Winter Events
Events Worth The Trip
Elmira
Thanksgiving thru December 31
A drive-through Christmas light show with over 200 individually lit displays over a 1-mile, t=2 lane course. Open nightly from 5-10pm.
Auburn
First weekend in March
Supporting the women and non-binary individuals of New York’s burgeoning craft beverage industry in the epicenter of equal rights heritage.
Christkindl Market and Festival of Trees
Granger Homestead, Canandaigua
Mid-November thru December
This Christmas market brings together artisans, food vendors, musicians and much good cheer.
Lake Ontario Wine Trail
December 7 and 8, 2024
Travel the Lake Ontario Wine Trail this holiday season for their annual holiday tour. Celebrate the season with festive pairings of wine, spirits and ciders with foods from around the world. Each participant will represent a different country, pairing traditional holiday dishes with local award-winning wines, spirits and ciders. All pairings offer unique flavors for guests to experience. There is always plenty of fun, food, and holiday shopping for all to enjoy.
Canandaigua
February
Come out of hibernation to enjoy specials and experiences at local businesses. Food, festivities, drinks and family fun.
Auburn
March 10, 2024
Join together in the City of Auburn—the chosen hometown and resting place of Harriet Tubman—for the annual celebration of Harriet Tubman Day.
Village of Homer
January
Homer WinterFest is a Cortland County wintertime tradition brimming with food, fun, and entertainment, held annually in the village of Homer. Celebrate the colder months with a fireworks display, human dog sled races, a wine tasting and loads of great food and fun. Walk the beautifully crafted ice creations by the Ice Farm, shop antiques and try your hand at the snow sculpture contest. This three-day event is perfect for the entire family.
It’s a Wonderful Life Festival
Seneca Falls
December 13-15, 2024
Celebrate the role of Seneca Falls NY as the real life inspiration behind Frank Capra’s fictional town of Bedford Falls. Each year, the festival celebrates the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life with family-oriented activities, a 5k run, special presentations about the film and regular appearances by surviving cast members like Karolyn “ZuZu” Grimes.
Owego
December 6, 2024
Owego will sparkle with holiday lighting, fireworks and great festivities!
MLK Park, Rochester
December 6-29, 2024
Roc Holiday Village is Rochester’s annual holiday festival that brings the magic of the season to people of all ages in the heart of downtown Rochester. The 17 day festival offers family friendly events on Wednesdays – Sundays throughout the month of December. Features include a unique shopping village, free visits and photos with Santa, free ice skating & skate rentals, an indoor and outdoor bar, food trucks, Santa’s Workshop, outdoor seating and fire pits, live music, private winter igloos, free crafts for kids, holiday celebrations, special events and more!
NYS Fairgrounds, Syracuse
First Weekend in February
Enjoy the Fun Inside the Expo Center” at the New York State Fairgrounds. It’s a taste of Summer in the middle of Winter. This major community event features the food, rides, music, and entertainment that people enjoy throughout the summer. This family-friendly event includes ice sculptures, vendors, winter fireworks, and more!
Downtown Syracuse
Mid-late February
From the center of downtown Syracuse to senior centers throughout Onondaga County, everyone joins in the celebration. There are no age limits when it comes to enjoying the colorful Winterfest fireworks display or the culinary delights created by hundreds of hands. With more than 100,000 people attending dozens of indoor and outdoor events, parties, and cook-offs, Syracuse Winterfest draws in a crowd for winter fun.
Sparkle – Crystal City Christmas
Corning’s Gaffer District
December 7, 2024
There’s a reason Country Living named Corning, NY, one of “America’s 25 Best Small Towns for Christmas.” For half a century, people have been gathering from near and far to celebrate the holiday season during the annual Sparkle event in Corning’s Historic District. Whether you’re looking to get away for holiday shopping or you’re craving those once-a-year tradition that bring back the magic of days-gone-by, you’ll find the holiday spirit on full display during Sparkle. Featuring horse-and-wagon rides, special shopping and dining promotions, outdoor entertainment, live music, vendors, and activities for the whole family.
Naples
Valentine’s Day weekend
On Valentine’s weekend, join Naples for the festivities with themed parties, wine tastings, dinner with your valentine, and cozy stays in the area!
Watkins Glen Village Christmas
Watkins Glen
December 6, 2024
Commemorate the Christmas season with this free family event that has taken place for over 31 years. The tradition includes craft and artisan vendors, great food and even a petting zoo for families to enjoy. The Village Christmas Parade is a longstanding tradition that concludes with fireworks off the Seneca Harbor Pier with the famous Seneca Lake Pier Pavilion as the backdrop. Sanda and Mrs. Santa Claus also make a longstanding appearance in the North Pole Trolley. Downtown Watkin Glen comes alive with holiday fervor and merriment.
