It's that time of year again! We had our first big snow, Thanksgiving is around the corner, and everyone wants to check out a great Christmas light show! I've compiled a list of the best Christmas lights and events in town for you to check out.
Asbury Woods Winter Wonderland
Where: Asbury Woods
When: December 1-31, 2022 (minus Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Details: Enjoy a beautiful walk along Asbury Woods' boardwalk every night between 5:30-8:30pm. You'll see holiday lights sparkling along your 1/3 of a mile stroll. Afterward stop by the nature center to see the animals and pick up a holiday gift! This event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated, but not expected.
Downtown D'Lights
Where: Perry Square
When: Friday, December 2nd starting at 5:00pm
Details: Santa and Mayor Joe Schember will be arriving via horse drawn carriage at 6:00pm. Entertainment and refreshments are available throughout the evening. Kiddos can have a meet and greet with Santa. The holiday village shops in West Perry Square will be open and Mason Farms will be hosting a tree and wreath sale in East Perry Square.
Presque Isle Lights
Where: Presque Isle Driving Tour
When: Thursday-Sunday throughout December starting at 6:00pm and ending at 9:00pm
Details: Visitors will find beautiful holiday light displays that highlight the natural beauty of Presque Isle after dark. Visitors to the park have to remember that Presque Isle is first and foremost a state park and has limited electricity running the length of the peninsula. So this won't be your typical flashy/loud Christmas-music-playing display of lights. The sets you'll see are done with nature in mind and to specifically highlight the park. Light displays will be located at Stull Interpretive Center, the Ranger Station, Waterworks picnic shelters, the Lighthouse, and Lagoons. Be sure to check out the Erie skyline across Presque Isle Bay. And if you're driving through on a Friday or Saturday night, be sure to stop at the 4th parking lot after entering and pick up a $2.00 hot chocolate for your drive! This event is free and open to the public, but donations are happily accepted at the second parking lot upon entry!
If you're looking for a big, showy display of Christmas lights and feel like driving a bit, this next option is right up your alley!
Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland
Where: Butler County, Cooper's Lake
When: Everyday November 18-January 1 (including holidays!) 6:00pm-10:00pm
Details: My family and I attended this drive-through light show last year when it was at the Butler County fairgrounds, and let me tell you...if you're looking for the biggest, loudest display of lights around...this is it! The lights are choreographed to music (you'll tune in on your radio) and it's a pretty impressive setup! My kids loved all of the lights and how they matched the music. I will say, be prepared for a wait, especially if you go on a weekend! We had to wait for about an hour because we didn't purchase our tickets ahead of time. It's pricey-about $40/car. (There are also "Value Tickets" that are priced at $30/car if you can plan your trip for a weeknight.) But admission into their Santa's village is free with the purchase of a light show ticket. There are photos and visits with Santa along with a letter writing station. There is also a food truck in case your kiddos get hungry!
Another option that's right across the border in Ohio might be great for a night out!
Ashtabula County's Lights on the Lake
Where: Lakeshore Park (entrance on Lake Road at State Road - Look for the toy soldiers)
When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays November 25th-December 31st 6:00pm-9:00pm
Link: https://www.aclotl.com/
Details: This is the 17th year for Lights on the Lake! It's 70 light displays are put together by volunteers on 54 acres of the park boasting Lake Erie as a beautiful backdrop. Admission is $5/car and if you purchase your ticket in advance, you could win $500!
I'd love to hear about your favorite light show or holiday event! Let me know about it in the comments! Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for more fun, family activities and beautiful photography!
And If you're looking for a gift for someone in the Erie, PA area this holiday season, I happily offer gift certificates. A portrait session always makes the perfect present!
Whatever events you end up attending, I hope you have a beautiful holiday season and a very happy and healthy new year!
Until next time, take care and smile pretty!!