Holiday happenings in the Buffalo area: Festival of Trees and Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village

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No, it’s not even the middle of November, but if malls can make their stores open on Thanksgiving, we can talk about a couple of holiday events. One of these events, the Festival of Trees benefitting the new John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, kicks off on November 22^nd!

The Festival of Trees is headquartered at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Buffalo, and runs from the 22^nd through December 3^rd. General admission to see all of the beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, mantles and window displays, as well as shop the Boutique, is free. There are also a number of events, including the Black Tie Gala and the Designer Showcase and Reception that are ticketed. Find the full schedule of events at www.festivaloftreesbuffalo.com.

Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village, located at 3755 Tonawanda Creek Rd in Amherst (formerly the Amherst Museum), will host a holiday weekend full of events from Friday through Sunday, December 5^th through 7^th. On Friday night, the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony from 7 to 9 p.m. opens Home for the Holidays weekend at the Village. Get some gifts checked off your holiday list during the Christkindlmarkt on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days in the Steffen Building, and also check out the Countryside Christmas Tours, giving visitors a glimpse of 19^th century Christmases (tours are $20 and run from noon to 5 p.m. in one-hour intervals).

Another event at the Village that weekend is the 41^st annual Holiday Celebration on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. ($75 per person – reservations needed by November 26^th). The Celebration features a cocktail reception, dinner, silent auctions, live entertainment and dancing. On Sunday morning, Santa visits the Village for breakfast, with seatings at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. The museum fundraiser includes pancakes, sausage, coffee and refreshments and costs $7 per person (reservations are recommended, but tickets can be purchased at the door). Learn more about Home for the Holidays weekend and make reservations at bnhv.org.