Go see Presque Isle Lights in Erie

Presque Isle State Park will once again glow for the holidays as Presque Isle Lights returns for the season.

The annual driving display will run Fridays through Sundays from Dec. 5 to 28, weather permitting.

Lights will turn on at dusk, and all visitors must be inside the park before the gates close at 9 p.m.

This year’s route will be noticeably shorter.

Organizers said the 13.5-mile loop around the peninsula will be reduced to 3.6 miles, with vehicles turning around at the Duck Pond crossover, where the main road splits.

By concentrating the displays on the western portion of the park, officials said the change is intended to create a brighter, more family-friendly experience.

Light installations will be visible from inside vehicles at several locations, including the Waterworks area, the Ranger Station, the Stull Interpretive Center and overlooks along Presque Isle Bay.

The driving tour remains free, as is any trip around the peninsula, but the Presque Isle Partnership — the nonprofit group behind the display — will accept donations throughout the event.

Donations will be collected at the Cookhouse pavilion parking lot in the Waterworks area.

Proceeds support accessibility improvements, conservation projects, special events and educational programming at Presque Isle.

Donors will receive a commemorative Presque Isle Lights button for every $5 contribution and will be entered for a chance to win a Country Fair gas gift card.