36TH ANNUAL WEGMANS LIGHTS ON THE LAKE EVENT RECAP
November 2025- January 2026
The 36th Annual Lights on the Lake was a tremendous success, running from Monday, November 16 through Monday, January 12. This season, we were thrilled to welcome more than 37,000 vehicles, helping create unforgettable holiday memories for families throughout the region.
A heartfelt thank you to all of our sponsors and to the incredible staff at Onondaga County Parks. Lights on the Lake would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the Onondaga County Parks team. Your efforts are truly what make this cherished holiday tradition shine year after year.
RADIO:
Galaxy Media Partners ran 7,178 radio spots across KROCK, TK99, Sunny 102 and all ESPN Radio stations to promote the event with an additional 6,101 radio spots in our Utica market (radio stations including, KROCK Utica, Mix 102 and ESPN). PLUS, our Syracuse University Athletic spots which includes 4 spots during all 12 SU Basketball games, 4 SU Football games, and 3 spots during the Coach Show.
Below are a few examples of the radio spots:
Billboards:
The images below were the billboard images used across Central NY to promote the event.
TV:
A total of 493 television spots aired across Sinclair stations promoting Lights on the Lake throughout the season. The team at Sinclair did an outstanding job running these spots on Channels 3, 5, and CW6, helping spread the word and drive excitement all season long. Below is an example of the television spots that aired during the Lights on the Lake season:
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Below are a few examples of our social media posts during the duration of the Lights on the Lake season to get guests excited!
News/Press Coverage:
Below are a few links regarding the news/press coverage from the 2025-2026 Lights on the Lake Season.
Click HERE for “Final night of Lights on the Lake to benefit local charities”
Click HERE for an article by Family Times “Lights on the Lake Guide”
Click HERE for “Tradition returns: What to know the first week of Lights on the Lake”
Click HERE for “Lights on the Lake, New York State Craft Brewers Festival: 19 things to do this week in CNY”
Click HERE for “Lights on the Lake returns to Liverpool”
Click HERE for “Lights on the Lake gives veterans a ride on the Roller Express”
Click HERE for “What to know: Lights on the Lake returns to CNY for 36th year”
Lights on the Lake Gives Back:
The Wegmans Lights on the Lake raised $10,767 for local charities during the 2025-2026 season!
Each Lights on the Lake season proudly begins and ends with our special Charity Nights. This year, a total of $4,547 was raised during opening and closing nights, with proceeds generously supporting four outstanding organizations: 22 Until There’s None, Syracuse Grows, Operation Northern Comfort, Sunshine Horses, Inc., and Restore CNY. We are honored to help these charities continue their important work and grateful to everyone who contributed to making these nights so meaningful.
The second night of Lights on the Lake is dedicated to one of our most popular traditions—the Doggy Drive Thru! 🐾 This special evening welcomes four-legged passengers and supports a great cause. This year, we proudly raised $2,403 for Humane CNY and Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter, helping provide care and second chances for animals in our community. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this night such a tail-wagging success!
Wegmans Lights on the Lake proudly kicks off the season with our meaningful Salute the Troops Night, inviting veterans, active military members, and their families to experience Lights on the Lake free of charge as a small thank-you for their service. In partnership with Feed Our Vets, we were honored to collect a record-breaking 2,346 pounds of groceries along with $120 in cash donations, helping support local veterans and their families in our community.
The Lights on the Lake Walk and 5K Run proudly support Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital each year. In addition to the hundreds of toys collected and donated during the event, Wegmans Lights on the Lake contributed a total of $3,697 to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital this year—helping bring comfort, care, and joy to children and families throughout the region.
Lights on the Lake Digital Guide
Click HERE to download the 2025-2026 Lights on the Lake Digital Guide!
Lights on the Lake 5K Run and 5K Walk
The Lights on the Lake 5K Run, sponsored by Upstate Orthopedics, welcomed 769 registered runners who took to the Lights on the Lake course before sunrise for a truly unique experience. We also hosted the Lights on the Lake 5K Walk presented by Chick-fil-A, which sold out and brought together 850 participants. Both events showcased incredible community support and enthusiasm, making them standout highlights of the season.
Social Media Statistics:
883,800+ views on Facebook
25,500 followers on Facebook
49,700+ views on Instagram
Key demographics on all platforms: women 25-64 (very heavy female demo, biggest w/ 35-44)
Top 10 cities:
Syracuse
Clay
Cicero
Rochester
Watertown
Auburn
Utica
Oswego
Rome
Baldwinsville
Website Statistics:
From November 1, 2025 - January 12, 2026:
161,000 visits
207,000 page views
89% mobile
Onsite Activation:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Thank you to all of the incredible sponsors who made the 2025–2026 season of Wegmans Lights on the Lake possible. Your generous support helps bring this beloved holiday tradition to life, creating magical memories for families across Central New York and beyond. Because of your partnership, Lights on the Lake continues to shine brighter each year, welcoming thousands of visitors and supporting the community we’re so proud to call home. We are deeply grateful for your commitment, enthusiasm, and belief in this event. Thank you for being an essential part of the Lights on the Lake experience.