Otsiningo Park has been transformed into the ultimate Christmas spirit to brighten up the dark winter nights.

With more than 2 million lights and multiple displays, people can expect a dazzling experience at the 5th Annual Broome County Festival of Lights.

Event director David Pessagno said the festival came about as a way to get people out during the COVID pandemic.

“We needed to do something in the community that would be safe for everyone and yet not make anyone sick or cause any of this,” Pessagno said.

At the first event, the lighting was only sufficient for part of the area. But by the second year, the entire park was filled with twinkling lights and holiday scenes.

The cold nights are not a problem as you can stay in the car and drive around the park.

“There are just so many displays that it feels like driving around during the holiday season and seeing what people are doing with their house,” Pessagno said.

There are scenes depicting common winter holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Or you might see deer by a lake, a rippling waterfall, and even a sports team throwing a ball around.

It’s not all driving. At the northern edge of the park, you can take photos, enjoy refreshments and listen to live performances by groups such as the Johnson City School District Choir or the Chenango Forks Pitchforks. And it wouldn’t be a holiday event without the appearance of the man himself.

“Santa Claus is there 13 or 14 times,” Pessagno said. “It gives people the opportunity to walk through the park, stop with their kids and come into the tent.” It’s warm. We have heaters there, they sit next to Santa Claus. The children can tell them what they want for the holiday.”

The Broome County Festival of Lights runs through January 5th.

For more information about special events and performances, visit the Broome County Festival of Lights.