Dec. 2–11 VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, 641 Delaware Ave. Events include a silent auction, holiday concerts, dinner theater, and more. 884-0095 / www.trsite.org Dec. 2–19 ONCE UPON A CELTIC CHRISTMAS Erie Community College North Campus, 6205 Main St., Willamsville. An O’Connell & Company original featuring Irish musicians and performers from WNY. 848-0800 / www.oconnellandcompany.com Dec. 2–4, 10–11, 17–19 A CHRISTMAS CAROL The Ghostlight Theatre, 170 Schenck St., North Tonawanda. A Starry Night Theatre tradition since 1985. 743-1614 / www.starrynighttheatre.com Dec. 3 NEWFANE HOLIDAY LIGHT-UP AND PARADE Main St., Newfane. 5:30–8 p.m. A lighted parade brings Santa Claus to Newfane. www.olcott-newfane.com Dec. 3–5 ARTISTS IN BUFFALO HOLIDAY OPEN STUDIOS Locations throughout WNY. 5–9 p.m. on Dec. 3, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Dec. 4–5. An opportunity to visit more than 100 local artists and artisans in relaxed settings, including the Hauptman-Woodward Institute, which will host a cocktail party from 5–9 p.m. on Dec. 3. 881-2199 / www.artistsinbuffalo.org GINGERBREAD, GIFTS, AND GLITZ AT GILDA’S CLUB Gilda’s Clubhouse, 1140 Delaware Ave. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while bidding on gingerbread houses and one-of-a-kind holiday gifts created by local artists, all while supporting Gilda’s Club of WNY. 332-5900 / www.gildasclubwny.org Dec. 3–5, 10–12 HOLIDAY HAPPENING ON THE NIAGARA WINE TRAIL Niagara Wine Trail, Lockport. Collect ornaments at each stop you make on the popular trail. www.niagarawinetrail.org Dec. 3, 5 A CHRISTMAS PIE 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 at St. John’s Grace Episcopal Church, 51 Colonial Circle, and 4 p.m. on Dec. 5 at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, 4369 S. Buffalo St., Orchard Park. The Freudig Singers perform holiday favorites and serve up some postshow pie. 667-7088 / www.freudigsingers.org Dec. 3, 5, 10, 12 LIVING NATIVITY 6023 Dutton Pl., Newfane. 5:30–8:30 p.m. A thirty-minute guided walk-through of the Christmas story. www.olcott-newfane.com Dec. 3, 10, 17 ELMWOOD VILLAGE OPEN-LATE SATURDAYS AND CARRIAGE RIDES Elmwood Ave. Stores in the Elmwood village will be open late until 9 p.m., while carriage rides can be enjoyed from 6 to 9 p.m., weather permitting. www.elmwoodvillage.org Dec. 4 HOSPICE BUFFALO OUTDOOR TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY 800 Delaware Ave. 4:30–5 p.m. Honor a loved one by purchasing a bell or tag that will stay lit throughout December, and help support Hospice Buffalo. 686-8077 / www.hospicebuffalo.com ELLICOTTVILLE CHRISTMAS STROLL Ellicottville. A living Nativity, Santa, music, and more. 800-349-9099 WILLIAMSVILLE HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING Island Park, Williamsville. 6 p.m. Enjoy holiday music, refreshments, and more as the tree is lit in front of Village Hall. 632-4120 / www.village.williamsville.ny.us AMHERST MUSEUM HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Amherst Museum, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Rd., Amherst. Annual dinner-dance. 689-1440 / www.amherstmuseum.org CHRISTMAS CRAFTS De Veaux Woods State Park, 3180 De Veaux Woods Dr., Niagara Falls. 1–4 p.m. An afternoon of holiday crafts. 282-5154 BEATLEMAGIC HOLIDAY SHOW Tralf Music Hall, 622 Main St. 7 p.m. doors. The Beatles tribute band brings some fab to the holidays. 852-2860 / www.tralfmusichall.com Dec. 4–30 A GIFT FOR THE HOLIDAYS Partners in Art Gallery, 74 Webster St., N. Tonawanda. Thirteenth annual show featuring affordable fine art and holiday gifts. 692-2141 Dec. 4–5 CHRISTMAS AT HULL HOUSE Hull Family Farm & Homestead, 5976 Genesee St., Lancaster. Celebrate the holidays at the oldest stone dwelling in Erie County. 681-6451 / www.hullfamilyhome.org HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW Heim Middle and Elementary Schools, 175 Heim Rd., Williamsville. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Thirty-fifth annual show, presented by the Williamsville PTSA Council. 688-5237 or www.holidaycraftshowptsa.com YULETIDE IN THE COUNTRY The Hamburg Fairgrounds, 56 McKinley Pkwy., Hamburg. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. A unique craft show with more than 200 artisans. 649-3900 / www.yuletideinthecountry.com WINTERWALK IN THE TONAWANDAS Main St., Tonawanda, and Webster St., N. Tonawanda. 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Organized by the Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda. 694-4715 or www.the-tonawandas.com THE NUTCRACKER Mainstage Theatre, UB’s Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo North Campus. Featuring special guest artists Daniel Ulbricht, principal dancer with New York City Ballet, and Misa Kuranaga, principal dancer with Boston Ballet. 645-ARTS / www.ubcfa.org ROYCROFTERS-AT-LARGE WINTER FESTIVAL East Aurora Middle School, 430 Main St., East Aurora. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Annual fest includes art, jewelry, and paintings. www.ralaweb.com LEWISTON’S CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES Lewiston. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sixth annual self-guided tour hosted by the Historical Association of Lewiston. 754-4214 / www.lewistonhometour.com HERTEL HOLIDAY WALK Hertel Ave. 5–9 p.m. on Dec. 4, noon–5 p.m. on Dec. 5. Hertel stores will have extended hours, a Santa stop-by, and more. 833-0678 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AND STUDIO GLASS SALE Corning Museum of Glass, One Museum Way, Corning. Free admission, craft activities, live music, and special glassmaking experiences. 800-732-6845 / www.cmog.org Dec. 4–5, 11–12, 18–19 NORTH POLE EXPRESS TRAINS Arcade and Attica Railroad, 278 Main St., Arcade. Journey through the countryside, visit Santa, and sing carols. (585) 492-3100 / www.arcadeandatticarr.com Dec. 4, 11, 18 SANTA ON THE CAROUSELL Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, 180 Thompson St., N. Tonawanda. Noon–3 p.m. Come ride the carrousel and enjoy lunch with Santa, and more. 683-1885 / www.carrouselmuseum.org ELMWOOD VILLAGE SANTA SATURDAYS Elmwood Ave. Noon–4 p.m. Pose for pictures or just say hello to Santa Claus. www.elmwoodvillage.org Dec. 5 MESSIAH IN CONCERT Our Lady Victory of Basilica, 767 Ridge Rd. Lackawanna. 7:30 p.m. The Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra perform. 833-6642 / www.bpchorus.org HAMBURG’S CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES Hamburg. 12:30–4:30 p.m. See seven Southtowns’ homes. 649-8080 A CHORAL CELEBRATION At Amherst Middle School, 55 Kings Hwy., Amherst. The annual free Amherst Symphony Orchestra holiday concert will feature the Canisius College Chorale and end with a Christmas carol sing-along and cookie and punch reception. 633-4606 / www.amherstsymphony.com OLD-FASHIONED CAROL SINGING AT THE VAN HORN MANSION 2165 Lockport Olcott Rd., Burt. 1 p.m. Holiday songs. 778-7197 / www.olcott-newfane.com OLD FORT NIAGARA HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AND AUCTION Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown. 1:30–4 p.m. Bid on unique items and experience the historic fort. 745-7611 / www.oldfortniagara.org Dec. 6–17 KENAN CENTER HOLIDAY HOUSE FESTIVAL OF TREES Kenan Center, 433 Locust St., Lockport. Festively decorated open house with Santa, scavenger hunt, and more. 433-2617 / www.kenancenter.org Dec. 8 CHAMPAGNE & HERBS HOLIDAY BRUNCH Romanello’s, 5793 South Park Ave., Hamburg. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Romanello’s and the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens team up for this holiday feast. 827-1584 / www.buffalogardens.com VICTORIAN TEA Amherst Museum, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Rd., Amherst. An elegant holiday tea. 689-1440 / www.amherstmuseum.org KENNY G HOLIDAY SHOW Shea’s Performing Arts Center, 646 Main St. Smooth jazz renditions of holiday faves. 847-1410 / www.sheas.org Dec. 8–9 14TH ANNUAL STUDENT ART SALE Czurles-Nelson Gallery, Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Ave. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Dec. 9. Jewelry, ceramics, textiles, paintings, photographs and much more will be on sale. 878-6032 / www.buffalostate.edu Dec. 9 BUFFALO ZOO WOMEN’S BOARD HOLIDAY LUNCHEON Westwood Country Club, 772 N. Forest Rd., Williamsville. 11 a.m. Festivities and lunch. 995-6131 / www.buffalozoo.org Dec. 9–19 A CHRISTMAS CAROL Alleyway Theatre, 1 Curtain Up Alley. Actor John Smeathers returns as Scrooge in this long-running Buffalo tradition. 852-2600 / www.alleyway.com Dec. 10 ORCHARD PARK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY CONCERT Orchard Park High School, 4040 Baker Rd., Orchard Park. 7:30 p.m. Annual performance, with the Buffalo Niagara Youth Chorus. 474-5843 / www.orchardparksymphony.org Dec. 10, 12 SONG FOR A WINTER’S NIGHT Our Lady of Victory Basilica, 780 Ridge Rd., Lackawanna. 7:30 p.m. The Buffalo Choral Arts Society and the Royalton Ringers Handbell Quartet perform sacred holiday pieces. 833-6642 / www.buffalochoralarts.org Dec. 10–12 BPO’S FIRST NIAGARA HOLIDAY POPS Kleinhans Music Hall, Symphony Circle. Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performance featuring Doreen Rao, director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus. 885-5000 / www.bpo.org CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE Shea’s Performing Arts Center, 646 Main St. The spectacular European-style holiday treat returns for five performances. 847-1410 / www.sheas.org SOUNDS OF THE SEASON The Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus performs three concerts of festive pieces at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Elmwood Avenue, Slee Hall at UB, and the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Main Street in Buffalo. 883-1277 / www.buffalogaymenschorus.com Dec. 10–11, 17–18 FORGOTTEN BUFFALO “A POLISH TAVERN CHRISTMAS” 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 10, 17, 5 p.m. on Dec. 11, 18. Fourth annual evening of polka caroling in Buffalo’s historic Polonia District. 833-5211 / www.forgottenbuffalo.com Dec. 10–12, 18–19 A LITTLE HOUSE CHRISTMAS Allendale Theatre, 203 Allen St. Join the Ingalls family on Christmas Eve in this Theatre of Youth production. 884-4400 / www.theatreofyouth.org Dec. 10–19 A CHRISTMAS STORY Lancaster Opera House, 21 Central Ave., Lancaster. The beloved story of Ralphie and his quest for a Red Rider BB gun. 683-1776 / www.lancopera.org Dec. 11 HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Kids activities and crafts and photos with Santa highlight this Botanical Gardens event. 827-1584 / www.buffalogardens.com DECK THE HALLS New York Power Authority, 5777 Lewiston Rd., Lewiston. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Holiday celebration at the NYPA’s visitor’s center. 286-6661 SNOWBALL RUN Ellicott Creek Fire Hall, 45 S. Ellicott St., Amherst. 7:30 a.m.–1 p.m. A 5K run or 4K walk to benefit the Morlock Foundation. 842-1300 / www.themorlockfoundation.org THE 60S MUSIC LEGENDS TOUR Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda. 8 p.m. Featuring the Vogues and the Shades of Blue. 692-2413 / www.rivieratheatre.org Dec. 11–12, 18–19 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE BUFFALO ZOO Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave. 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Catered buffet breakfast and visit from Santa. 995-6133 / www.buffalozoo.org Dec. 11, 17, 19 CHRISTMAS WITH HARMONIA The Harmonia Chamber Singers perform three holiday shows: 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 at All Saints Church in Lockport; 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 at St. Bernadette Church in Orchard Park; and at 3 p.m. on Dec. 19 at All Saints Church in Riverside. www.harmoniacs.org Dec. 11, 18 COLONIAL CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown. 7–8:30 p.m. The historic fort comes alive by lantern light for a holiday event. 745-7611 / www.oldfortniagara.org Dec. 12 AMERICAN LEGION BAND OF THE TONAWANDAS HOLIDAY CONCERT Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda. 7:30 p.m. The award-winning group performs. 692-2413 / www.rivieratheatre.org Dec. 14 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS FEATURING THE CLASSIC ELEMENT QUARTET Lancaster Opera House, 21 Central Ave., Lancaster. 7:30 p.m. Listen as talents such as Katy Clancy, Tom Doyle, Jen Hollands, and Tom Owen sing classic Christmas tunes. 683-1776 / www.lancopera.org Dec. 16–19 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY D’Youville College, 320 Porter Ave. An adaptation of the classic story of George Bailey, the “richest man in town,”comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. 829-7668 / www.kavinokytheatre.com Dec. 17 CHRISTMAS AT THE RAPIDS Rapids Theatre, 1711 Main St., Niagara Falls. 6 p.m. Concert featuring John Stevens, Melissa Kate, and others. 205-8925 / www.rapidstheatre.com COMMUNITY CAROLING WITH SAM HOYT Unitarian Universalist Church, 695 Elmwood Ave. 7 p.m. The New York State Assemblyman hosts an annual night of singing. www.elmwoodvillage.org Dec. 18 CLASSICAL CHRISTMAS Kleinhans Music Hall, Symphony Circle. 8 p.m. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performs a seasonal show. 885-5000 / www.bpo.org SQUEAKY WHEEL DYS(FUN)-CTIONAL HOLIDAY PARTY & SCREENING V.10 Squeaky Wheel, 712 Main St. 8 p.m. Squeaky’s annual holiday extravaganza—celebrating its tenth anniversary this year—with food, drink, and more. 884-7172 / www.squeaky.org CHRISTMAS WITH THE MANIACS Tralf Music Hall, 622 Main St. 7 p.m. doors. Celebrate the holidays, Grateful Dead-style. 852-2860 / www.tralfmusichall.com Dec. 19 VISIT FROM ST. NICK Kleinhans Music Hall, Symphony Circle. 2:30 p.m. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual children’s holiday favorite returns with Matthew Kraemer leading a program of holiday carols and classics, along with a special Santa Claus sing-a-long. 885-5000 / www.bpo.org TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA HSBC Arena, One Seymour H. Knox III Plaza. 8 p.m. One of the world’s most popular holiday-themed groups performs a bombastic show. 855-4444 / www.tickets.com Dec. 20 VOCALIS Lancaster Opera House, 21 Central Ave., Lancaster. 7:30 p.m. The sixteen voices of Vocalis perform. 683-1776 / www.lancopera.org Dec. 20–21 URBAN ARTISANS HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENT HSBC Tower, 1 HSBC Center. 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Urban Artisans showcases its unique gift items. 510-4623 or 877-2622 / www.urbanartisans.net Dec. 21–23 RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER Lancaster Opera House, 21 Central Ave., Lancaster. 6:30 p.m. The whole family will enjoy Rudolph’s quest to be one of Santa’s reindeer. 683-1776 / www.lancopera.org Dec. 22–23 URBAN ARTISANS HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENT Buffalo City Mission, 100 E Tupper St. 8 a.m.-–5 p.m. Urban Artisans showcases jewelry, handbags, and one-of-a-kind ornaments. 510-4623 / www.urbanartisans.net Dec. 24 WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHRISTMAS CONCERT 724 Delaware Ave. Concert at 10 p.m., followed by the Festival Service of Lessons and Carols with choir and orchestra. 884-9437 / www.westminster-bflo.org Dec. 26–30 CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR’S CRAFTS Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, 180 Thompson St., N. Tonawanda. Noon–3 p.m. Take a last ride for the season on the carrousel. 683-1885 / www.carrouselmuseum.org GRAYCLIFF YULETIDE TOURS Graycliff Estate, 6472 Old Lake Shore Rd., Derby. Holiday tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed estate, weather permitting. 947-9217 / www.graycliffestate.org Dec. 28 GLENN COLTON HOLIDAY SHOW Lancaster Opera House, 21 Central Ave., Lancaster. 2 p.m. An interactive show with games and music by the popular local musician. 683-1776 / www.lancopera.org Dec. 31 FIRST NIGHT BUFFALO Downtown Buffalo. Annual drug-and-alcohol-free family-friendly event celebrating New Year’s Eve. 635-4959 / www.firstnightbuffalo.org Through Jan. 1 FAIRGROUNDS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS The Hamburg Fairgrounds, 56 McKinley Pkwy., Hamburg. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sixth annual spectacle with nearly two miles of lights. 649-3900 / www.the-fairgrounds.com Through Jan. 2 HOLIDAY FESTIVAL Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. See the flowers of the season. 827-1584 / www.buffalogardens.com Through Jan. 8 MAGICAL MEMORIES ON MAIN STREET Main Street between Tupper and Chippewa Streets. 3–11 p.m. See vintage holiday-oriented AM&A’s window displays. www.theatreallianceofbuffalo.com Through Jan. 31 CAA WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Niagara Falls, ON. “Canada’s foremost illumination festival.” 905-227-7248 / www.wfol.com SUBSCRIBE NOW Back to the Table of Contents Back to Top