We’ve already covered the Ice Maze and Dickens Christmas, but before the season is over let’s chat about two more Christmas events in Central New York. If you’re looking for a last-minute addition to your plans this season—or want to bookmark ideas for next year—two can’t-miss stops are Lights on the Lake and Lorenzo Historic Site’s Christmas celebration.
Lights on the Lake
Easily the defining holiday lights experience in the region, Lights on the Lake is a huge event taking place every year at Onondaga Lake Park. You buy a ticket online ahead of time through their site, and off you go. We’re not big on merch, but little guy is a big fan of the light-up wands you can add on to your ticket.
If you’re going on the weekend there can be a bit of a wait to get in, but it’s not horrific. We went on a Saturday this year and were in line about 15/20 minutes. Just bring some snacks, a thermos full of cocoa, and a holiday playlist and you’ll be all set! They also have some cute smaller light displays along the path as you edge closer to the main event, giving kids something to look at in the mean time.
The displays are broken into different themes including Santa’s Workshop, Fantasy Land, and Storybook Forest. All of our kids from big to little love visiting every year. The displays really don’t get old, and hearing the kids chat about what they’re seeing is one of my favorites. It takes 20-30 minutes to go through the main display, and you will be in your car the entire time.
Lorenzo Christmas
Lorenzo State Historic Site is a property operated by the NY State Park system at 17 Rippleton Road in Cazenovia, NY. A beautiful estate with multiple buildings dating to 1807, it is worth visiting any time of year. In fact they have quite a range of events, so keep an eye on their calendar!
Back to Christmas, part of their annual calendar is a Christmas event. The theme changes every year (2025 is classic Christmas stories), but it’s always decorated beautifully and a lot of fun.
Tickets are purchased on site when you get there, then you begin with a small museum in the visitor center. From there you get to wander the main house, which is just stunning. As you go through you’ll find themed decor, live music, and a sweet snack at the end. As you leave through the back there are sleigh rides to the school house building (you also take the sleigh back).
I know this sounds like a history spot. Which, to be fair, it is. But it’s a wildly kid-friendly history spot. Santa was wandering around, there’s crafts to do at the school house, and a scavenger hunt to complete in the museum. The tweens had a great time and were actually pretty interested in the history, but even little guy loved the live music and crafts. Obviously sleigh rides are always a hit too. Don’t sleep on historical sites!
As we close in on Christmas I hope this gives you a couple more ideas to get on the calendar or inspire future plans. Enjoy soaking in the season, and happy holidays!
What are your favorite can’t-miss holiday spots?
Happy Christmas trails 🥾🎅