While on a business trip in the Syracuse area, I looked up holiday activities and saw that the Lights on the Lake was very close. I also saw consisteng good-very good review on the internet and decided to give it a try. The Lights on the Lake is a series of lovely light displays set up around the perimeter of Onondaga Lake. Visitors are able to drive along the route while taking in some of these lovely displays.

The fees are per vehicle and very reasonable, especially if you go earlier in the week. Tickets are only available in advance online, they CANNOT be purchased at the gate. The fees per car are $20 for Fri, Sat and Sun, $10 for Wed and Thurs and $6 for Mon and Tues. While I think the $20 is fair for a car full of people, the $10 and $6 early-midweek price is insane for the activity. I was riding solo, and went on a Monday, so after some nominal fees, I paid about $7.50...FYI I am from NYC, where similar holiday drive throughs in and around the area easily cost $30-40!

There was no wait at around 7 PM on Monday night. Less cars also made it easier to pause and take photos without the pressure of holding up the traffic. While there are signs throughout the route that say "do not stop" in an effort not to hold up traffic, many cars were at least pausing for a few seconds, especially during the larger displays, to snap a few photos. You are also reminded to "stay in your vehicle" at all times.

As an added bonus, there are perks on most nights, depending on different sponsors for the event. During my visit, after checking in, I was a given a voucher for a free car wash nearby (an $18 value), which I gladly redeemed the following day! Talk about a great deal.... $6 for the Lights on the Lake and a free $18 car wash!

Overall I had a great time here. I would love to return again with the family. I highly recommend this activity for everyone, especially on the cheaper nights.