Ho! Ho! Ho-liday Celebrations and Festive Fun in the Finger Lakes

Snow has been spotted in the Finger Lakes, which has us thinking about the holiday season and all that Christmas cheer. Whether you like to stay warm and cuddle up with some cocoa or brave the weather and enjoy the snow – we’ve got celebrations big and small that are sure to fit the bill. Break out the jingle bells and whistle all the way to these great holiday events…

Sweet Creations Gingerbread Display

Nov. 8- Dec. 15, 2019

Rochester, NY

Dozens of cleverly designed and deliciously decorated gingerbread houses can be found this winter at the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, NY. Included with your museum admission, enter a room filled with cookie masterpieces, as you take in the sights and smells of this creative holiday tradition. Guests can place a bid on their favorite houses, to take home and display amongst the holiday decorations, with winning bidders notified on Dec. 12th. A select number of gingerbread creations will remain on display until the end of the year.

Festival of Trees

Nov. 16 – Jan. 31, 2020

Auburn, NY

At the Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural Museum, find over 100 trees decorated and on display for your viewing pleasure. See if you can pick out the many unique themes found on each tree, big or small, real and artificial, lit, old-fashioned and more. The museum is not heated, so dress in layers. This event free and open to the public, but donations are accepted.

Illuminate Light Parade

Nov. 30, 2019

Canandaigua, NY

For the first time ever, Canandaigua, NY is hosting a new holiday light parade! Line the streets at 6:30pm and catch a parade of lighted floats, firetrucks, antique cars and other units making their way down Main Street. Join Santa and the elves for the community tree lighting, enjoy caroling, and other festivities immediately following the parade. Free and open to the public.

Holiday Open Farm Days at Shepherd’s Creek Alpacas

Nov. 30 & Dec. 7, 14, 21, 2019

Trumansburg, NY

The alpacas are in the holiday spirit at Shepherd’s Creek! These furry friends will be greeting holiday visitors, posing for pictures (and hoping for treats) every Saturday through Christmas. Stop in the shop for alpaca gifts or wander across the street to Hunt’s Tree Farm to visit with Santa, enjoy refreshments, face-painting and free wagon rides. Pre-cut and u-cut trees and holiday wreaths are also available. Free and open to the public.

Dickens Christmas

Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 & 24, 2019

Skaneateles, NY

Meet Charles Dickens and his cast of over 50 characters as they roam the streets of downtown Skaneateles, NY during the holidays. Meet the cast as they interact with visitors and shoppers, and enjoy live music, unique boutique stores, food and horse and wagon rides around the Village. Lively acts and recreations of Dickens’ stories will take place in the library during the event. Free and open to the public.

Grinch Night

Dec. 6, 2019

Seneca Falls, NY

Have a “Grinch Night” in at the Seneca Falls Library to get the whole family in the holiday spirit. Come dressed in your favorite Christmas jammies while you settle in to enjoy the story of the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Then grab the popcorn and cookies as the Grinch movie starts to play, followed by a meet & greet with the green guy himself! Free and open to the public.

Lights on the River Festival

Dec. 6, 2019

Owego, NY

The Village of Owego sparkles with holiday spirit this holiday season with its Lights on the River Festival. Enjoy an evening filled with family-friendly activities, including a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, strolling musicians, hundreds of decorated trees, carolers, live reindeer, ice carvers, and an exciting riverside firework show (kicking off at 8pm). Free and open to the public.

Holiday Tea Party at 1890 House Museum

Dec. 7, 2019

Cortland, NY

Step back in time and explore the wonders of a late 19th century holiday season with the 1890 House Museum’s annual Holiday Tea Party! The house will be fully decorated for the season and open to visitors to explore. Sit down with a cup of tea or hot chocolate and enjoy sweet treats, cucumber sandwiches and more. Tickets available online.

Cookie Stroll at Christmas in the Village

Dec. 7, 2019

Geneseo, NY

Make your way around Main Street Geneseo during Christmas at the Village and find a sweet treat waiting for you at each participating local business! Santa and his elves will be around the village and merchants will have open houses and special offers taking place all day long. Free horse drawn wagon rides will go down Main Street and around the historic district. At 6pm, head back to the Village Park for ChristmaSing. Tickets are available online for the Cookie Stroll.

Christmas Around the World with the Lake Ontario Wine Trail

Dec. 7-8, 2019

Williamson, NY & Various Locations

Celebrate the season with festive pairings of wine, spirits and ciders with foods from around the world. Visit the Lake Ontario Wine Trail and you’ll find each participating member representing a different country at this weekend event. Try traditional holiday dishes paired with New York wine and spirits, as you visit up to nine member locations around the trail. Holiday shopping can also be found at each location. Tickets are available online or at the door.

Corning Museum of Glass Holiday Open House

Dec. 7-8, 2019

Corning, NY

Enter the museum for free during CMOG’s Holiday Open House and find three floors of festivities and fun. Visit and get your picture taken with Santa or make your own holiday sandblasted drinking glass. Craft activities, live music and special glass making experiences will also be available during the event. Open to the public.

35th Annual Holiday Home Tour

Dec. 8, 2019

Elmira, NY

Visit and view the inside of some of the most exceptional homes in and around Elmira, decked out for the holidays, on the “Homes for the Holiday” tour! This self-guided tour is presented by the Near Westside Neighborhood Assoc., Inc from 12-4pm and includes a special dessert reception from 2-5pm. Tickets are available online.

Gingerbread House Workshop

Dec. 8, 2019

Painted Post, NY

Join the “Gingerbread House Lady” to build a delicious gingerbread house for the holidays! A homemade gingerbread house structure, icing, toppings, and instructions will be provided as you create your cookie masterpiece. Then go on to make more with additional Christmas crafts and traditional sugar cookie decorating. Tickets available online.

Fox Run’s Sparkling Holiday Market

Dec. 14, 2019

Penn Yan, NY

Raise a glass to local businesses while you do your holiday shopping this year! Browse unique, FLX-inspired gifts while you enjoy sparkling wine by the glass, noodle bowls and wine tastings from Fox Run Vineyards. Featured products will include handcrafted wine racks and reclaimed barrels, handmade jewelry, holiday wreaths, candles, journals, cards and more. While there, donate to a local charity in the spirit of the season.

So, grab your jacket, pull on your boots and bring the whole family! Festive fun in the Finger Lakes await you at every turn. Happy Holidays!