Tree-lighting, fireworks & Santa to kickoff 15th annual Fairgrounds Festival of Lights

This Friday, the switch will be flipped to illuminate more than 1 million lights as the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights opens its 15th season. This time-honored, Western New York holiday tradition takes place at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg.

New this year will be an official tree-lighting and brief firework display scheduled for 6:15 p.m. The kickoff will take place on 42nd Street inside the festival’s “walk around” section. Singers from Mel’s School of Music & Theater will provide sounds of the season.

The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights will be open for 15 days, running every weekend through Dec. 15, with an expanded schedule Dec. 18-23. Hours are 5-9 p.m., with the buildings and grounds staying open until 10 p.m.

Admission to the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights includes a wide array of activities and holiday fun that includes six decorated buildings, live family entertainment, craft making and vendors.

The cost to attend is $25 per carload at the gate.

The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights is sponsored by the Erie County Agricultural Society. For more information regarding the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights, visit www.FairgroundsHoliday.com.