December has always been one of my favorite months of the year.
I love grabbing a cup of hot chocolate and driving around to look at holiday lights – a tradition that dates back to the early days of my relationship with my husband.
Our newest go-to spot is Lights on the Lake.
Held annually at Onondaga Lake Park, the popular holiday show features 300 displays (including its newest additions, a holiday dragon, a winter skyline, and an 18-foot smart light tree) – all stretched across two miles. A total of 56,378 vehicles drove through Lights on the Lake during the 2020/21 season according to its Facebook page, setting a new record.
Like last year, tickets must be purchased in advance on Lights on the Lake’s website, lightsonthelake.com; simply chose the date, time, and vehicle type. A copy of our ticket was sent to my phone within seconds of completing our order – but you also have the option to print a copy.
This was our second visit to Lights on the Lake. To avoid the crowds, we arrived shortly after the show opened for the night. After a quick stop at the ticket booth, we tuned our radio to Sunny 102.1 and made our way through the eight themed sections, including: Under the Sea, Santa’s Workshop, Wide World of Sports (my husband’s favorite – especially the animated displays), Fantasy Forest, and of course, the Fairytale Magic Grand Finale (my favorite). It definitely got me into the holiday spirit.
Lights on the Lake is on display through Jan. 14 – just don’t forget the hot chocolate.
Lights on the Lake
Where: Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool.
When: Daily from 5-10 p.m.
Cost: $6 per car, Mondays and Tuesdays; $10 per car, Wednesdays and Thursdays; and $20 per car, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
More information: lightsonthelake.com.
