Lights on the Lake set for 35th season at Onondaga Lake Park

SALINA — As the early darkness descends in mid-November, Onondaga Lake Park will again welcome drivers for the 35th season of Wegmans Lights on the Lake, nightly from 5-10 p.m., beginning Nov. 18 and continuing through Jan. 13, 2025. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, Onondaga County Parks Commissioner Brian Kelley, and Galaxy Media COO Carrie Wojtaszek announced the upcoming season on Oct. 15 at Onondaga Lake Park. “This holiday tradition continues to grow and remain a favorite event for so many people,” McMahon said in the announcement. “We appreciate the collaborative effort of the Parks Department and Galaxy to continuously improve the show and look forward to celebrating the 35th anniversary.” “We are so proud to continue our partnership with Onondaga County for year 35 of Lights on the Lake,” Carrie Wojtaszek, COO of Galaxy Media, said. “This is a great family tradition that thousands from our community enjoy.”

Special events

Drive-throughs for charities, Salute the Troops night, a 5K run, and an early-morning opening are scheduled as part of this year’s season. Lights on the Lake will again include charity drive-throughs to begin and conclude the season. Visitors can support local charities by driving through the show on Nov. 18 and Nov. 19 for the reduced rate of $5 per car. Lights on the Lake will also be extended by one final day this year to support nonprofits. On Monday, Jan. 13, visitors can see the lights for the reduced rate of $5 per vehicle to help four worthy organizations. These tickets must be purchased online and in advance with proceeds going directly to the charities. Local 501(c)(3) charities that would like to benefit from the charity drive-throughs can apply through Nov. 1 at www.lightsonthelake.com by clicking on the “Charity Submissions” tab, per the announcement. Salute the Troops Night is set for Nov. 20 when any active military or veteran can drive through, free-of-charge. Online reservations are not needed but a military ID will be required at the ticket booth. Lights on the Lake will once again be conducting a food drive during the Salute the Troops Night. The organization Feed Our Vets organization will be at the event collecting canned goods at the ticket booth. Lights on the Lake will open at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 for those looking to take a walk or stroll through Lights on the Lake in the morning. The early time will allow walkers to enjoy the view of lights before sunrise. Tickets must be purchased in advance for this event and can be bought on the Lights on the Lake website. The Lights on the Lake 5K race will return to Onondaga Lake Park on Nov. 24, beginning at 6 a.m. The race will be capped at 750 runners. Registration for the walk and 5K run is now available at https://www.lightsonthelake.com/lol-5k.