WHAT IS PRESQUE ISLE LIGHTS?
✨ Important Update for 2025!
This year’s Presque Isle Lights experience is getting a fresh new look! Instead of traveling the entire 13.5-mile loop around the park, the tour route will now turn around at the Duck Pond crossover, where the main road forms a “Y.”
This means the lights will be condensed to the “front side” of the Peninsula, creating a brighter and more family-friendly experience — with more displays concentrated in a shorter, easier-to-enjoy route.
Presque Isle Lights offers a unique way to experience the beauty of the park after dark, with glowing lights and festive displays highlighting its natural charm. Volunteers begin preparing as early as November, adding new features and creative elements each season.
To add even more holiday cheer, guests can tune their radios to Classy 100 – “The Christmas Station”, the official soundtrack of Presque Isle Lights.
Hot cocoa will be available for purchase (weather dependent) on Friday and Saturday evenings at the 4th bayside parking area.
Visitors are reminded to be mindful of the park’s nocturnal wildlife, drive 25 mph or less, and maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
WHEN ARE LIGHTS ON?
Lights are turned ON Friday - Sunday, Dec 5 - 28 at dusk and the park gates close at 9pm, weather dependent. Visitors must be through the entrance gates by 9pm to drive around the park.
WHAT IS THE COST?
🎁 Free Admission — Donations Welcome!
Presque Isle Lights is a free, family-friendly event, but donations are gratefully accepted and directly support the Presque Isle Partnership’s year-round efforts — from accessibility upgrades and conservation projects to special events and educational programs.
Donations can be made at the first parking lot after entering the park.
For every $5 donation, you’ll receive a commemorative Presque Isle Lights button and can register your button for a chance to win a $1,000 Country Fair gas card!
The winning button number will be posted here on January 3, 2026.
Buttons can also be purchased at Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts inside the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
More info click here: PI Lights Erie
WHEN WILL THE LIGHTS BE ON? Hour of lights: 6 pm - 9 pm
- December 5-7 | Fri. - Sun.
- December 12-14 | Fri. - Sun.
- December 19-21 | Fri. - Sun.
- December 26-28 | Fri. - Sun.
Lights turn on at dusk (approximately 6:00 pm). Park gates close at 9:00 pm.
