Because December is the darkest month, we welcome grand displays of holiday and Christmas lights to brighten the night. These homeowners and communities go all out to celebrate the season, so let’s get out there and celebrate withthem.
Following our list of favorites, find more festively decorated homes and homes synced to music, drive-through Christmas light shows, and more holiday activities that bring us comfort and joy.
1. 16 BeauclaireLane
Perinton
Wanda Polisseni’s magnificent home onBeauclaireLane, in Perinton near Eastview Mall, is eccentric all year, especially at Halloween, but purely sparkles in December. The lawn sculptures and decorations are WOW-worthy! While this home, in particular, is exceptional, enjoy a slow drive on the streets that wind along the hill behind Casa Larga to enjoy more festively decorated homes.
Monica Mullen Aerial Photography captured this incredible perspective of 16 Beauclaire Lane in Perinton.
2. Rahway Neighborhood
Gates
Many of the homes in the Rahway community (Rahway, Dawson, Winter Hazel, Charter) participate in the annual Christmas lights extravaganza. Some homes are lit to festive extremes, while others are elegant, monotone, or traditional.
Winter Hazel is a cul-de-sac, so you can see all the homes again as you drive back toward Lyell Road. Bring cash for the hot cocoa and popcorn stand on Winter Hazel.
Please note that the main home on Rahway Road, which is typically decorated to the extreme, is not participating this year due to a health concern. Please keep them in your thoughts as you enjoy the rest of the neighborhood.
Congratulations to TM Holiday Lights on Charter Circle on their recognition of being one of the country’s best light shows in 2023!
An amazing capture of the Rahway, Winter Hazel, and Charter neighborhoods by Monica Mullen Aerial Photography!
3. Endicar Neighborhood
Irondequoit
This cul-de-sac neighborhood is lit! Multiple homes on Endicar Drive, off Titus Avenue near Kings Highway, participate to bring the holiday cheer.
Check out this beautiful capture of Endicar Drive from Monica Mullen Aerial Photography!
4. Buckskin Neighborhood
Farmington
There are 20+ houses on Buckskin Drive and Hunters Drive synced to the same radio station, with additional homes festively decorated. Once you pull into the neighborhood, turn off your headlights and proceed slowly to enjoy this enjoyable and colorful drive. Follow along on theirFacebook page.
The show begins each year on Thanksgiving evening at 6:30 p.m. Regular hours are Sunday–Thursday, 4:30–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 4:30–11 p.m. Tune your radio to 91.1FM.
Monica Mullen Aerial Photography captured the magic from above!
More Extreme ChristmasDisplays
10 Nuthatch Drive
This aerial photo by Monica Mullen Aerial Photography of this Wester Henrietta home is pure magic!
11 North Landing
This Penfield home, near the corner of Browncroft Boulevard, wins the award for the largest Santa ever! Probably.
48 Wilmer Street
This home in Rochester Monroe Village neighborhood, near the intersection of Monroe Avenue and Goodman Street, goes all out with holidaybling!
More Favorites
Photos were last updated in 2022. For a comprehensive list that is updated annually, check out kidoutandaboutrochester.com
Monroe County Homes With LightsSynced with ChristmasMusic
Lights on Santa Drive
Visit their Facebook page for all thedetails!
ILLoominations Light Show
Burritt Road in Hilton has two houses (865 and 885) that go all out! 865 Burritt Road has a one-hour light show to which you can tune the music and about 25,000 lights on the house this year. On the weekends, they usually have characters interacting with the kids and passing out candy canes. This year, they’ll have The Grinch, Santa, Buddy the Elf & others out. Check out our page for updates on thecharacters.
Join their Facebook group, ILLoominations Light Show, for the most current information.
More Favorites
Photos were last updated in 2022. For a comprehensive list that is updated annually, check out kidoutandaboutrochester.com
Drive-Through ChristmasLights
Pete’s Christmas Lights
It’s challenging to capture a photo of Pete’s free drive-through experience. Even my video is lacking! So, rather than making any attempt to share those, I’ll help you find the right place to experience it for yourself.
Pete’s property is located at 1028 Bay Road in Webster—the last house on this private driveway. But don’t follow Google’s directions to this address! Rather, map yourself to the beginning of the driveway as the property is set back from the road. You may pass it on your first attempt to locate it!
Tune the radio to FM 97.3 and proceed slowly—savor your time there. Follow the signs guiding you around a loop.
Lights on the Lake
Liverpool, Onondaga Lake
(near Syracuse)
Ticketed Event
According to their website, “Lights on the Lake is a two-mile long drive-thru show featuring towering holiday displays, larger-than-life Land of Oz, a twinkling fantasy forest, colorful section arches, memorable animated scenes, and a fairy tale magic grand finale.”
You must purchase your ticket online and either print the ticket or present your QR code on your phone when you get to the ticket booth. Tickets are limited and sold by the day.
November 13, 2023–January12,2024
Seven days a week, 5–10 p.m.
ROC Lights at VictorHills
Victor
Ticketed Event
From their website, “ROC Lights at Victor Hills located in the Rochester NY area is a five week long event featuring a drive through Christmas light display designed to provide an affordable, family-friendly holiday outing. View the holiday spirit through a magical and colorful lens from the comfort of your own vehicle.”
Enjoy the show on the following 2023 dates.
- Nov. 24 & 25, dusk til 8:15 p.m.
- Dec. 1 & 2, dusk til 8:15 p.m.
- Dec. 8 & 9, dusk til 9 p.m.
- Dec. 14–24, dusk til 9 p.m.
- Dec. 26 & 30, dusk–8:15 p.m.
More Holiday Activities
Lamberton Conservatory Holiday Show
Lamberton Conservatory
Rochester
Admission Fee
Enjoy evening hours on Friday and Sunday nights until 9 p.m. to appreciate the holiday lights after dark. The show begins on the first Friday in December and continues through the second weekend in January. Note that Saturday evenings are reserved for weddings.
learn more
Yuletide in the Country
Genesee Country Village
Mumford
Admission Fee
Experience the joys of past Christmases on a guided tour of the village. Meet families as they plan traditional meals, share stories, and prepare for the long winter. Take part in various December events, such as candlelit Yuletide in the Country tours, Breakfast with Saint Nick, and the Holiday Open House.
RMSC Holiday Laser Show
Strassenberg Planetarium
Rochester
November 11, 2023–January 1, 2024
Admission Fee
The Rochester Museum and Science Center’s Strasenburgh Planetarium regularly hosts state-of-the-art Saturday night laser shows. But the festive Holiday Laser opens in November, offering multiple daytime and evening shows in November andDecember.
Holidays at George EastmanMuseum
George Eastman Museum
Rochester
Admission Fee
The George Eastman Museums is a gorgeous place to experience the joy of the holiday season. Besides the delightfulSweet Creationsgingerbread houses, wreaths, and tabletop Christmas tree displays, Dryden Theatre offers a wide selection of festive films, includingGremlinson Friday, November 24, andWhite Christmason Saturday, November 25 and Saturday, December23.
Sweet Creations Gingerbread Displays
November 11–December 31, 2023
Wreath Display
November 11–December 3, 2023
Tabletop Tree Display
November 11–December 14, 2023
Holiday Homecoming
Thursday, December 7, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Holiday Movies at DrydenTheatre
Nov 24:Gremlins
Nov 25:White Christmas
Dec 2:Little Women
Dec 7:The Muppet Christmas Carol
Dec 14:Scrooge
Dec 20:Down to Earth
Dec 21:Little Women
Dec 22:The Muppet Christmas Carol
Dec 23:White Christmas
Holiday Movies at TheLittleTheatre
Have yourself a Merry Little!
Dec 8: Last Holiday
Dec 15 & 16: Love Actually
Dec 16: The Long Kiss Goodnight
Dec 18: Carol
Dec 20: Batman Returns
Roc Holiday Village
MLK Park
Rochester
Free Admission
December 1–23, 2023, closed Mondays & Tuesdays.
The festivities kick off on the first Saturday of December with the lighting of the Main Street Liberty Pole and a Santa-led procession to Roc Holiday Village. Located at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square in the heart of downtown, the charming village offers a range of free holiday-themed activities and community events, including ice skating, live music, and a visit with Santa Claus. Visitors can also shop and dine in the village.
Liberty Pole Lighting
Rochester
Free Admission
The holiday season officially begins with the lighting of the Liberty Pole on Main Street. The event is scheduled for December 2, 2023, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. A parade follows to Roc Holiday Village at MLK Park.
Genesee Brew House KegTree
Rochester
Free Admission
The official Genesee Brew House Keg Tree lighting is Friday, December 1, from 5 to 9 p.m., with the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. sharp. Even if you don’t attend the ceremony, you can stop and visit all month.
Genesee will provide free shuttle service to and from the High Falls Parking Garage since the Pont De Rennes pedestrian bridge is closed for construction. Shuttle service runs between 4:30 and 9:15 p.m. to and from the Genesee Brew House / High Falls Parking Garage only.
Parking will be available in multiple locations:
- High Falls Parking Garage. With over 700 parking spots—Genesee strongly recommends this option!
- Limited parking at the Genesee Brewery Campus. Please follow the parking signs and security guidance.
- Limited handicapped parking is available at the Genesee Brew House. Please follow the signs. There will be NO public parking at the Genesee Brew House, aside from handicapped parking.
- On Street Parking.
Enjoy food from Bay Vista Taqueria, ROC City Sammich, Tuscan Wood Fired Pizza, Wraps on Wheels, Rob’s Kabobs, Rob’s Al Dente, Rochester Kettle Corn, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, and Smoke Shake Snacks!
Holidays at the Market
Rochester Public Market
Free Admission
Sunday, November 26, December 3, and December 10,8 a.m.–2 p.m., and Thursday, December 14, 6–9 p.m.
This delightful tradition showcases vendors offering fresh trees, wreaths, decorations, specialty foods and drinks, handcrafted items, and more. You can enjoy music, carriage rides, and even see Santa on select Sundays.
Winter Festival of Lights
Log Cabin Restaurant
Macedon
Admission Fee
Friday–Sunday, November 24–December 31
Enjoy a magical winter wonderland experience with tractor and horse-drawn wagon rides through our festive field of lights. The wagons will leave regularly during the time slot you choose, so be sure to dress warmly and appropriately for the weather. Check-in behind the Log Cabin Restaurant in the Lighted Shed upon arrival. Purchase tickets in advance here.
Walking Wednesdays cost $7 per person, with $2 per person being donated to Ryan & Jenna Wales. Payment is due upon check-in, and both cash and credit are accepted. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable footwear as you walk through a field oflights.
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Which neighborhoods do you go out of your way to see?
What are your favorite holiday-themed events, activities, and traditions?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
Debi Bower is the founder and creative director of daytrippingroc.com and author of the award-winning book Day Trips Around Rochester, NewYork.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
