Shedding Some Light on the Season...

I know we’re getting late in the season for this post, but I’d still like to share my thoughts on a couple Christmas lighting spectaculars causing brownouts all around Western New York.  I had been trying to decide:  Olmstead Lights Winter Nights in Delaware Park or Hamburg Festival of Lights at the Fairgrounds?  I ended up visiting both. 

Since the internet was little help in finding pre-visit reviews and tips—and neither venue has a very useful website—I figured I’d make a small but valiant attempt to correct this problem.  Both shows run into January, so even though Christmas is three days away, there’s still plenty of time to go light peeping.

Olmstead Lights Winter Nights



When the LEDs fade to blue, a frosty mood is cast over Delaware Park


Designed by a Buffalo State College professor of theater, this light show is the first to grace Delaware Park in eight years, reports the Buffalo News.  To visit, park at the Buffalo Zoo entrance to Delaware Park.  This simple tip is important; I got discombobulated here (not being a regular on Buffalo’s north side) and ended up at the Albright Knox Art Gallery.  Those more familiar with the city, go ahead and laugh at me. 

This show is pedestrians only, and entry is at the admission booth directly across the street from zoo parking.  While $20 per carload is the advertised rate, it’s also $5 per head—whatever's cheapest.  Make sure to bundle up warmly, as most of this is outdoors.  Approximately 15 acres of parkland are lit up by high-mounted, constantly changing LED lamps.  Their different hues, reflected off the snow, make for an intriguing and dynamic winter scene.  Trees and fences flank the walking path and are decked out in colorful lights while Christmas music sets the mood over an outdoor sound system. 

When you’ve had enough cold, head in to Parkside Lodge and warm up by the fireplace or take in live Christmas caroling.  The Lunchbox Café is also open serving refreshments and light meals.  A menu is available here. 

Overall, I thought this was an enjoyable way to get in the Christmas spirit, but with one caveat.  I’m a suburban boy, and driving nearly 30 miles from East Aurora for this is definitely not worth the time.  If you’re in the area, however, the $5 is well spent, and hey, it goes toward a good cause—supporting Buffalo’s city parks. 

Olmstead Lights runs Wednesday through Sunday each week until January 16, 2011.  It’s closed Christmas and New Years—both eve and the holidays.  More details at Olmstead Park’s website.

Hamburg Festival of Lights

Reflections—The Hamburg Festival of Lights

The defining exhibit here is the nearly two-mile long drive through an animated and illuminated winter wonderland.  The website claims there are over 200 light exhibits ranging from a tunnel of lights to two-dimensional figurines.  To set the mood, Christmas music and trivia are broadcast via your car’s stereo (a sign tells you what FM frequency to tune in to).  The drive lasts for about 10 – 15 minutes depending on how often you stop, but it’s definitely worth seeing.  I especially liked Bills and Sabres logos all made up in Christmas lights.  I wish there had been more hometown displays in this vein. 

While the light show is the crown jewel, once it’s passed there’s still plenty more to do.  A North Pole village showcases miniature storefronts, each with a different window scene and an actual pole of ice in the center of the village.  Brick walkways, nostalgic street lights, and decorations everywhere let you know it’s definitely Christmas. 

There’s also a reindeer barn complete with several reindeer and interesting facts about them.  Winterific is an indoor light show set to Christmas music.  I’ll admit, it sounded hokey on the website, but was actually well done.  It doesn’t last long, but is a good place warm up for a few minutes. 

Since this is an event geared toward families with kids, there’s also a midway with carnival rides (indoors), a Christmas magic show, and visits with Santa.  As you might imagine, I stayed far away from all these. 

The Hamburg Light Show is much better marked and easier to find than Olmstead Lights.  Enter at the Fairgrounds main gate on South Park Avenue where signs direct you to the admission checkpoint.  Don’t pay $18 per carload; coupons for $3 off are everywhere including local Pizza Hut and Wendy’s restaurants and Delta Sonic car washes. 

This one only runs until January 1, 2011 and is closed Christmas eve and day, so time is running out.  It’s open every night from 5:30pm – 9:30pm and the other attractions stay open until 10.  Since it’s a family event, mom and dad can have fun and support New York State their child’s education at the Hamburg Casino, conveniently located at the entrance/exit.  There’s also wine tastings from local Lake Erie wineries. 

Overall, I’d say this one, while pricey, was worth the money and a far more enjoyable show than Olmstead Lights.  Being in the south towns might have helped sway my opinion a bit too.  Check out more pictures in my Flickr gallery below: