Holiday Laser Light Show at the RMSC
Visit the Strasenburgh Planetarium at the Rochester Museum and Science Center for an incredible holiday experience the whole family will love. Holiday music in coordination with colorful laser lights.
Open: November 16 – January 5, 2025
Address: 657 East Avenue, Rochester
Shortsville Reindeer Farm
Imagine being able to pet a real live reindeer. Well, you can. At the Shortsville Reindeer Farm, you can visit these majestic creatures during the holiday season. A visit includes the opportunity to feed and pet the reindeer.
Open: November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 22-24, 26-31
Address: 4285 Shortsville Rd., Shortsville
Genesee Country Museum
Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas at the largest living history museum in New York State with several holiday events. Kids can enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa. Learn about how the holiday traditions and enjoy a tour of the museum all dressed up for the holidays.
Holiday Market & Preparing For Winter: November 16 & 17
Yuletide in the Country Tour & Holiday Dinner: Dec 6th & 7th, Dec 13th,14th, & 15th, Dec 20th & 21st
Holiday Open House: December 8
Breakfast with St. Nick: December 18 & 22
Holiday Afternoon Tea in the Village: December 10th,11th & 12th, December 18th, & December 19th
Address: 1410 Flint Hill Rd, Mumford
Annual Festival of Trees
Over 140 Trees of Different Sizes and Shapes are Decorated throughout the Museum. Museum Decorated For Holiday Season. Free Parking, Admission, Coffee, and Hot Chocolate.
Dates: Open 10 A.M. till 7 P.M. 7 Days a Week – From November 17 thru December 30; Open 10 A.M. till 4 P.M. December 31 thru January 31; Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day
Free Parking, Admission, Coffee and Hot Chocolate
Address: Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural & Country Living Museum – 6880 E Lake Rd, Auburn, NY
Webster Winter Wonderland and Parade of Lights
Parade of Lights – Presented by the Webster Fire Department. The parade route runs from Main Street to the Fireman’s Field. Events run from 3 – 6 PM followed by the Parade of Lights at 6:30 PM along Main Street.
December 7th, 2024 – The parade begins at 6:30 pm.
Powers Farm Market
Experience the story of the birth of Jesus on a lighted path through the woods, where scenes from the story are highlighted. While you are there, stop and say “hello” to the resident animals, grab some hot cocoa, and maybe even pick out your Christmas tree.
Address: 161 Marsh Rd, Pittsford
Winter Festival of Lights
Although there are several light festivals this year, this one is in a category of its own. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride through a field full of festive light displays. There are days when visitors can walk the field instead of taking the wagon ride.
Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays December 6th – December 29th – As well as December 23rd, 24th, & 31st – 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Walking Wednesdays – 5:30-7:30 pm
Address: 2445 W Walworth Rd, Macedon
Garden Factory Holiday Events
The Christmas season is a fantastic time to visit the Garden Factory. Train enthusiasts will adore the massive miniature train display. There is also a prehistoric park display that kids will love.
Train Display: November 29th – December 31st 10 am – 4 pm
Address: 2126 Buffalo Rd, Rochester, NY
Winter Light Festival
Celebrate the holiday season with Downtown Ithaca’s Winter Holiday Bash! This festive one-day celebration will bring joy and cheer to the Commons with two fantastic events designed for the whole family.
- Santa’s Arrival | 11 AM – 4 PM
Experience the magic of the season as Santa Claus makes his grand arrival! Families can enjoy holiday activities, take photos with Santa, and immerse themselves in the festive spirit.
- Silent Disco | 6 PM – 8 PM
Dance under the stars at our evening Silent Disco! Grab a pair of headphones, choose your favorite channel, and dance the night away to holiday beats in a unique, immersive experience.
Open: December 7th, 2024
Address: The Ithaca Commons
Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display at the George Eastman House
This is an annual event that families love and loyally return to year after year. In addition to gingerbread houses, there are also displays of wreaths and Christmas trees. The displays are all part of a silent online auction. Make sure to visit before they are shipped off to their new homes for the holiday.
Open: November 9, 2024–January 5, 2025
Address: 900 East Ave, Rochester
Christmas at RCCM
FOR BOTH THE YOUNG & YOUNG AT HEART… Christmas at RCCM is truly a magical place! It’s a place filled with wonder, excitement, and Christmas cheer! Christmas at RCCM consists of 4 major attractions:
Miracle: the thrilling and inspiring 4D motion ride; The Name: brand new and incredible “spoken word”, multi-sensory experience; Raffadali’s Great Adventure: our exciting and interactive family show starring Raffadali the donkey; and Star’s Yuletide Workshop: where cast members assist kids in making their very own Star-themed ornament! And all-new for the 2023 season… Don’t miss RCCM’s Musical Light Show Spectacular! Tens of thousands of color-changing lights animated all across the RCCM campus will leave you in awe! There’s nothing else like it!
Dates: December 13th-15th & 18th-23rd, 2023
Address: RCCM International – 3177 Lyell Road. Gates
Holiday Display at Lamberton Conservatory
Get out of the cold and enjoy some colorful lights and lots of poinsettias. The Lamberton Conservatory has been carefully and lovingly decorated to reflect the joy of the Season.
Open: 2024 Holiday Show Runs Friday, December 6th – Sunday, January 5th, 2025
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 am – 4 pm, Friday 10 am – 9 pm, Saturday 10 am – 4 pm, Sunday 10 am – 9 pm
Address: 180 Reservoir Ave, Rochester
Medina Old Tyme Christmas & Parade of Lights
Spend the day engaged in all sorts of family fun and festive activities in the historic village of Medina, such as cookie decorating, ornament making, Christmas tree lighting, and culminating in the 16th annual Parade of Lights. There is a competition in the town of Medina for the best-decorated house. Take a drive through town and see for yourself.
Date: Saturday, November 30th, 9 am-6 pm (Parade begins at 6 pm)
Live Nativity Hayride
This unique hayride will take you on a narrated journey to experience some of the key events before and after the birth of Jesus Christ. You will travel back in time and encounter these scenes:
- The angel Gabriel visiting Mary
- The Roman soldiers taking a census of people
- Joseph and Mary traveling to the City of David
- The shepherds in the fields and their visit by the angels
- Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus in a stable
This outdoor event features live drama and animals that will provide a memorable experience for you and the whole family. There will also be an area where people can get up close and feed animals. Afterward, enjoy free hot cocoa and cookies in our indoor Bethlehem village.
Dates: December 13th & 14th – 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Address: Avon Wesleyan Church – 4 Corners Campus, 4277 Avon Caledonia Rd, Avon
Holiday Light Tour
Experience the magic of the season while supporting local children and families with The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester’s RG&E Holiday Lights Tour, presented by Montage
Wealth Management.
Make a gift of $50 in return for a Tour Kit to accompany you on your Holiday Lights Tour!
The CAC has partnered with some of the brightest and most festively decorated homes in the Greater Rochester area to bring you a fun, family-centered event. Take the tour as often as you like between December 7 and New Years Day.
Tour Kits include:
• Maps to designated homes and neighborhoods
• Holiday treats & goodies to enjoy on the ride
• Fun & festive activities for kids and adults to play together on the tour
• A scavenger hunt to search for characters, lights, and holiday decor throughout the tour.
Take the tour
December 7 – January 1, 2025
Drive Thru Live Nativity
Experience a re-enactment of the original Christmas Eve from the comfort of your vehicle. Drive through the church parking lot, and view shepherds and their sheep as they receive the angels’ message of “glory to God”. Roman soldiers will be ready to direct you through the town where you will see the busy Bethlehem market place, the Inn which had no room, and the stable where Mary and Joseph had to stay. This event is free.
Dates: December 14th & 15th ~ 6 PM – 8 PM
Address: First United Methodist Church of Canandaigua -100 North Main Street, Canandaigua
Dicken’s Christmas
A Dicken’s Christmas has been a long-time Skaneateles tradition. Each year beginning Thanksgiving weekend, a large cast of Dicken’s clad performers fill the downtown area of Skaneateles. The holiday weekends leading up to Christmas are filled with activities, music, and fun.
Open: The day after Thanksgiving (November 24) runs every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas.
Address: Main Street, Skaneateles
It’s a Wonderful Life Festival
Did you know that Seneca Falls celebrates the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life” every year with a festival? That is because Seneca Falls is the real-life Bedford Falls. This year is the 77th Anniversary of the movie, so the festival will be bigger than ever this year.
Open: December 13-15, 2024
Address: 32 Fall St, Seneca Falls
Festival of Lights in Clifton Springs
Festival of Lights in Clifton Springs – Victorian-era downtown is transformed into a winter wonderland! Horse-drawn wagon rides, refreshments, live entertainment, shopping and dining specials, ice sculpting demonstrations, kids activities, street vendors, and visits with Santa.
Date: Friday, December 6th ~ 6 PM – 8:30 PM
Address: Downtown Clifton Springs, NY
Christmas Tree Season at Stokoe Farms
Visit Stokoe Farms during the Christmas Tree season. Family and friends will all enjoy a beautiful day in the country. Take a wagon ride through our picturesque Christmas Tree fields, straw fort and slides, Live Nativity, animals, a warm bonfire, and of course, the hilarious antics of our Hillbilly Hens Chicken Show as they sing the carols of the Season.
Open: Open Daily from 9 am – 5 pm.
Address: 656 S Rd, Scottsville
Christmas Family Walkthrough: Step Into A Story
Visit Perinton Community Church for a walk through our indoor and outdoor areas with interactive scenes and characters from your favorite Christmas movies and books! Enjoy crafts, cocoa, games, music, and more! Complete your journey at our Live Nativity and enjoy the Mini-Ark Petting Zoo.
Open: Saturday, December 14 from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Address: 636 High Street, Ext., Fairport
Medina Railroad Museum Themed Train Rides
The Polar Express
Once onboard, hot chocolate and treats are served as passengers read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Santa and his helpers greet passengers at the North Pole and then board the train, where each child is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. Chefs aboard each car lead passengers in singing Christmas carols on the ride back to Medina. Families can explore the railroad museum’s exhibits and interactive model train layout and take a Christmas photo in Santa’s sleigh.
Open: November 30th, December 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, & 22nd
Address: 698 Gwinn St. Medina
ROC Lights at Victor Hills
With over 20-holiday light display installations along a mile-and-a-half path through the rolling hills of Victor Hills Golf Club in the northern Finger Lakes region, visiting this drive-thru display is destined to become your family’s new favorite holiday tradition. These trails have been transformed by the magic of scenic lights and displays into a festival of lights designed for your family’s entertainment. Set out on a journey among the dinosaurs, around elegant figure skaters, through a portal to Santa’s workshop, along the sweet treat of Candy Cane Lane, and much more!
November 29th & 30th (5PM – Last Reservation 8pm) *Early Bird Special 25% off
December 6th & 7th (5PM – Last Reservation 8pm) * Early Bird Special 25% off
December 12th THRU 15th (5PM – Last Reservation 8pm)
December 17th THRU 24th(5PM – Last Reservation 8:30pm or FRI/SAT 8:45pm)
December 26th, 27th, & 28th(5PM – Last Reservation 8pm)
Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Address: 1450 Brace Road, Victor, NY
Festival of Trees & Candlelight Tours at the Granger Homestead Museum
Get into the Holiday Spirit at the Granger Homestead Museum, the mansion has been dressed up for the holiday season.
Festival of Trees: With well over one hundred items displayed each year, the Granger Homestead is a holiday wonderland. Visitors from all over the region will come to the Festival of Trees to get into the holiday spirit. November 8th – 30th
Candlelight Tours: Come experience our festively decorated mansion with a candlelight tour. You also receive admission to the Festival of Trees. November 12th & 19th at 6 pm
Address: 295 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY
ROC Holiday Village
Roc Holiday Village is Rochester, New York’s favorite, magical winter festival! Delighting people of all ages, Roc Holiday Village 2023 will present 17 days of enchanting festivities on varying dates from December 1 to December 23. The downtown festival features outdoor seating and fire pits, free ice skating and skate rentals, a unique shopping village, an indoor bar with tasty food and drinks, free visits with Santa, hand-crafted goods, cozy winter igloos, free crafts for kids, holiday celebrations, live music, private events, nightlife and more.
Dates: December 6th – 29th, 2024
Address: Dr. Martin Luther King Park, 353 Court St., Rochester, NY
Watkins Glen Village Christmas
The 31st Annual Village Christmas is scheduled to take place on December 6th, 2024! Festivities start at 5 pm. Our Visions of Christmas parade will start at 6:30 pm. There will be vendors, great food, music, Santa & Mrs. Claus, fireworks off the pier at 7:30 pm. Join us December 6th!
Date: December 6th, 2024
Address: N Franklin St. Watkins Glen, NY
Hammondsport’s Christmas in the Park
Hammondsport’s Christmas in the Park is an old fashioned Christmas celebration with live music, food, vendors, horse drawn wagon rides, raffles, Santa & Mrs. Claus, storytelling, and fun for all!
Date: December 14, 2024 ~ 4 PM -8 PM
Address: Village Square, Hammondsport, NY
StarShine 2024
The 39th Annual StarShine will take place in the Village of Penn Yan on Saturday, December 7th from 3 pm -6 pm.
The Village of Penn Yan comes to life each winter where local and visitors gather and celebrate “StarShine, Christmas in the Village”. This popular event started over three decades ago and has grown to become one of the most popular community Christmas celebrations in the Finger Lakes.
The evening hosts a variety of music, entertainment, colorful lights, treats, historic displays, an elf school, special sales, the arrival of Santa, and the crowning of Miss Penn Yan. The Chamber works with the Village of Penn Yan, Keuka College, multiple organizations, and gracious volunteers around the County to bring a memorable Christmas event great for all ages.
The Lights on Wheels Parade will take place on Friday night at 6:00 pm to kick off StarShine weekend.
Date: Saturday, December 7th from 3 pm -6 pm
Address: Downtown Penn Yan
Sea Breeze Christmas Parade and Fireworks
2024 Sea Breeze Christmas Parade takes place on Saturday at 5:30 pm and runs down Culver Road from Durand Blvd. to the Sea Breeze Firehouse. Fireworks start 20 minutes after parade.
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 5:30pm
Address: Sea Breeze Fire Department – 4657 Culver Rd. Irondequoit, NY
4th Annual Marion Holiday Parade
Come join the Marion Fire Department, local businesses, our neighboring fire departments, ambulances and law enforcement as we escort Santa through Marion!
For the forth year in a row we will be hosting the Holiday Parade, the parade will start at 6pm December 14th and proceed down Mill Street to Main Street ending at The Town park.
Date: December 14th at 6 pm
Illuminated Light Parade
Illuminate Canandaigua Light Parade with Santa’s arrival at Commons Park and the Tree-lighting Ceremony all beginning at 6:00 PM.
Kick off the holiday season with a dazzling display of holiday lights as Downtown Canandaigua Illuminates the night. Enjoy a spectacular procession of illuminated floats, fire trucks, antique cars, and local organizations. The parade begins at City Hall bringing Santa, his elves, and loads of holiday cheer. The traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony will immediately follow the parade at the Commons Park. Enjoy caroling, food, and fun as we Light Up Canandaigua!
Parade begins at 6PM at City Hall and ends at Antis Street.
Date: Saturday, November 30th, 2024 5:30 pm -7:30 pm
Cookies with Santa
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Santa will be here to visit with families and take photos. Special Guest- The Grinch will be lurking around causing trouble. Our petting zoo will be open for ticket holders. Horse drawn Wagon rides from KQ Percherons will be here giving rides in order of arrival for your ticket day starting at 10:00 am. The market will be open with food, gifts decor and more! Grab a complimentary cup of hot cocoa and enjoy live Christmas music from 10:00-1:00 from Maria & John of Serendipity Band. Stock up on decorated Christmas cookies for holiday parties and Christmas Eve night!
Dates: December 14th & 21st 10 am – 1 pm
Address: Duvall Farms 6555 State Route 5&20 Bloomfield
Holiday Open House
- Get Free admission to the Museum
- Visit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus
- Special Glass making classes
- The Elf Scavenger hunt
- Hot glass holiday-themed creation
- Enjoy seasonal displays with great photo opportunities
- Studio sale
- Cookie decoration (Free)
- Merry Craft making
- Musical performances & guided tours
- Shopping – Discounts storewide
Dates: Saturday, December 7th & Sunday, December 8th 9 am – 5 pm
Address: Corning Museum of Glass, One Museum Way, Corning, NY
Moore Christmas Tree Farm
Newfie Day – Saturday, November 23rd from 11 am -2 pm
Come see adorable Newfies from the Genesee Region Newfoundland Club as they visit the farm and help pull Christmas trees! The Gift Shop will also be open for you to browse through during your visit.
Santa Visits the Farm – Saturday, December 14th from 10 am – 1 pm
Santa Claus is coming to town… come see Jolly Old Saint Nick
Address: 575 Auburn Road Groton, NY
Holiday Gnome Roam
The Gnomes have returned to the Nature Center for the winter, and for two weekends only you join their holiday festivities!
On Fridays, December 13 & 20 and Saturdays, December 14 & 21, join us for a lantern-lit, nighttime walk around the Gnome Roam, a .75 mile woodland loop. During this magical evening event, the trail will be full of twinkling lights and industrious gnomes getting ready for the holiday festivities.
This event will be the only time you can access the Gnome Roam after dark, so get your tickets while you can!
Dates: December 13th, 14th, 20th & 21st 5 pm – 7 pm
Address: 6472 Gulick Rd, Naples, NY 14512
50th Annual Sparkle
Corning’s favorite holiday celebration lights the streets with shimmering decorations, live entertainment, and festive activities. This cherished tradition unites our community and creates an enchanting atmosphere for families and visitors alike.
Sparkle 50 will take place from 5PM to 9PM on Saturday, December 7th on Historic Market Street which will be shut down from vehicle traffic.
Event Overview:
Location: Centerway Square Stage
Main Stage Performances
- Opening Ceremony: 5:00 PM – 5:15 PM
- 171 Dance Group: 5:20 PM – 5:35 PM
- Stage Door PAC: 5:40 PM – 5:55 PM
- NHDT’s Nutcracker in Motion: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Greg & Winfield Chorus: 6:35 PM – 6:55 PM
- 607 Unity Unlimited: 7:00 PM – 7:15 PM
- Horseheads High School Jazz Band: 7:25 PM – 7:55 PM
- The Chorus of the Southern Finger Lakes: 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Glass City Chorus: 8:35 PM – 8:55 PM
Rocking Christmas Carols with Alex Gill
- Location: In front of Marich Music
- Schedule: Performances every 30 minutes from 5:00 PM – 7:45 PM (15-minute sessions with breaks in between)
Jingle & Jangle Magic Show by Collin Ward
- Location: In front of the Val Reep Fountain
- Show Times:
- 5:30 PM – 5:45 PM
- 6:30 PM – 6:45 PM
- 7:30 PM – 7:45 PM
- 8:30 PM – 8:45 PM
Wandering Entertainment
- Caledonian Highlanders Band:
- 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM at Centennial Sculpture
- 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM at Cedar & Market Streets
- 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM on the roof of the Block 4 Building
- Wandering S-ELF-ies: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wandering Carolers: All evening
Other Attractions
- Austin Acres Petting Zoo:
- Location: Chestnut Park
- Hours: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (FREE)
- Block 5 Train Rides:
- Hours: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (FREE)
- Fire Spinning by Ayla Rose: All night at Centennial Sculpture (end of Block 1)
- Stage Door Ballerinas:
- Location: Employment Solutions Window (84-86 W Market St.)
- Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Get ready for a magical evening filled with entertainment, music, and festive cheer!
Date: Saturday, December 7th 5 pm – 9 pm
Address: 1 West Market Street, Corning
Bauman’s Farm Market
Christmastime is one of the best times of year to visit this great farm market. You can stroll through their festive Christmas Tunnel, visit the Poinsettia Room, buy festival holiday gift, and pick put your Christmas tree.
Dates: December Daily from 8 am – 6 pm (Sundays 8 am – 5 pm)
Address: 1340 Five Mile Line Road, Webster
Candy Cane Lane
Visit Candy Cane Lane wher you can stroll through our indoor Christmas Festival filled with lights, decorated trees, and an elf village while enjoying a warm cookie. Donations of hats, mittens, scarves, gloves, and canned goods can be made at our Giving Tree. You will also have the chance to take a picture and visit with Santa! No registration is necessary for this FREE EVENT! We look forward to seeing you at Casey Park making Christmas memories!
Dates: Friday, December 13th – 6:00 pm -8:00 pm & Saturday, December 14th 4:30pm -7:30pm
Address: Casey Park – 6551 Knickerbocker Rd, Ontario, NY