1. Santa’s Playland Christmas Lights
Quick Response, Round Lake
November 15–January 4
What started with a few string lights and decorations 25 years ago has now become a Capital Region holiday staple. On Wednesdays–Sundays from 5–11pm during the holiday season, local restoration company Quick Response transforms its Route 9 property into a free, drive-through winter wonderland complete with gingerbread men, busy elves, a candy factory, and Santa’s sleigh. If staying cozy and warm is your vibe, you’re in luck: You don’t even need to leave your car. Just tune in to 88.5 FM as you cruise through, and you might even hear from St. Nick himself. qrrestore.com
2. Holiday Lights at Night
Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich
November 28–December 28
Another light display that will keep you warm and toasty? Lights at Night at the Washington County Fairgrounds. With more than a mile of twinkling lights, this drive-through tradition incorporates local vendors, radio stations, and even a certain man in red to bring visitors holiday joy. Tickets are $25 per car. For some pre-Thanksgiving fun, check out the nearby Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade, which will roll through the Village of Greenwich on November 22. Featuring more than 70 festive tractors and some 10,000 spectators, this has become the largest parade of its kind in the country. washingtoncountyfairgrounds.com
3. Lights on Walden
Walden Circle, Saratoga Springs
Dates TBA
In recent years, Capital Region homeowners have started getting into the light-up-the-night fun by inviting the public to drive by their expertly decorated homes, tune into a specific radio station, and watch as the synchronized lights on the house dance to their favorite holiday songs. Lights on Walden, which last year ran November 28–January 2 and is returning this season, is one such private residence. Check out their Facebook page for a collection of similar shows around the region. facebook.com/lightsonwalden
4. Christmas at Animal Land
Adirondack Animal Land, Gloversville
November 28–January 4
Christmas at Animal Land is two glittering experiences—one walk-through, one drive-through—for the price of one. Going on every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5–9pm beginning the day after Thanksgiving and ending the weekend after New Year’s Day, the light show features glimmering lights, live glass blowing, a real animal nativity, photos with Santa, and festive sweet treats. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for kids ages 2–12, and free for kids under 2. Cash only. adirondackanimalland.com
5. Lite Up the Village
Shepard Park, Lake George
Starting November 29
Last year, the light displays from Albany’s now-defunct Capital Holiday Lights in the Park were repurposed for a new display up in Lake George. While that isn’t happening again this year, there’ll still be plenty of twinkling sights to behold at Lite Up the Village, an annual block party that marks the lighting of more than 7,000 lights throughout town. After November 29, those lights aren’t going anywhere. Check out the main display at the corner of Canada Street and Beach Road and other displays around town before the holiday season comes to a close. visitlakegeorge.com
