Must-See Holiday Light Shows in Upstate NY (Drive-Through + Walkable Trails)
Twinkling tunnels, drive-through displays, and walkable winter wonderlands make Upstate NY a favorite for holiday lights. If you are planning a quick night out or building a full itinerary, this guide rounds up the can’t-miss Christmas light shows in Upstate New York, including drive-through experiences and festive strolls with music, treats, and photo-worthy scenes.
Want to make it extra memorable? Turn it into an escape for the whole weekend and stay at a cozy Red Cottage home, so you can see the lights, unwind after, and wake up ready for more holiday fun the next day.
📍 A Frosty Fest (Ulster Park)
A holiday light experience with that extra bit of Hudson Valley flair, featuring a drive-through option and a fun atmosphere that feels like a full seasonal outing. Perfect if you want Christmas lights near Kingston or a winter event in Ulster County that feels more like an experience than a quick stop.
📍 The Wonderland of Lights (Rhinebeck)
A classic Hudson Valley drive-through Christmas light show with big, festive displays and an easy route that works for families, date nights, and group outings. If you are searching for Christmas lights in Rhinebeck or holiday light shows in Dutchess County, this one belongs at the top of your list.
📍 Winter Glow (Wappingers Falls)
A drive-through holiday light show at the ballpark that is simple, fun, and great for a low-stress weeknight plan. Ideal for anyone searching for Christmas lights near Poughkeepsie or holiday light shows in Wappingers Falls.
📍 Holiday Lights in Bloom (Montgomery)
A walk-through holiday light display that is perfect for a relaxed winter stroll with photo spots and a family-friendly vibe. If you want walk-through Christmas lights in the Hudson Valley, this is a great choice for an early evening plan.
📍 Peace, Love & Lights (Bethel)
A scenic drive-through light show on the historic Bethel Woods grounds that feels festive, nostalgic, and totally road-trip worthy. If you are looking for Christmas lights near the Catskills or holiday lights in Sullivan County, this is an easy pick for a cozy winter night out.
📍 Minard’s Family Farm – Christmas Wonderland Spectacular Village of Lights (Clintondale)
A walk-through Christmas village with lights, seasonal activities, and that full holiday-festival energy. Great for families and anyone looking for a Christmas village in the Hudson Valley that turns one night out into a whole memory.
📍 ERDAJT’s Christmas Light Display (LaGrangeville)
A beloved local drive-by display with a community feel that is perfect when you want something festive without tickets or lines. A great option if you are hunting for free Christmas lights in Dutchess County or a quick holiday lights stop near LaGrangeville.
📍 Christmas on the Farm -Apple Ridge Orchard (Warwick)
A cozy, small-town style holiday stop that pairs perfectly with a weekend in the Hudson Valley, especially if you want lights plus seasonal orchard vibes. The orchard turns into a walking holiday lights display for December.
Whether you do one quick drive-through or turn it into a full weekend of strolls, treats, and twinkly photo stops, you really can’t go wrong. If you want to make it a true reset, escape for the whole weekend and stay at a cozy Red Cottage home so the nights feel festive and the downtime feels just as magical.
