments: Parents can support their food allergic child

      September 3, 2019

      Calming Commotion: How to deal with car sickness and more

      June 27, 2019

      Introducing Riff Rockit: Kindie artist to play jingles at Leon Fest

      June 1, 2017

      A History of Inclusion: The Jowonio School marked 50 years in 2019

      March 30, 2020

      Reaching a Milestone: Now the largest chapter in the country, Special Olympics New York is celebrating 50 years

      March 30, 2020

      Come Out and Play: Move Along offers adaptive sports for youth, adults

      March 30, 2020

      Let’s Get Together: Remaking classrooms so all students are included

      September 3, 2019

      Prep Work: Keep your family’s food safe this summer

      June 1, 2022

      A Little Jolt: Caffeine’s risks for kids and teens

      March 1, 2021

      A Blooming Craft: These homemade flowers make a great centerpiece

      March 1, 2021

      Environmental Club: Auburn Junior High School

      January 30, 2020

      Furry Friends: What it takes to adopt a pet for the first time

      July 1, 2020

      Tail Wagging Fun: Lights on the Lake Dog Walk 2019

      November 14, 2019

      Uncommon Companions: Local pet store sticks to its niche

      May 30, 2019

      Dog Food for Thought: Trying to keep your pet from your plate

      May 30, 2019

      Homework Habits: How to Motivate Kids

      September 1, 2023

      After-School Activities and Programs in CNY

      September 1, 2023

      Fun, Educational Websites You Won’t Want Your Kids to Miss

      September 1, 2023

      Take the Stress Out of School Mornings

      August 31, 2023
    • Health
      1. Child Development
      2. Food
      3. Nutrition
      4. The “Recipe Doctor”
      5. View All

      Financial Literacy for Families: How parents can teach children, teens about money management

      April 1, 2022

      Strangers Bearing Advice: New babies bring out the expert in everyone

      August 1, 2021

      Choosing a Daycare: Learn As You Grow’s Joshua LaGrow offers some tips for finding the right fit

      August 1, 2021

      A Little Jolt: Caffeine’s risks for kids and teens

      March 1, 2021

      Berries and Cream Croissant Breakfast Casserole

      June 1, 2023

      Prep Work: Keep your family’s food safe this summer

      June 1, 2022

      Nutrition in No Time: Are you always on the go? These tips will help you stay on track.

      January 1, 2022

      Easy Holiday Recipes: Are you searching for some new dishes this season? These are some of our favorites.

      November 1, 2021

      Nutrition in No Time: Are you always on the go? These tips will help you stay on track.

      January 1, 2022

      Liking Lunch: Best bets for serving kids a delicious, nutritious meal

      September 1, 2021

      A Little Jolt: Caffeine’s risks for kids and teens

      March 1, 2021

      Better Choices: How about a resolution to eat vegetables and other nutritious foods?

      January 1, 2021

      Best Friend’s Treats: Bake up some special dog biscuits

      June 1, 2018

      Colorful Soup in a Jar: Give the gift of winter comfort

      December 1, 2015

      Berry Good! Use a summer favorite in this ice cream

      July 1, 2015

      Flapjack Fever: Even pancakes can be a healthy breakfast

      June 1, 2015

      Treat Yourself: The 2023/24 Broadway in Syracuse season will feature Tony Award-winning musicals, movie adaptations

      September 28, 2023

      Treat Yourself: Festa Italiana returns for its 25th year

      September 1, 2023

      Treat Yourself: Right Mind Syracuse hosts one-session art workshops at local venues

      August 1, 2023

      Treat Yourself: Oswego Harborfest returns with food, live music and children’s activities

      June 28, 2023
    • Travel
    • Education
      1. Educator of the Month
      2. Class of the Month
      3. Education News
      4. Reading
      5. Teaching
      Featured

      Tanya Reese, Program Coordinator for the Cancer Services Program

      By Janelle DavisSeptember 28, 20230
      Recent

      Tanya Reese, Program Coordinator for the Cancer Services Program

      September 28, 2023

      Kate Laissle, Director of Education at Syracuse Stage

      September 1, 2023

      Annie Gordon, Education Program Coordinator at the Sciencenter

      July 31, 2023
    • Crafts & DIY
      • Create
      • Holiday Crafts
    Family TimesFamily Times
    Home»CNY Community»Activities»A Family Tradition: Lights on the Lake celebrates 30 years
    Activities

    A Family Tradition: Lights on the Lake celebrates 30 years

    Courtney KlessBy Courtney KlessNovember 1, 2019No Comments3 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    A lot has changed since Lights on the Lake began 30 years ago. For one, the show has grown to two miles. And today, all lights are now LED. The event returns to Onondaga Lake Park this month.

    Debbie Dennis, senior recreation leader for the park, is entering her 13th season as the coordinator for Lights on the Lake. She says the popularity of the show is part of the reason why it has been able to continue for so long.

    “We do hear a lot of feedback from people that they came as children and now they’re able to bring their children here,” Dennis says. “People do it as a tradition and they like to carry it on from when they were younger and now do it with their children or with their grandchildren. We’re very consistent with our numbers.”

    Advertisement

    According to information provided by Onondaga County Parks, 43,420 vehicles visited Lights on the Lake during the 2018-19 season, second only to 43,623 vehicles in 2017-18. This year’s show will feature several new pieces, including a 10th birthday display for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Also new this season, a 5K will be held on Nov. 17 to celebrate Lights on the Lake’s 30th year. The event will begin at 6:30 a.m. so runners are able to see the displays.

    “We’re just very excited and privileged to keep doing this in the community and to have the support that we have and working on it together,” Dennis says. “It’s just rewarding for me professionally and personally, and I think everyone here feels the same way.”

    Lights on the Lake opens Nov. 14 and continues through Jan. 5. 

    For more stories about Lights on the Lake, pick up a copy of the program at the event.

    Tips for Families

    With Lights on the Lake right around the corner, you may be planning a trip with your family. Here are a few tips to help things go a little more smoothly:

    1. Dennis says that weekends are typically the busiest times at Lights on the Lake. If you want to avoid a long wait time, your best bet is to come during the week or right when the show opens at 5:00 p.m. on weekends (the end of the show is also typically less busy).

    2. Weekends are when Lights on the Lake is most expensive. Dennis recommends bringing your Wegmans Shoppers Club Card for $6 admission on Mondays and Tuesdays or you can take advantage of the walking preview on Nov. 12 (a $2 donation is encouraged). Advance sale tickets are also on sale (for a discount) at local Wegmans locations until opening night. All active and retired military members can get free admission during Salute the Troops Night on Nov. 14.

    3. Don’t want to leave your furry friend at home? Check out the Dog Walk on Nov. 13. Donations will benefit HumaneCNY.

     

    If You Go

    Location:
    Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Dr., Liverpool.
    Dates: Nov. 14 – Jan. 5
    Hours: 5-10 p.m.

    Admission:
    $10 from Monday – Thursday and $20 from Friday – Sunday.
    All prices are per car and the ticket booths only accept cash.
    More information: lightsonthelake.com

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
    Avatar photo
    Courtney Kless
    • LinkedIn

    Courtney Kless is the Editor in Chief of Family Times. Courtney is originally from Maryland. She earned her Master’s degree in Magazine, Newspaper and Online Journalism from Syracuse University. Courtney began her career as a sports journalist, then spent several years working in higher education, before joining the company in August 2019. She enjoys traveling, reading and hiking, and recently adopted a Labrador Retriever, Bailey.

    Related Posts

    315 Bulletin

    September 28, 2023

    315 Bulletin

    September 1, 2023

    Syracuse Stage Celebrates 50th Season

    September 1, 2023
    Flip Through Our Latest Issue!
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    Top Posts

    Summer Activities Guide

    June 1, 2023148 Views

    DIY: Make your own vibrant, paper fans in only a few easy steps

    July 1, 2020108 Views

    Wondrous Waterfalls

    June 1, 202374 Views

    Staying Safe This Summer

    June 28, 202366 Views
    Recent Posts
    • Explore CNY: Embrace the season in Old Forge
    • Fall Activities Guide
    • Best Spots for Fall Family Photos in Central New York
    • Eight Fall Theme Walks
    • 315 Bulletin

    Family Times Magazine publishes a digital magazine highlighting events, businesses, and content to inform and entertain families here in Central New York. Sign up for our twice monthly newsletter to have the magazine and other featured content.
    ____

    Email Us: [email protected]
    Contact: 1.315.422.7011

    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn RSS
    Our Picks
    Most Popular

    Summer Activities Guide

    June 1, 2023148 Views

    DIY: Make your own vibrant, paper fans in only a few easy steps

    July 1, 2020108 Views

    Wondrous Waterfalls

    June 1, 202374 Views
    © 2023 Family Times, CNY. Designed by Crossroads Marketing.
    • Our Authors
    • Archives
    • Community Events Calendar
    • Advertising

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Go to mobile version