Christmas parades 2026Buffalo · The Queen City of the Lakes

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Buffalo, 2026.

We found six Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Buffalo with 2026 dates: six tree lightings and lighting nights, one free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?No 2026 parade posted yet.Not yetWhen’s the tree lighting?Light Up Lockport: Nov 28 · See the organizer’s page. Plus 5 more.6 lightingsIs it free?1 of 6 are free to watch; the rest list a price.1 freeDaytime or after dark?4 daytime, 2 in the evening. Each card is marked.2 evening

Last checked · 6 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

28NovSatLight Up LockportLighting festival · See the organizer’s page28NovSatChristmas at the DepotLighting festival · 2–5 p.m.3DecThuParkside Tree LightingTree lighting · 6–7:30 p.m.5DecSatDowntown Christmas Tree Lighting CelebrationTree lighting · Free skating 5 p.m.12DecSatBuffalo AKG Christmas Tree LightingTree lighting · 2–3 p.m.19DecSatHoliday Magic in the Village FestivalLighting festival · Noon–4 p.m.

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Buffalo

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

No 2026 Christmas parade posted here yet. We check parade organizers every week through early December.

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Buffalo

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

Nov28Sat

Light Up Lockport

Downtown Lockport · Lockport

Lighting festivalDaytime
Time
See the organizer’s page
Price
Not listed

Good to know: A full day of holiday events in the City of Lockport, including a Christmas parade.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec3Thu

Parkside Tree Lighting

Parkside Ave. and Russell St. · Parkside

Tree lightingEvening
Time
6–7:30 p.m.
Price
Not listed

Good to know: A neighborhood tree lighting on the corner of Parkside and Russell, hosted by the Parkside Community Association.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec12Sat

Buffalo AKG Christmas Tree Lighting

Wilson Town Square, Buffalo AKG Art Museum, 1285 Elmwood Ave. · Elmwood

Tree lightingDaytime
Time
2–3 p.m.
Price
Not listed

Good to know: An afternoon lighting in the museum’s Wilson Town Square, a good pick for little ones who won’t last until dark.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Every year

Parades and tree lightings that come back every year

Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in Buffalo

Christmas at the DepotNext: Nov 28, 2026Light Up LockportNext: Nov 28, 2026Holiday Magic in the Village FestivalNext: Dec 19, 2026

Keep planning

More for little kids in Buffalo

November: things to do in BuffaloEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in BuffaloEvery dated listing for the month, by weekFree things to do in BuffaloFree days, free events and places that never chargeIndoor play in BuffaloIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with pricesLibrary storytimes in BuffaloBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branchIce skating in BuffaloHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and pricesThanksgiving weekend in BuffaloParades, turkey trots and what’s open on ThursdayNoon Year’s Eve in BuffaloKid-friendly countdowns, home by napThe Nutcracker in BuffaloBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flaggedChristmas markets in BuffaloChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hoursChristmas break in BuffaloWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1Birthday party places in BuffaloStarting prices, ages and what’s includedThis week in BuffaloDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every Thursday

Good questions

Christmas parades in Buffalo: the FAQ

Light Up Lockport at Downtown Lockport: Sat, Nov 28, 2026, See the organizer’s page. Christmas at the Depot at Orchard Park BR&P Depot, 370-380 S. Lincoln Ave.: Sat, Nov 28, 2026, 2–5 p.m. Parkside Tree Lighting at Parkside Ave. and Russell St.: Thu, Dec 3, 2026, 6–7:30 p.m. Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, Free skating 5 p.m.; tree lighting 6.

One of the six we list are free to watch: Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Light Up Lockport, Christmas at the Depot and Buffalo AKG Christmas Tree Lighting. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 21, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Buffalo that weekend, parades included.

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