In the past week, the burning question on Capital Region forums is – where to find holiday lights?
My family loves seeing holiday lights displays, such as the one in Washington Park in Albany. Does anyone know where there are any others? It could either be something formal like that or just a cluster of blocks of nicely decorated houses to check out. Thanks!
The Capital Region boasts of a number of spectacular outdoor holiday lights, mostly on front lawns. But where are these holiday lights in the Capital Region?
Holiday Lights In and Around Albany
Hannaford Capital Holiday Lights – The 16th Annual Celebration welcomes visitors to drive-thru November 23, 2011-January 4, 2011 in Washington Park, Albany, NY. At the end of your drive through the Lights, join your favorite reindeer and friends at the Lake House for crafts and refreshments. Santa will be there through Dec. 23 to hear the holiday wishes of the little ones. Hours are Sundays through Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission prices are $15.00 per car; $25.00 per limousine or 15-passenger van, and $75.00 per bus, with all proceeds benefiting the youth programming of Albany PAL. Discount coupons for $5.00 off admission on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings are available exclusively at Hannaford stores in the Capital Region.
In previous years, All Over Albany mentioned that Apple Blossom Lane in Colonie puts on a good holiday lights display, and they shared a video by Christen Gowan from last year’s decorations to prove it (see original post here.)
But their list was short; actually, that was it. All Over Albany Reader Michael Bucciferro added one more: “There’s some really nice ones down some of the side streets of off Van wee Terrace Colonie NY.” And ChristineV remembers that, “There’s a street in Watervliet that’s been putting on a great show for years. Sadly I’m not sure of the street but it runs east-west and since the city’s not huge you’d be able to find it from Route 32.”
They were a little vague. Do you know how to find these local legends?
Katie at Capital District Fun shared another place to catch holiday lights:
- Light up the Sky with the Marching Rams in Amsterdam, NY. 12th Annual drive through light show on a paved road through an urban forest in the middle of Amsterdam adorned with hundreds of trees and shrubs wrapped with lights, illuminated arches, homemade wooden displays from 3′ to 8′ high, illuminated deer, band members dressed in costumes, and Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Holiday Lights Further Afield
And I heard whispered on the forums that some residents are going further afield for their holiday light fix:
Bright Nights at Forest Park in Springfield, MA – It’s a bit of a hike, 1.5 hours by car from Albany, for a 2.5 mile tour through an enchanted forest. If that’s too far to go, you might want to stick to the virtual tour instead.
Looking for more holiday lights displays around the country? Download 52 Holiday Lights Delights from Taking the Kids, Traveling Mom, and Family Travel Forum.
What else? Where else can you celebrate the spirit of the holiday with big, bold lights that brighten up our long winter nights? Tell me, please!