Best Holiday Light Displays in Upstate New York!
Now that Thanksgiving has passed, we can fully sink into the holiday season! Twinkling lights and adorable displays have popped up across upstate NY, making this time of year feel extra magical. In between the mountains of the Adirondacks and the shops of downtown Saratoga Springs, you will find many displays across business and homes. We’ve compiled a list of the most peaceful holiday lights across Upstate New York below.
The Wild Center: Wild Lights – Tupper Lake
Wander through trails exploring a winter wonderland of lights. You’ll find rainbow-lit trees and twinkling woodland sculptures that make it feel like the snow itself is glowing. After exploring outdoors, you can find hot cocoa and s’mores supplies waiting for you by the fire. Plus, interactive art displays all set to locally made jazz music by Eric Sturr & Co. The event takes place on Fridays & Saturdays throughout December.
Broadway & Surrounding Streets – Saratoga Springs
Taking a walk around downtown Saratoga Springs is always filled with wonder and beauty, but it’s especially true this time of year. Of course, Broadway’s businesses have lit up their storefronts with iconic displays, but you can also find the Beekman Street Arts District transformed into a holiday dreamscape. Once you’ve enjoyed downtown, hop in your car to drive along North Broadway, Circular Street, and Union Avenue to find beautifully decorated historical homes. You can also visit the Festival of Trees at Saratoga City Center December 3rd-7th!
Lite Up the Village – Lake George
Lake George’s Beach Road is lit up with colorful displays, and every year is brighter than the last. Support small shops and restaurants up and down the strip while enjoying beautiful lights. As winter goes on you may even be able to walk onto the frozen lake or watch the fisherman set-up their ice fishing holes. A truly Adirondack experience paired with glowing holiday décor!
Quick Response Light Show – Round Lake
Over the last 25 years, the Quick Response light display has slowly grown from a small display to an entire drive through event. You’ll find light up displays depicting iconic holiday scenes, horse drawn carriages adorned with jingle bells, a candy-cane covered train for kids, real life reindeers, snowmen, and more holiday magic! Enter from Route 9 Northbound 11/15/25-1/4/26 to experience the magic.
Spirits in the Trees – Glens Falls
Holidays are always a time for family and while that makes them beautiful and peaceful, they can also lead you to miss those who are no longer with us. In a touching meld of holiday joy and remembrance, the Spirit in the Trees event in Crandall Park, Glens Falls fills a field with lit up trees that honor those we have lost. The trees will be lit from 12/6-12/31, take a stroll through over 170 trees, each with their own story, glowing in the snow!
Put on the holiday music, grab your favorite warm beverage, and take a drive or walk around our lovely downtowns. You are sure to find hidden gems of homes, like the neighborhood next to Glens Falls High School where each house puts on a fantastic display, or historic neighborhoods in Albany where candles light each window of grand homes. There is magic afoot all around us, enjoy it!
About the Author
By: Ericka Wadleigh
Exclusive for JulieCoRealty.com