How do you do Christmas?
Maybe you want a high-tech holiday with dazzling light displays.
Or maybe the kids' eyes go all aglow with a visit from Santa, a herd of live reindeer, or a "Polar Express"-styled train ride.
Perhaps you want a classic Christmas with all the trimmings: parades, hot cocoa, decorated trees and— most likely— a smattering or more of snow on quaint village streets.
No matter what your holiday style may be, our region won't disappoint. Last year, we brought you 12 nostalgic destinations. This year, we've doubled down with an additional 12 magical, memorable holiday events around New York and Pennsylvania.
Just one rule: No Scrooges allowed!
Christmas in Ellicottville
- Where: Monroe Street in Ellicottville
- When: Christmas in Ellicottville, Nov. 24-26; A Christmas Stroll, Dec. 3.
- Tickets: Free admission
- More information: ellicottvilleny.com
The tiny resort town near Holiday Valley Resort — population 376 in the 2010 census, if you don’t count the seasonal visitors — bills the downtown setting of its post-Thanksgiving holiday celebration as “a Norman Rockwell painting in the making.” The three-day Christmas in Ellicottville event includes several opportunities for youngsters to interact with Santa, including fire truck rides, face painting and a pancake breakfast. Organizers also promise live reindeer, musical performances, a community Christmas tree lighting with hot cocoa, and plenty of shopping at downtown stores.
Bonus: Holiday Valley Ski Area is aiming to open for the winter season on the same weekend, weather permitting. On Saturday, Dec. 2, the village will host its annual Christmas Stroll, which includes a living nativity scene complete with a camel and other farm animals strolling around town. That holiday tradition also includes caroling, cookies and, in the past, has featured a "reindog" parade for dressed-up pets. Other holiday events in the village include a Dec. 1 toy drive.
Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles
- Where: Throughout the Village of Skaneateles
- When: Starts Friday, Nov. 25 from noon to 4 p.m.; every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 26 through Dec. 23, from noon to 4 p.m., and from noon to 2:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve
- Tickets: Free admission; free parking
- More information: skaneateles.com/visit/dickens
The annual celebration transforms the Finger Lakes village of Skaneateles into an old-time winter wonderland, including interactive street theatre by strolling Dickens characters, free roasted chestnuts and eggnog, horse-drawn wagon rides and caroling. The event also includes live shows and music, appearances from Father Christmas, and tastings of soup and figgy pudding. Many surrounding businesses and towns hold their own events around Dickens Christmas, including book sales, parades and open houses. Each day has something special in store; check the website for a full schedule.
East Aurora Carolcade
- Where: Outside Vidlers 5 and 10, Main Street, East Aurora
- When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
- Tickets: Free
- More information: eanycc.com
Plan a trip to the Buffalo area around the East Aurora Carolcade, an annual event featuring thousands of carolers lining up on Main Street in the quiet suburb. A band provides backup while carolers sing a series of holiday classics and enjoy hot chocolate and donuts.
While in town, stop at Vidlers 5 and 10 — the store that serves as the Carolcade’s backdrop — which offers thousands of nostalgic items. Hot chocolate, donuts and Santa Claus will all be there.
Sparkle
- Where: Market Street, Corning
- When: 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2
- Tickets: Free admission and parking
- More information: corningfingerlakes.com/events/sparkle
Downtown Corning’s annual holiday event features horse and wagon rides, ice carving, plenty of food, visits from Santa and his reindeer, family activities and fireworks. Festivities kick off with the annual Selfless Elf 5K, which ends right in the middle of the Sparkle action on Market Street; the race benefits the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. The Corning Museum of Glass and the Rockwell Museum will also hold their holiday open houses that weekend, with free admission; check out the CMOG’s 14-foot Christmas tree, covered in colorful glass ornaments.
Christmas by Candlelight at Lorenzo
- Where: Lorenzo State Historic Site, 17 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia
- When: From 7 to 9 p.m., Dec. 7-8 and 1 to 4 p.m., Dec 4-10
- Tickets: $6 for adults, $2 for children 12 and under
- More information: lorenzony.org
The Lorenzo State Historic Site, a mansion overlooking Cazenovia Lake, is decorated for the holidays to bring visitors back to a simpler time. This year’s theme is “Dreaming of a White Christmas.” Tours of the mansion are available all week, but on these two days, the property comes alive with musical performances, dancers, peanut brittle and mulled cider in the kitchen, sleigh rides and children’s activities.
Dickens of a Christmas
- Where: Main Street, Wellsboro, Pa.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 2
- Tickets: Free admission and parking; some activities have a fee.
- More information: wellsboropa.com
Wellsboro transforms into an old-fashioned Christmas village for its annual Dickens of a Christmas event, which features crowds of people in early Victorian costume, over 175 craft and food vendors, a Christmas tree lighting and carol sing, performances of “A Christmas Carol” and other holiday staples. This year’s schedule includes a model train show, the Wellsboro High School Dickens Choir, live music, and for the kids, “Clara’s Court” with "Nutcracker" characters, story time and crafts. Also the the Best Dressed Dickens Contest is back for a second year with a top prize valued at $1,000.
It's A Wonderful Life Festival
- Where: 32 Fall St., Seneca Falls (about 10 miles south of NYS Thruway exit 41)
- When: Dec. 7-10 (see festival schedule)
- Admission: Free
- More information: therealbedfordfalls.com or call the museum at 315-568-5838
It has long been thought that Bedford Falls, the small town where Frank Capra's 1946 classic "It's a Wonderful Life" takes place, was inspired by Seneca Falls, located between Rochester and Syracuse. Vendors, toy drives, lighting of the Christmas tree lights and It’s a Wonderful Life themed events along with more scheduled throughout.
Genesee Country Village & Museum
- Where: 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford
- When: Dec. 1-17 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- Admission: $25 (except Dec. 1 and Dec. 3 when it’s $23); infants are free. Reservations are required.
- More information: gcv.org
Take a journey not only through this historic village, but also back in time on this “Yuletide in the Country” tour. It’s 1849, the year New York state declared Christmas, Independence Day and New Year's a state holiday, and tour guides lead you through the streets of Mumford to revel in music, dancing and tree lighting. You visit businesses and homes in the village and talk to residents (and characters who are in costume) about the big news of Christmas becoming a holiday. After working up a hearty appetite, a buffet-style dinner is available, too ($30 adults/$16 children ages 2-10). Noteworthy: The tour is not stroller-accessible and is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking.
Winter Festival of Lights
- Where: Various locations around Niagara Falls, Canada (convenient starting spot is 6121 Lundy’s Lane)
- When: Now through Jan. 31
- Admission: Free (donations accepted at Dufferin Islands exit)
- More information: wfol.com
For the past 34 years, the Winter Festival of Lights has transformed the Falls area into a spectacular display of color and sparkling lights. Displays over this more than 5-mile attraction within the Niagara Parks and Dufferin Islands include the world’s largest Canadian-American flag, super-sized wildlife characters and a two-story tall fountain. More than two million lights will be on display this year.
There will be events like the Fallsview Sound and Light Show at the Oakes Hotel and Laser Light Shows at Clifton Hill. Check website for schedule.
The Polar Express Train Ride
- Where: Utica Union Station, 321 Main St., Utica
- When: Thursday Dec. 7 and 14, and Monday Dec. 18 and Tuesday Dec. 19. Admission: Coach seating,$27 and $31 youth (ages 2-12); $31 or $35 adult. Children under 2 are free.
- More information: adirondackrr.com/adkrr
How many places on Earth encourage you to wear your pajamas? On the Polar Express Train Ride in Utica, they do. Kids and parents often ride the Adirondack Scenic Railroad in their PJs. Guests are served hot chocolate and cookies during the two-hour round trip and listen to Liam Neeson’s narration of the Polar Express as they travel north to Holland Patent, which is decorated like the North Pole. That’s where Santa will board the train to spend time with families and give children a gift. Make you can make your departure time, because there are no refunds. How popular is this Central New York attraction? First-class seating was sold out more than a week before Thanksgiving.
Lights on the Lake
- Where: 6790 Onondaga Lake Trail, Syracuse
- When: Now through Jan. 7 (5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily)
- Admission: $10 per car Monday-Thursday, $15 Friday-Sunday. $24 for minibus; $75 motor coach (only cash or check accepted).
- More information: lightsonthelake.com
Even Clark Griswold would be envious of this high-wattage holiday tradition in Central New York. In its 28th year, Lights on the Lake is visible from the New York State Thruway near exit 38, but zooming past simply doesn’t do justice to the wonder to this 2-mile ride through Onondaga Lake Park that features a larger-than-life Land of Oz, a twinkling fantasy forest of lights and many more towering characters and displays.
The Strong/National Museum of Play
- Where: One Manhattan Square, Rochester
- When: Winter Village LEGO Display, Dec. 2, Happiest Hour Dec. 6 5:30 p.m., Dec. 18 10:30 a.m. Holiday readingAdmission: $15 (children under 2 are free).
- More information: museumofplay.org
If you’ve never experienced The Strong, tying a trip to a holiday happening might be worthwhile. Plus, a new “America at Play” permanent exhibit opens Dec. 10. It features such fascinations as the world’s largest Erector set, Mickey Mouse characters from the early 1900s and the first handmade Monopoly set. The Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden will include ornaments, the winter village LEGO display will involve a scavenger hunt and the holiday reading will include the Berenstain Bear.
The adults-only Happiest Hour is 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. includes an ugly sweater contest and the annual Reindeer Run, a 5K that includes kid’s races. Tickets are $15.
The Spirit of Christmas
- Where: Pulteney Park, Bath
- When: Dec. 1, 5-8 p.m.
- Tickets: Free
- More information: centralsteubenchamber.com/events
A mostly free event that will include free food and drinks. There will also be horse-drawn wagon ride and a community tree lighting along with face painting, craft building and storytelling for children. Local vendors will also be in attendance with a variety of holiday gift options, and everything will be decorated for the holidays.
Holiday Aglow WhoNELLville
- Where: Main Street, Hornell
- When: Kickoff is Dec. 1, 4-8pm, through January
- Tickets: Free
- More information: facebook.com/events/167236340500639
This year Hornell will be turning itself in Whoville from the classic Dr. Seuss tale “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.” The event will kick off with free horse and carriage rides and a multitude of vendors followed by a Whoville Parade at 6 p.m. and the opening of Santa Land at the same time. Whoville will remain open throughout the month of December and will include dress up contests for individuals and homes. Check for schedule of events.
Jim Thorpe’s Olde Time Christmas
- Where: 1 Susquehanna Square, Jim Thorpe, Pa.
- When: Dec. 1-17
- Tickets: Free
- More information: https://poconomountains.com/event/jim-thorpes-olde-time-christmas/15514/
In this historic Pocono mountain town there will be three straight weekends of Christmas events starting Dec. 1. There will be carolers, train rides with Santa Claus a tree lighting ceremony, musicians and locals dress as holiday characters and more. There will be over 40 vendors and shops open along with family specific activities. Check schedule for specific events.
Mifflinburg Christkindl Market
- Where: Market St. Mifflinburg, Pa. Shuttle service available from 1100 Chestnut St.
- When: Dec. 14-16. Thursday, 4:30-9 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.
- Tickets: Free
- More information: oldchristkindl.com
The Mifflinburg Christkindl Market kicks off Dec. 14. There will be live entertainment and a multitude of market vendors and traditional old Christmas spirit. Food and drink along with a wide variety of gift opportunities from a market designed to evoke the history and spirit of traditional Christmas markets in Germany and Austria.
Arlington Holiday Festival
- Where: The Arlington District, Poughkeepsie
- When: Dec. 2, noon-6 p.m.
- Tickets: Free, but Egg Nog Crawl is $5 per ticket.
- More information: arlingtonhasit.org/events.arlington-holiday-festival/
All events kick off at noon, including the Holiday Shopping Village, the Children’s Activity Center, and the Egg Nog Crawl. The Holiday Parade, which will include Santa in all of his glory, starts at 4 p.m. The parade will feature a doggy division this year, and there will be a petting zoo set up throughout the day. The Christmas Tree lighting will be at 5 p.m. and will feature local celebrities and live entertainment. Check schedule for when and where events occur.
Village Christmas
- Where: Downtown Watkins Glen
- When: Dec. 1, 5- 8 p.m.
- Tickets: Free
- More information: https://facebook.com/WatkinsGlenVillageChristmas/
Enjoy scenic Watkins Glen covered in Christmas lights and the Christmas spirit during Village Christmas. There will be vendors, gift ideas, live music, seasonal food, the lighting of the Christmas tree, Santa and his Elves and fire trucks.
Dickens Christmas
- Where: Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, 151 Charlotte St., Canandaigua
- When: Dec. 2, noon-4 p.m.
- Tickets: $7 per person, children under 5 free
- More information: https://sonnenberg.org/event/dickens-christmas/
The mansion, which is beautiful year round, will be decorated in the Dickens theme and there will be carriage rides and refreshments available for purchase. There will be dancers, carolers, and a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Crafts and Christmas
- Where: Capital Arts Center, Albany
- When: Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Tickets: $6 for adults; $4 with senior/military ID; $3 children 6-12; children 5 and under free.
- More information: https://albany.com/event/crafts-christmas-albany-capital-centers-158521/
This year there will be over 200 vendors, including over 140 artisans, wineries and distilleries. Area high school children will sing and there will be a complimentary kids craft table each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The items available will be one of a kind handcrafted goods such as holiday decor in wood and glass along with ceramics, candles and soap and more.
Christmas in the Park
- Where: Village Square, Hammondsport
- When: Dec. 9 4-8 p.m.
- Tickets: Free
- More information: https://facebook.com/events/1942879605978255/?ti=icl
Enjoy scenic Hammondsport in a horse-drawn carriage ride before stopping by the petting zoo and getting your kids photo taken with Santa. Along with vendors and food, new to this year’s Christmas in the Park will be Storefront Holiday Decorating Contest, grab a ballot and vote for your favorite.
Santa Train Rides
- Where: Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum, 282 Rush Scottsville Road, Rush
- When: Dec. 2, 9 and 16, 4-7 p.m.
- Tickets: $15 per person, children under 2 free.
- More information: rochestertrainrides.com/events/
All aboard a real Santa Train Ride. All trains depart from a restored 1909 train station at Industry and will have a festive atmosphere and complimentary hot chocolate while you and your family wait for the conductor to call “ALL ABOARD!” Climb aboard the restored vintage freight train cabooses for a special trip to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus and get a candy cane from one of his elves. Perfect for young children the entire train ride experience and Santa visit lasts about an hour.
Christmas in Montrose
- Where: Locations throughout Montrose, Pa.
- When: Dec. 1-3
- Tickets: Some events require money
- More information: https://christmasinmontrose.com
Join in an annual Christmas festival that aims to capture the joy of the holiday season in a way that only close-knit small towns can. Throughout the day vendors and shopping along with events, sing alongs, Christmas themed movie screenings, a farmers market, horse drawn carriage rides through downtown and more. Don’t forget real live reindeer! Something for all ages.
The Winter in the Village
- Where: Downtown Danville
- When: Dec. 2, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Tickets: Free
- More information: http://dansvillechamber.com/index.php/winter-festival
Enjoy the annual arts and crafts fair while Santa lights multiple trees in Church Park along with the multitude of local businesses, vendors, entertainers and artisans situated throughout. Included is a wine tasting tour, which has become a staple of the event, featuring a number of New York wineries. Check the schedule for specific events.
