Ausable Chasm to light up Adirondack winter with new Festival of Lights
An unforgettable nighttime experience brings nature, imagination, and festive lights together in one of the Adirondacks’ most iconic destinations.
AUSABLE CHASM, NY – This winter, one of the Adirondacks’ most treasured natural attractions is preparing to shine in an entirely new way. Ausable Chasm is proud to announce the Ausable Chasm Festival of Lights, a magical outdoor experience celebrating nature, light, and the beauty of the Adirondack winter, beginning November 19, 2026, and continuing through January 10, 2027.
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” Ausable Chasm has welcomed visitors since 1870. Now, this historic destination is introducing a completely different way to experience its dramatic natural surroundings after sunset, beneath a canopy of sparkling lights.
See the Chasm in a Whole New Light
The Festival of Lights is a self-guided outdoor walking experience that transforms a half-mile stretch of the Chasm’s wooded trails into four uniquely illuminated worlds, each featuring its own atmosphere, colors, and creative lighting displays.
Beginning at the Ausable Chasm Welcome Center, guests embark on an evening journey across the historic Route 9 Bridge to the Gatehouse, where the illuminated adventure unfolds.
Along the way, visitors will encounter four imaginative themed environments:
- It’s Snowing — A whimsical winter wonderland filled with brilliant white lights, oversized snowflakes, and glowing blue accents.
- The Inferno — A dramatic landscape of fiery reds, oranges, and golden light illuminating the surrounding forest.
- Dark Filament Forest — An imaginative world of vibrant colors and glowing elements that transform the darkness into an extraordinary visual experience.
- It’s Raining — A dazzling illuminated environment inspired by the movement and beauty of falling rain.
And the magic doesn’t stop with the four immersive worlds! Guests will also witness some of Ausable Chasm’s most iconic landmarks transformed by festive illumination. Rainbow Falls will be bathed in a dramatic wall of light, while the Rainbow Falls Bridge will shine with dazzling lights. Elephant’s Head and the Upper Chasm’s spectacular “Stairway to Heaven” will complete the experience, offering breathtaking views of familiar landmarks in an entirely new way.
More Than Just a Walk Through the Lights
The Festival of Lights is designed to be a celebration of the winter season and an opportunity for families and friends to create lasting memories together.
Guests can enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Winter Village, warm up with hot chocolate, and take in the sights and sounds of the season. Carolers will also be featured on select evenings, adding another dimension to this special winter experience.
Ausable Chasm would also like to recognize our community partners, Clowney Electric, for its exceptional work and dedication in completing the electrical improvements that helped bring the festival to life, and NYSEG, for its cooperation in providing access to the property necessary to illuminate the iconic Rainbow Falls.
Festival Dates, Hours & Admission
Dates: November 19, 2026 – January 10, 2027
Operating Days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with an expanded Christmas week schedule. During Christmas week (December 21–27), the festival will be open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Hours: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Last Ticketed Entry: 7:30 PM
Holiday Closures:
- Thanksgiving Day — Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Christmas Eve — Thursday, December 24, 2026
- Christmas Day — Friday, December 25, 2026
- New Year’s Day — Friday, January 1, 2027
Admission:
- Adults (ages 13 and older): $19.95
- Children (ages 4–12): $14.95
- Children ages 3 and under: FREE
Advance online ticket purchases are strongly recommended, as ticket availability is limited. A limited number of tickets may be available at the Welcome Center, but walk-up admission cannot be guaranteed.
A New Adirondack Winter Experience
With a combination of spectacular lighting, imaginative themed environments, and the remarkable natural setting of Ausable Chasm, the Festival of Lights aims to bring a new seasonal experience to the Adirondack region.
The Festival of Lights is an outdoor winter walking experience along natural terrain. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and wear appropriate winter footwear with good traction.
Ausable Chasm – Festival of Lights
2144 US Route 9
Ausable Chasm, NY 12911
Tickets and information: https://www.ausablechasm.com/winter-lights-festival
For updates, entertainment schedules, and weather-related announcements, visit the website or follow Ausable Chasm on Facebook and Instagram.
Posted: November 6th, 2026 under General News.