HAMBURG – The holiday season continues this weekend at the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights, where one ticket per carload unlocks dazzling light displays and festive fun for the group.
Weekend Highlights
Thursday, December 4 – Drive-Thru Only Night
Drive-thru gates open 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Start the weekend with our first Drive-Thru Only night. Enjoy more than 70 light displays, tunnels, arches, and all-new scenes from the comfort of your vehicle. Tune in to HoHo Radio at 87.9 FM to enhance the experience.
Friday, December 5 – Couple’s Night – Full Experience Night
Drive-thru gates open 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Buildings and Walk Around Portion open until 10:00 p.m.
Celebrate a festive night out for two!
- Professional Photos: Visit the Big Tree & Selfie Park from 6-8 p.m to capture a special photo with your loved one. You’ll receive a QR code to access your digital photo.
- Hamburg Gaming Giveaway: Enter to win a $50 indulge gift certificate and $100 in slot play for Hamburg Gaming (enter to win at Frosted Grapes & Hops).
- Drink Specials for Two: Located at our outdoor bar, Frosted Grapes & Hops.
- Any 2 Specialty Drinks in a Festival Mug for only $20 ($4 savings). Mix and Match Hot Chocolate, Hot Cider or Coffee with Fireball or Irish Cream. Or, enjoy the Upstate Farms Egg Nog Bourbon Blizzard or Fireside Nog. (21+)
- 2 Glasses of Wine for only $15 ($3 savings). Choose from Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Grigio. (21+)
- Jeff Dunham Ticket Giveaway: Enter to win a pair of tickets to see legendary comedian, Jeff Dunham, at Key Bank center on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Visit www.the-fairgrounds.com/giveaways to enter, or scan the QR code at the Festival this weekend! Winner will be chosen on Monday, December 8.
Saturday, December 6 – Live Music Night – Full Experience Night
Drive-thru gates open 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Buildings and Walk Around Portion open until 10:00 p.m.
Enjoy holiday hits and Fair favorites from the Erie County Fair Pepsi All-Star Band inside Candy Cane Court at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 7 – $20 Discount Night – Full Experience Night
Drive-thru gates open 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Buildings and Walk Around Portion open until 9:00 p.m.
Experience the full experience, including both the drive-thru lights and walk-around activities, for just $20 per carload (any size).
What’s Included in Your Ticket?
The Full Experience ticket (Dec 5-7) includes both the drive-thru light displays and the walk-around activities along 42nd Street. Inside the walk-around portion, festivalgoers can explore a mix of new attractions, including the reimagined Rockin’ Christmas Illuminated Pixel Show, a hometown-themed “A Very Buffalo Christmas” exhibit, expanded holiday market vendors and food/drink offerings, and the refurbished Whoville Express Train. Favorites return such as visits with Santa, Santa’s Barnyard farm animals, Santa’s Magical Midway kiddie rides, kid’s crafts, cookie decorating, Letters to Veterans and Santa, the Christmas Tree Comedy Jamboree, a model train display, S-elf-ie Park, and more.
Ticketing Details
Tickets are sold by the carload, encouraging guests to pack the car and celebrate together. Guests can choose between a Full Experience carload pass or the Drive-Thru Only carload pass. Prices vary based on date and vehicle size. Tickets are purchased online at FairgroundsHoliday.com.
- Full Experience Nights (includes drive-thru and walk-around Festival): December 5–7, 12–14, and 18–23. Carload pricing starts at $33.90.
- Drive-Thru Only Nights: December 4, 11, 15–17, and 26–30. Carload pricing starts at $22.60.
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