As New Yorkers, many of us know Ithaca as our state’s City of Waterfalls — a destination that’s so gorge-ous it’s become the region’s slogan. As much as we love to spend our time exploring the area’s natural wonders, during the month of December there’s a new event coming to Ithaca that you’ll want to get your hands on. Lighting up the city like never before, see why we’re over-the-moon for this year’s Winter Lights Festival!

Coming to Ithaca on December 5 through the 15, this year Ithaca will be debuting its Winter Lights Festival for the first time.

Downtown Ithaca/Facebook

Similar to winter festivals that the town has held in the past, this year’s new twist it the fact that the heart of the festival will be an interactive prism exhibit.

Erik Drost/Flickr

Running through the heart of Ithaca Commons on East State Street, the more than 7-foot-tall prisms of the Prismatica exhibit light up and spin for all to see.

Erik Drost/Flickr

You’ll be able to find 25 prisms set up and covered in dichroic film, creating larger-than-life kaleidoscopes once the sun goes down in Ithaca.

Erik Drost/Flickr

Aside from the mesmerizing prisms, there will also be things like a Silent Disco, photo opportunities, the chance to ride an enormous unicorn art bike…

Downtown Ithaca/Facebook

…a glowing bar serving wine, beer, and hot chocolate, demonstrations, and yes — the arrival of Santa!

Downtown Ithaca/Facebook

Trust us, you’ve never seen Ithaca Commons like this before!

Downtown Ithaca/Facebook

To find out more about attending this year’s Winter Lights Festival, click here!

Erik Drost/Flickr When: December 5 - 15, 2019 Where: Ithaca Commons at East State Street

Wondering what other illuminating festivals are happening around the Empire State this season? Then be sure to also read about how There’s A Chinese Lantern Festival Coming To New York And It’s Downright Magical!

Downtown Ithaca/Facebook

Erik Drost/Flickr

When: December 5 - 15, 2019 Where: Ithaca Commons at East State Street

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: 171 E M.L.K. Jr. St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA