Your Very Big 2013 Guide To Holiday Events In Western New York
It's the most wonderful -- and busiest -- time of the year.Happy December, Western New Yorkers! With so many events this time of the year -- whether it's tree lightings, market shopping, caroling or anything in between...and beyond -- it's almost impossible to keep track of all of them.
But we have done the almost impossible. Here is a (very large) list of events happening in Western New York this holiday season for you to choose from!
Races
When: December 7, 12 p.m.
Where: Orchard Park
The Holly Jolly 5K will return for its third year on Saturday, December 7 at 12 p.m. sharp. The Orchard Park race starts at the Old Jubilee Plaza parking lot on North Buffalo Road and finishes at Runner’s Roost on North Buffalo Road. Visit the webpage for more information.
When: December 7, 10 a.m.
Where: Medaille College
The 19th Annual Medaille College Reindeer Run 5K will take place on Saturday, December 7 at 10 a.m. Visit the Medaille College website for more information about the run.
When: December 15, 11 a.m.
Where: Cobblestone District, Buffalo
The 5th Annual Freezer 5K is schedule for Sunday, December 15 at 11 a.m. in Buffalo’s Cobblestone District. View the webpage for more information.
When: December 21, 10 a.m.
Where: East Aurora
The 4th Annual Caroler 5K will take place on Saturday, December 21 at 10 a.m. The race starts at the 11th Frame on Main Street in East Aurora. Visit the webpage for more information.
View all the local races on the map below!
View Your Very Big 2013 Guide to Holiday Events in Western New York: Races in a larger map
Concerts and Performances
"Holiday Music Under the Dome" Series
When: Weekdays, December 2-13, 12 p.m.
Where: One Fountain Plaza
When: December 4, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda
When: December 4-6 and 8, 1:30 p.m. December 6-7, 7 p.m.
Where: Seneca Allegany Events Center
When: December 5 and 6, 8 p.m.; December 7, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; December 8, 2 p.m.
Where: Kavinoky Theatre, Buffalo
When: December 6, 7 p.m.
Where: Infant of Prague Church, Cheektowaga
When: December 6, 2013, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Larkin Square
This event is combining Live at Larkin and Food Truck Friday into one festive holiday celebration in Larkin Square featuring Robot Holiday, food trucks, a holiday marketplace, heated boardwalk, beer/wine/hot chocolate and more.
When: December 6, 7 p.m.
Where: Marvel Theatre at Rockefeller Arts Center (SUNY Fredonia)
When: December 6, 10:30 a.m.; December 7, 8 p.m.
Where: Kleinhans Music Hall
When: December 6, 7:30 p.m.; December 8, 3 p.m.
Where: Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church, Clarence
When: December 6-15 (check the website for performance times)
Where: Sheridan-Parkside Community Center, Tonawanda
When: December 6-15 -- Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Where: Theatre of Youth
When: December 6-15 (check the website for performance times)
Where: Lancaster Opera House
When: December 7, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; December 8, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Buffalo Academy of Visual & Performing Arts
When: December 7, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; December 8, 1 p.m.
Where: UB Center for the Arts Mainstage Theater
When: December 7, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, East Aurora
This is the 34th anniversary performance of Handel's Messiah, with professional soloists and chamber orchestra under the direction of Mr. Gregory White. The 90-member chorale is made up of singers from across Western New York.
When: December 7, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Allegany-Limestone High School
When: December 8, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Shea's Performing Arts Center
When: December 8, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Kleinhans Music Hall
When: December 11, 8 p.m.
Where: Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda
When: December 11, 7:30 p.m.
Where: National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Lewiston
When: December 11 and 12, 1:30 p.m.; December 13, 7:00 p.m.; December 14, 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; December 15, 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Where: Seneca Niagara Events Center
When: December 12, 7:30 p.m.
Where: King Concert Hall at Rockefeller Arts Center (SUNY Fredonia)
When: December 12 and 13, 8 p.m.; December 14, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; December 15, 2 p.m.
Where: Kavinoky Theatre, Buffalo
When: December 13, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Fredonia Opera House
When: December 13 and 14, 8 p.m.; December 15, 3 p.m.
Where: Riviera Theatre, Tonawanda (Dec. 13); University Presbyterian Church, Buffalo (Dec. 14); Westminster Presbyterian Church, Buffalo (Dec. 15)
When: December 13, 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.; December 14, 8 p.m.; December 15, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Kleinhans Music Hall
"Holiday Music Under the Dome" Series: Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
When: December 14, 1 - 2 p.m.
Where: One Fountain Plaza
When: December 15, 3 p.m.
Where: Infant of Prague Church, Cheektowaga
The annual holiday concert features familiar Christmas music, plus a carol sing-a-long with audience participation
When: December 15, 4 p.m.
Where: Orchard Park Presbyterian Church
When: December 15, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda
When: December 17, 7:30 p.m.
Where: North Presbyterian Church, Williamsville
When: December 17-19, 7:30 p.m.; December 20, 8 p.m.; December 21, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; December 22, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Shea's Performing Art Center
When: December 19-22
Where: Harvester 56 Theatre, Batavia
When: December 20, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda
When: December 19 and 20, 7:30 p.m.; December 21, 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; December 22, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Where: Lancaster Opera House
Continuing the LOH tradition of interactive family holiday shows comes this heartwarming holiday hit based on the famous poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas." Goodies from Mrs. Claus' kitchen available, too!
When: December 21, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Historic Main Street, East Aurora
A holiday meet-and-greet tradition with caroling, hot chocolate, donuts and a visit from Santa on a closed portion of Historic Main Street.
When: December 21, 8 p.m.; December 22, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda
When: December 30, 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: First Niagara Center
View all the holiday concerts and performances on the map below!
View Your Very Big 2013 Guide to Holiday Events in Western New York: Concerts and Performances in a larger map
And The Rest!
When: December 3, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Village of Warsaw
Enjoy merchants' Christmas promotions, caroling, Santa and more.
When: December 6, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Main Street, Newfane
Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate and a visit with Santa following a parade. There's also a candy cane craft show at the Newfane United Methodist Church and a living nativity at Grace Bible Church as part of the evening's activities.
When: December 6, 6 p.m.
Where: Ellicottville Brewing Company
When: December 6, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Downtown Jamestown
When: December 6, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.; December 7, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Jackson Street Parking Lot in Downtown Batavia
Experience tastings from local restaurants under a tent, walk the downtown for holiday specials and enjoy a festive atmosphere!
When: December 6 - 7
Where: Alexander Community Center, Cheektowaga
When: December 6-8, 20-23, 27-29. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. each night.
Where: Hamburg Fairgrounds
Drive through light displays, visit with Santa, ride on the Midway and sip hot chocolate at this ninth annual wintertime event. Pay just $20 per carload, or buy your tickets for half price at the Fairgrounds Event Center.
When: December 6 and 8, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.; December 7, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Niagara Wine Trail
Collect ornaments at participating wineries. Ticket includes tastings and commemorative wine glass.
When: December 6 - 8, 13 - 15, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Grace Bible Church, Newfane
When: December 7, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: CTG, Buffalo
When: December 7, 5 p.m.
Where: Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza
When: December 7, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Bryant & Stratton College (Amherst, Buffalo and Orchard Park campuses)
Celebrate the holidays with free, family-friendly activities, including free pictures with Santa. Plus, you can enter to win a $1,000 holiday shopping spree, make your own holiday ornament, hand-deliver your letter to Santa and enjoy free refreshments. Donate a non-perishable food item, and you’ll get a chance to spin the wheel of holiday prizes.
When: December 7, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Alden Town Park
Enjoy business open houses, a holiday marketplace, vendors, kids crafts, wagon rides, photos with Santa and more!
When: December 7, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Where: Village of Ellicottville
When: December 7, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Concord Historical Society, Springville
When: December 7, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: Conference & Event Center, Niagara Falls
Feast on a deluxe breakfast buffet, enjoy a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, get photos, do some arts & crafts and cookie decorating and watch some holiday movies. Bring a donation of new winter hats, gloves, scarves and socks for needy children for your child’s chance to win a festival holiday gift basket.
When: December 7, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Barker Commons and throughout the village, Fredonia
When: December 7, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: City of Salamanca
When: December 7, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Carousel Factory Museum, North Tonawanda
Come join Old St. Nick on the carousel -- just make sure you’re on the “nice” list. Start the day off with lunch at 11 a.m., where you can visit with Santa and make sure he got your letters. Then there will be lots of fun, festive crafts and games, hot chocolate and treats, and plenty of opportunity to ride the carousel. A highlight of the afternoon is a special holiday storytime at 1 p.m. with the Wondermakers.
When: December 7, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Along Main Street, Williamsville
Stroll along Main Street for special shopping and dining in the holiday spirit while you see Santa and high school carolers.
When: December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 2:15 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Where: Medina Railroad Museum, Medina
Read along as the train makes a magical round-trip journey to the North Pole, meet Santa, do some caroling, and enjoy hot cocoa and gift for each child. Families are encouraged to wear pajamas. Event includes museum admission.
When: December 12, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Riverwalk Plaza, Wellsville
When: December 13, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Stutelage Innovations, East Amherst
At this time of year, it is hard not to spread holiday cheer! Come join us for a fun-filled night of holiday games, activities, and treats at the Stutelage Christmas Extravaganza! Children will enjoy making Christmas cards for patients at Women and Children’s Hospital, creating personalized ornaments, writing letters to Santa, singing Christmas carols, playing holiday games, listening to a themed story reading, and making a special treat!
When: December 14, 1 p.m.
Where: Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda
Come see Ian Petrella (Randy Parker), Yano Anya (Grover Dill), Zack Ward (Skut Faras), Patty Johnson-Lafontaine (Higbee's Elf) and Scott Schwartz (Flick), who performed in 'A Christmas Story'.
When: December 14, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: Michael's Banquet Facility, Hamburg
Enjoy fun activities, many free and some available for purchase starting at $1. Decorate your own holiday cookie or waffle cone Christmas tree or Santa hat. Jump Bunch will be hosting a game corner, and the Glam Girlz will be doing face painting, glitter tattoos and fun hair styles. A mommy corner will also be set up with sponsors such as Tupperware, Silpada Jewelry and Mary Kay. Gift baskets and other items will be available for purchase.
When: December 14, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Main Street and Russell Park, Akron
Christmas Open House & Party in the Parking Lot
When: December 14
Where: Businesses at 586 Main St., East Aurora
When: December 14 - 15, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Hidden Valley Animal Adventure, Varysburg
Enjoy breakfast with Santa, a lunch buffet, Santa’s Workshop, horse-drawn tours of the animal park by reservation and Wild Game Safari Tours!
Santaland
When: December 14 - 15, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park
When: December 14 - 15
Where: Recreation Center at Cheektowaga Town Park, Cheektowaga
When: Mondays - Thursdays until December 19, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Herschell Carousel Factory Museum, North Tonawanda
When: December 21, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Adam's Mark Hotel & Event Center
This is the fifth annual FREE event for all children of Buffalo & Erie County. Free picture with Santa, free toy, free face painting, free pony rides, a petting zoo, costume characters and local sports mascots Billy Buffalo, Buster Bison and Sabretooth. Please bring a non-perishable food item, which will be donated to the Food Bank of WNY.
When: December 21, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Tifft Nature Preserve
When: Saturdays and Sundays until December 22, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Niagara Hobby & Craft Mart, Cheektowaga
When: December 26 - 30, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Herschell Carousel Factory Museum, North Tonawanda
When: December 26 - 30 (reservations required)
Where: Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff Estate, Derby
When: December 26 - January 2 (excluding New Year's Day)
Where: Lake Erie Wine Country
When: December 27, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: Audubon Center & Sanctuary, Jamestown
When: Until January 1
Where: Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls
Three blocks illuminated with thousands of LED lights!
When: Until January 1
Where: Village of Lancaster
Store windows decorated with animated scenes, and holiday events through the season.
When: Until January 4, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: New York Power Authority's Power Vista, Lewiston
As one of the stops along the Holiday Lights of Niagara Tour, the Power Vista’s glass walkway will feature a dazzling display of artificial evergreen trees adorned with energy-efficient lights. The trees are decorated for the season by local non-profit groups.
When: Until January 5
Where: Aurora Theatre, East Aurora
Exhibits of props and costumes from your favorite holiday films, free movies and family events each weekend.
When: Until January 6, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Lewiston
Over 75 beautiful lighted displays and an illuminated Shrine.
When: Until January 18
Where: Fenton History Center, Jamestown
When: Until January 31, 2014
Where: Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls (ON)
This is Canada's foremost illumination festival that captures the magic of the holiday season! Be captivated by the millions of holiday lights and 120+ illumination displays. This year’s Festival will feature decorative, hand-painted lantern displays and a 70-meter Tunnel of Wish Lanterns from the award-winning Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival in South Korea. In addition to these breathtaking illuminations and the spectacular views of the Falls, enjoy magnificent firework displays every Friday during the festival at 9 p.m., as well as on other select dates! It's a fun family event that should not be missed.
When: Every Saturday and Sunday December 21 - February 23, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Where: Hidden Valley Animal Adventure, Varysburg
When: Every Saturday and Sunday December 28 - February 23, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. (every half hour)
Where: Chautauqua Institution
Contributed by Ashley Steves
More From 92.9 WBUF
![10 Barn Weddings You Can Have in Western New York [LIST]](http://townsquare.media/site/10/files/2016/05/Barn-Weddings-Getty.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Look Where Buffalo Ranks in Top 10 Tailgate Cities [LIST]](http://townsquare.media/site/10/files/2015/10/Buffalo-Bills-Tailgating.png?w=980&q=75)
![The 6 Most Infamous Serial Killers From Buffalo and WNY! [List]](http://townsquare.media/site/11/files/2016/03/Police-Tape.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Who Has Played at Darien Lake the Most Times? [LIST]](http://townsquare.media/site/16/files/2016/03/Darien-Lake-Rob-Banks.jpg?w=980&q=75)
