Presque Isle Lights

Fri. - Sun. December 5-28, 2025

ABOUT US

We are your host, Presque Isle Partnership — a nonprofit organization dedicated to making your Presque Isle experience the best it can be, year-round. Our work is entirely funded by public donations, and everything we do is a direct result of the community’s generosity and love for the park. Simply put, we’re here to enhance the work already being done by DCNR and help ensure Presque Isle remains a cherished and inclusive haven for all.

All gifts to the Partnership are 100% tax deductible and stay right here for the betterment of your park.

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.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

This year’s condensed route will feature illuminated displays at many of Presque Isle’s most iconic front-side areas, including:

• The Stull Interpretive Center

• The Ranger Station

• Waterworks Picnic Shelters

• The Presque Isle Lighthouse

• Scenic bayside overlooks with views of the Erie skyline

Our volunteers and partners — including our friends at Penelec — have worked hard to create a tasteful, environmentally mindful display that celebrates the park’s natural beauty and spirit of community.

Experience the magic of Presque Isle after dark — a shorter route, brighter lights, and more concentrated holiday cheer than ever before!

Thanks to our 2025 Sponsors!