Santa’s Wonderland Train Ride
All Aboard for the most magical train ride this holiday season. Kids will love this enchanting ride to the North Pole, where they will get to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as elves and reindeer. Lots of fun activities to usher in the holiday.
Open: Saturdays & Sundays November and December
Address: 278 Main Street, Arcade
Holiday Illumination
Bring family and friends to tour the fort for this special evening program. View traditional holiday decorations and enjoy the serenity of original 18th century buildings.
Date: Saturday, November 30th 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Address: Address: 103 Morrow Plaza, Youngstown, NY
The Castle By Candlelight
Old Fort Niagara assumes a particularly festive air during the holiday season. Special activities kick off on Saturday evenings, December 7 and 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., as the Fort presents The Castle by Candlelight, a tour of the Great Lakes’ oldest building illuminated entirely by candles. Throughout the Castle, visitors will encounter members of the Fort’s 18th century garrison demonstrating everything from quill pens to fur trading to traditional games of skill.
Twice each evening the garrison turns out to perform a grand feu de joie (firing of joy), a rolling fire of muskets and cannons. Cooks demonstrate 18th century holiday recipes, musicians play popular songs of the era and a Recollet priest reads the Christmas story in Latin in the Fort’s 298-year-old chapel. Visitors to the event can make a holiday ornament and a bird feeder and enjoy Native American songs and stories.
In the fort’s log cabin visitors can warm up and enjoy hot refreshments which will be available for purchase. Menu items include bread pudding, soup, hot chocolate, coffee and tea.
Dates: Saturday December 7th & 14th 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Address: 103 Morrow Plaza, Youngstown, NY
Christmas on Central – Holiday Market and Tree Lighting
This festive community event is open to the public. Craft, gift and food vendors will be located in the Northern Chautauqua Catholic School (NCCS) gym, Elks Club, Stearns Building, former P&G store, P*dubs, Onix Barbershop, Leghicie Lashes and other indoor/outdoor spots around City Hall. Local businesses will also offer specials. Complimentary activity maps will be available. Dress warm for this strolling event!
Merchant/Vendor Holiday Shopping & Food Trucks Downtown Dunkirk | 11 AM – 5 PM
Santa Claus/Mrs. Claus/Rudolph/Elves Visits City Hall | 1:00 PM Arrival – 5 PM
Free Horse Drawn Wagon Rides – 2 Units! Provided by Laff “N” Lyon Ranch City Hall| 12 PM – 4 PM
Holiday Ice Sculpture Carvings Provided by Jamestown Ice Stearns Building | 11 AM – 3 PM
Free Hot Cocoa & Food Available For Purchase Central Station Restaurant │11 AM – 5 PM
NEW! City of Dunkirk Gingerbread Display Stearns Building │11 AM – 6 PM
Children’s Activities
Cookie Frost – Stearns Building | 11 AM – 3 PM
Holiday Craft-Making – NCCS Gym | 12 PM – 4 PM
Live Music at City Hall
11 AM – Footsteps
1 PM – Slim & Red
3 PM – DJ Joe Gould
Holiday Dancers at City Hall
5:00 PM – McKenna Academy of Dance
5:15 PM – Danza! Performing Arts Academy
Annual Tree Lighting w/Mayor Kate Wdowiasz City Hall 5:30 PM
Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Address: Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY
Miracle on Main Street
Miracle on Main Street is A fun, family festival! Santa comes to town with activities and fun times for kids & the whole family including caroling, the official Village holiday tree lighting in the park with refreshments, shopping, and much more.
Date: Saturday, December 7th 10 am – 9 pm
Address: Main Street, Fredonia
Buffalo Holiday Market
Now in two locations (Downtown Buffalo & the Village of Hamburg), Buffalo Holiday Market recreates the magic of holiday markets that are famous across Europe, Buffalo Holiday Market will feature vendors in wooden chalets, mulled wine, sweet treats and many more seasonal surprises. This four-week shopping series will showcase an exceptional mix of artisan crafters and holiday foods from Western New York, including a tree lighting and appearances by the jolly man himself.
Dates: Buffalo: Nov. 29 – Dec. 22
Address: The Richardson Olmsted Campus at 444 Forest Ave Buffalo, NY
Yuletide in the Country
Interact with 150 local artisans selling their finest wares at this long-standing event just 20 minutes from Downtown Buffalo. Yuletide in the Country offers a remarkable cross-section of gift ideas, and also highlights artisan demonstrations throughout the weekend, including live cooking demonstrations for holiday meal planning.
Dates: Dec. 7th & 8th 10 am-5 pm Saturday and 10 am-4 pm Sunday
Address: Hamburg Fairgrounds, 5820 South Park Ave. Hamburg, NY
Newfane Light Up Parade
Visit this beautiful community on Lake Ontario as they ring in the holiday season with a snowflake village, Mistletoe Market, Candy Cane Lane Craft Show, and the beloved Light Up Parade
Open: December 6th, 2024
Poinsettia Exhibits
Poinsettia Exhibit
The holidays are here, and so is our annual Poinsettia Exhibit! Step into the warm embrace of our tropical conservatory, filled to the brim with brilliant poinsettias of all sizes and colors. Allow the vibrant reds, magentas, pinks, yellows, and oranges to fill your heart with joy. This Western New York holiday tradition is sure to brighten your mood, and keep you warm, as you explore our carefully curated collection of pretty poinsettias.
Poinsettia Exhibit – November 22 – January 6 – 10am-4pm
Poinsettia After Dark
Experience the magic of the holidays this month during Poinsettias After Dark! Thousands of twinkling lights will guide you through our magically illuminated greenhouses. See textures, shapes, and shadows that you’ve never noticed before as different colors bathe our plant collections in a whole new light. Escape Buffalo’s cold winter nights and enjoy a charming and calming evening at the Botanical Gardens.
November 29, 30
December 6, 7, 14, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
5-9pm
Address: 2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY
Fairground Festival of Lights
North Pole Experience featuring Santa – Guests will be transported to the North Pole as they make their way through magical displays, including a toy shop, elf village, and the Arctic. The height of the experience comes when guests stand face to face with Santa’s house, where Santa himself will meet guests on the front porch. Families are encouraged to bring their own cameras to capture a lasting memory of the holidays. At 10,000 square feet, it ranks as the largest Santa display in the region!
Drive Thru Light Display – Fairgrounds Festival of Lights offers a new route encompassing 70 variations of light displays, arches and light tunnels.
Frosty’s Dance Party –Get ready to dance the night away with Frosty in a winter wonderland of joy! At the top of every hour, the magic unfolds as Frosty leads the festivities in a whirlwind of festive music and “snow”! Let your spirit soar as you shimmy, shake, and jive alongside the jolly snowman. There are four show times nightly and each show runs about 10-15 minutes.
Showtimes: 6:00pm, 7:00pm, 8:00pm & 9:00pm
Whoville Express Train Ride – All aboard the Whoville Express! Hop on this merry train ride inspired by the spirit of the season! As the train chugs along, you’ll be whisked away to a world filled with twinkling lights and Whoville magic that even the Grinch can’t resist! What festive fun awaits around the bend?
Christmas Tree Comedy Jamboree – All new! Join our whimsical animatronic Christmas Tree Family for a comedy show brimming with jolly jokes and festive fun. From silly one-liners to pun-tastic punchlines, each character has a unique personality that’ll have you rolling in the aisles.
Runs every 30 minutes from 5-10pm.
Santa’s Barnyard – It wouldn’t be a trip to the Hamburg Fairgrounds without some farm animals! Come visit furry friends who help light up the holidays in Santa’s Barnyard!
Illuminated Pixel Show – Prepare to be dazzled and delighted! You’ll want to sing and dance along to this enchanting Disney-inspired light show that will transport you to a pixelated dreamland, including castles, fireworks and characters synchronized to music. Runs continuously from 5-10pm.
Santa’s Magical Midway – Santa’s Magical Midway features an array of kiddie rides from the days of yesteryear, including the ever popular Holiday Carousel! Each nostalgic ride has been fully reconditioned to bring back its original grandeur for kids to enjoy.
European Style Holiday Market –Reminiscent of the Christmas Markets in Europe that date back centuries, our Outdoor Christmas Market is centered on 42nd Street and includes a holiday shopping at chalets with open window countertops.
At Home Creations – Holiday gifts & crafts
Belov’d Creations – Coasters, Cutting Boards, Gnomes, Ornaments, Magnets
Crafts By Sandy – Garden Decorations, Buffalo Items, Candles, Home Decor, Outdoor Decor, Pictures, Solars Items for Outdoor
Fully Dipped – Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Cookies and Treats
KD Custom Boutique – Buffalo themed clothing
Kwilos Farms – Wreaths, Swags, Table Centerpieces, Maple Syrup, Maple Candy, Maple Cream, Maple Sugar, Frozen Beef, Pork and Chicken
Melt Yours Eyes – CNC Plasma Cutting, Welding & Fabrication and Custom Metal Art Signs
Nickel City Designs – Buffalo themed items & decor
Pink Flamingo Designs – Hand painted wooden decor
Shanamel’s Naturals – All-natural deodorant, beard balm, chap stick, and crystals
Tupperware Lady & Sew Fluffy Kitties – Tupperware and Pet Toys
Full Festival Experience Nights: include the drive-thru of lights on these dates only November 29-30 and December 1, 6-8 & 13-23.
Drive Thru Only Dates: The walk around component is NOT open on these dates. December 5, 12 & 26-30.
Address: 5820 South Park Avenue, Hamburg
Jingle Falls USA
Jingle Falls USA is a fun holiday festival that is a long-time favorite in Niagara Falls. Enjoy horse and carriage rides, lunch with Santa, Gingerbread Wonderland, and the Jingle Falls walk, just to name a few of the fun activities. Meet animals like reindeer, alpacas, or enjoy a petting zoo. Spend time enjoying refreshments while relaxing in front of open firepits. The list of activities is extensive.
Friday, November 29, 2024
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Niagara Scenic Trolley
The Niagara Scenic Trolley will provide free trolley rides between Goat Island and the corners of Old Falls Street and Rainbow Boulevard.
12:00–2:00 p.m. | Holiday Crafts at Niagara Falls State Park
Take a break from the cold and visit the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Welcome Center at Niagara Falls State Park for family-friendly holiday crafts and an education station!
2:30–3:30 p.m. | Jingle Falls Stroll
Join a state park guide on a casual stroll to Stedman’s Bluff on Goat Island to view the American and Bridal Veil Falls. Registration is not required, but encouraged. Meet at the Niagara Falls State Park entrance at Old Falls Street.
5:30–7 p.m. | Tree Lighting Ceremony on Old Falls Street
Enjoy appearances from Santa, a spectacular fireworks display, live entertainment from the Friends of Harmony Quartet and Niagara Falls School Choir and Marching Band, and concessions from Pete’s Hoagie Roller and Bryce’s Concessions at Old Falls Street’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This event is free and open to the public!
Saturday, November 30, 2024
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Niagara Scenic Trolley
The Niagara Scenic Trolley will provide free trolley rides between Goat Island and the corners of Old Falls Street and Rainbow Boulevard.
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | LiveNF Makers Market ($)
Shop over 100 local vendors, enjoy live music, and a weekend of community celebration at this two-day market inside the Niagara Falls Convention Center in downtown Niagara Falls, NY. Admission is $1.00, and funds the LiveNF Maker Scholarship.
12:00–2:00 p.m. | Holiday Crafts at Niagara Falls State Park
Take a break from the cold and visit the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Welcome Center at Niagara Falls State Park for family-friendly holiday crafts and an education station!
12:00–5:00 p.m. | Outdoor Activities on Old Falls Street
Find a flurry of festive fun on Old Falls Street to get you in the holiday spirit! Activities include horse and carriage rides, Santa and holiday character appearances, a petting zoo, train rides, an iceless ice skating rink, music, live performances from Teal’s Niagara Theatre and Music Studio (2-3pm), concessions from Pete’s Hoagie Roller and Bryce’s Concessions, fire pits, photo ops and more.
12:00–5:00 p.m. | Activities inside the Niagara Falls Convention Center
Hop on a human-powered snow cone machine and play a few rounds of holiday mini golf in the grand foyer of the Niagara Falls Convention Center. Then, head into the building’s events center and check out the LiveNF Makers Market.
2:30–3:30 p.m. | Jingle Falls Stroll
Join a state park guide on a casual stroll to Stedman’s Bluff on Goat Island to view the American and Bridal Veil Falls. Registration is not required, but encouraged. Meet at the Niagara Falls State Park entrance at Old Falls Street.
Sunday, December 1, 2024
9 a.m. & 11 a.m. | Breakfast with Santa at Niagara Falls Convention Center ($)
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast, holiday activities, and a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Cascades Ballroom at the Niagara Falls Convention in Niagara Falls, NY. Tickets must be purchased in advance online. Choose from two seatings: 9:00–10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | LiveNF Makers Market ($)
Shop over 100 local vendors, enjoy live music, and a weekend of community celebration at this two-day market inside the Niagara Falls Convention Center in downtown Niagara Falls, NY. Admission is $1.00, and funds the LiveNF Maker Scholarship.
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Niagara Scenic Trolley
The Niagara Scenic Trolley will provide free trolley rides between Goat Island and the corners of Old Falls Street and Rainbow Boulevard.
12:00–2:00 p.m. | Holiday Crafts at Niagara Falls State Park
Take a break from the cold and visit the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Welcome Center at Niagara Falls State Park for family-friendly holiday crafts and an education station!
12:00–5:00 p.m. | Outdoor Activities on Old Falls Street
Find a flurry of festive fun on Old Falls Street to get you in the holiday spirit! Activities include horse and carriage rides, Santa and holiday character appearances, a petting zoo, train rides, an iceless ice skating rink, music, alpacas, concessions from Pete’s Hoagie Roller and Bryce’s Concessions, fire pits, photo ops and more.
12:00–5:00 p.m. | Activities inside the Niagara Falls Convention Center
Hop on a human-powered snow cone machine and play a few rounds of holiday mini golf in the grand foyer of the Niagara Falls Convention Center. Then, head into the building’s events center and check out the LiveNF Makers Market.
2:30–3:30 p.m. | Jingle Falls Stroll
Join a state park guide on a casual stroll to Stedman’s Bluff on Goat Island to view the American and Bridal Veil Falls. Registration is not required, but encouraged. Meet at the Niagara Falls State Park entrance at Old Falls Street.
Address: Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls
Our Lady of Fatima Festival of Lights
This is a beautiful holiday destination that puts the reason back in the Season. Visitors can enjoy the sounds of Christmas music while walking the grounds or visit the inside of the Basilica itself. If you are up to the climb, head to the top of the Basilica for a bird’s eye view of the entire festival. This is a wonderful place to visit for the holidays and the best part; it is totally free.
Lights will be on from 5 pm to 9 pm according to the following Schedule:
Nov 23rd-24th: Saturday and Sunday 9 am-9 pm Lights on 5-9 pm
Closed for Thanksgiving, Light on only 5-9 pm
Nov 29th-Dec 22nd: Monday-Thursday 9 am-5 pm, NO Lights on during the week.
Friday-Sunday 9 am- 9 pm, Lights on 5-9 pm
Dec 23rd-Jan 5: Monday-Sunday 9 am-9 pm, Lights on 5-9 pm
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day 9 am-2 pm, Lights on only 5-9 pm
Closed for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, Lights on 5-9 pm
Address: 1023 Swann Rd, Youngstown
Christmas in Ellicottville
Visit the town that has been compared to a Norman Rockwell painting. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, real reindeer, kids’ Christmas crafts, cookie decorating, and more, all at no cost to you in the spirit of the holiday season!
Open: November 29th – December 1st
A Christmas Stroll
Celebrate the Holiday Season with a Living Nativity, complete with a camel, all in the Village of Ellicottville.
Open: December 14th
Address: Throughout the Village of Ellicottville
Breakfast with Santa at the Buffalo Zoo
Tis the season for Breakfast with Santa at the Buffalo Zoo! Western New York’s holiday tradition is back for another year.
Come to the Zoo bright and early to enjoy a breakfast buffet as you meet Santa and our amazing animal ambassador friends. Once you’ve satisfied your holiday appetite, stay and enjoy the Zoo—admission is included with your ticket!
Dates: Saturday, December 14th & 21st 9 am & 11:30 am
Address: 300 Parkside Avenue, Buffalo
Light up Lockport Parade
Kick off the Christmas season in Lockport. The events for this celebration include hot cocoa trail, free family movies at The Palace, Kids Christmas crafts, visits with Santa, and ice skating at Cornerstone Arena, culminating in the Light Up Lockport Parade.
Date: November 30th – events throughout the day – Parade starts at 6 pm.
Address: Main St, Lockport
The Christkindlmarkt at Hofbrauhaus Buffalo
Enjoy the cherished German tradition of an outdoor Christmas market right here at Hofbräuhaus Buffalo, as we present our 3rd annual Christkindlmarkt! Enjoy local artisans, horse drawn carriage rides, a beer barrel Christmas tree lighting, local choirs, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and many more German Christmas traditions. As Western New York’s premier European Holiday Market, Hofbräuhaus Buffalo unites this German tradition with international flare and local charm!
Open: November 29-30, December 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22
Address: 190 Scott Street, Buffalo
Christmas Season at the Van Horn Mansion
Christmas Tours
Open to the public, 60-90 minute tours. Cost: $5 per person (pay cash at the door). Reservations are not necessary, we start tours as groups arrive.
Explore the Van Horn Mansion while it’s decorated for Christmas in a Victorian/ Vintage style. Tours feature a look back at Christmases of yesteryears.
Dates: Sundays, 1-4pm | Nov. 10, 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8 & 22
Open House
Free admission & parking. Please bring a donation for the local food pantry.
Join us for our annual Christmas tradition. Enjoy listening to carols while perusing rooms with various hands-on activities, light shopping, and refreshments.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 15 | 1-4 pm
Address: 2159 Lockport-Olcott Rd. Newfane, NY
A Magical Christmas Adventure
Decked out in Christmas splendor, The Lodge will host Santa and Mrs. Claus, as they bring holiday wonder to Hidden Valley.
You and your family will first make memories in Santa’s Wonderland with Mrs. Claus decorating her favorite butter cream cookies, writing letters of Christmas wishes to Santa, and visiting with him to take holiday photos.
Next, you will step outside The Lodge to Kris Kringle Station (lower level), where you will board your trolley and be transported to Hidden Valley’s Mystical Forest.
Your (20 minute) journey will take you pass herds of bison and elk. You’ll also see Randy the camel, llamas, and a flock of blackbelly sheep roaming the wintery terrain.
Back at the station, feed and pet a variety of live animals in open-air stalls on the patio just outside The Trailside Grill. Biff the Bison and Zoey the Zebra will be there to help!
Dates: November 29th & 30th December 1st, 7th, & 8th 9 am -5 pm
Address: 2887 Royce Road, Varysburg, NY