2015 Holiday Happenings: New Year’s Eve in Buffalo-Niagara

credit: Wikimedia Commons/parenting.leehanson

Whether you’re into music, food, large crowds or intimate gatherings, New Year’s Eve in the Buffalo-Niagara region has something for everyone: celebrate a new year in Niagara Falls, downtown Buffalo or the suburbs on Thursday, December 31.

Hard Rock Café New Year’s Eve Party – the Hard Rock Café Niagara Falls, located at 333 Prospect St., will feature the band Joyryde from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. – call 716-282-0007 for reservations. Find out more at the HRC Niagara Falls website.

First Night Buffalo – 5 to 10 p.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin St. in downtown Buffalo. For the 27^th year, Buffalo’s biggest drug- and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration will feature family activities throughout the evening. Parking for the event is free at the Main Place Mall and Fernbach Ramps only; there will also be extended Metro Rail service until 2 a.m. Tickets are $10 pre-sale and available at Wegmans; tickets at the door will be $12 – find the complete First Night schedule at www.firstnightbuffalo.org.

Old Falls Street’s Family Fun New Year’s Eve – from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls, 101 Old Falls St. in Niagara Falls. This family-friendly event will feature a dance floor, inflatable obstacle courses, face painters, balloon artists, movies, costumed characters and more. Admission is $6 per person and is payable at the door. Find out more at fallsstreet.com.

Statler City Ice Ball – doors open at 6 p.m. at Statler City, 107 Delaware Ave. (entrance will be on Franklin and Genesee Sts.) in downtown Buffalo. The event will feature live music – including Boys of Summer and Jeremy Hoyle and the Strictly Hip – hot and cold food stations plus a dinner buffet and much more. Ice Ball tickets includes five hours of premium open bar, food, a champagne toast and seating for all guests. There will also be free parking at the Turner Ramp next to City Hall and free coat check at the Statler. Tickets are still available for the Golden Ballroom (single seats only) and the Terrace Room – celebrate with a “nightclub experience” at the Niagara Room (does not include Ice Ball access). Tickets can be purchased and more information can be found at www.statlercity.com/iceball.

Banchetti By Rizzo’s – celebrate New Year’s Eve with Nerds Gone Wild and more at Banchetti, located at 550 N. French Rd. in Amherst. The party begins at 7:30 p.m. with five hours open bar, includes champagne at midnight and food stations throughout the night. Joining the Nerds (performing in the Michelangelo Room) are the Buffalo 5 Band in the Rose Room and Bryan Berhalter in the café. Reservations are $90 per person – call 716-691-4045 for reservations, and visit www.banchetti.com for more information.

**More parties and activities are listed in Step Out Buffalo’s “Best New Year’s Eve Parties to Ring in 2016.”

2015 Holiday Happenings: The Aquarium of Niagara, Holiday Market at the Foundry and M&T Music Under the Dome

credit: Wikimedia Commons/hmbascom

The Aquarium of Niagara, located at 701 Whirlpool St. in Niagara Falls, is hosting Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 13 and Saturday, December 19. In addition to a visit from Santa, there will be prizes, crafts, a special sea lion show and other surprises. Admission is $7 for adult members – children of members are free of charge – or $14 for adult non-members and $11 for children. Get more information at www.aquariumofniagara.org.

On Saturdays, December 12 and 19, knock a few gifts off your list at the Holiday Market at The Foundry, 298 Northampton St. in Buffalo. Expect 20-30 local artisans to join current permanent residents, with products like repurposed furniture, metal work, jewelry, wood work and more.

M&T Bank’s Holiday Music Under the Dome kicked off this week, featuring high school groups from the Buffalo area beginning at noon on weekdays. On the upcoming schedule:

• Friday, December 11 – St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute Swing Choir
• Monday, December 14 – Canisius High School Ensembles
• Tuesday, December 15 – Mount Mercy Academy “Pure Magic” Show Choir
• Wednesday, December 16 – Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School Men’s Chorus
• Thursday, December 17 – Iroquois High School Choirs
• Friday, December 18 – St. Francis High School Senior Schola Cantorum

In addition, on Saturday, December 12, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at 1 p.m. All concerts are free and open to the public at M&T’s One Fountain Plaza branch in downtown Buffalo.

2015 Holiday Happenings: It WAS A Wonderful Life and the Rich-Twinn Octagon House

Rich-Twinn Octagon House
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Take a trip through history during Forest Lawn Cemetery’s production of “It WAS A Wonderful Life,” taking place in the Forest Lawn chapel at 1411 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo on weekends through Sunday, December 27. Join narrator “John Lay,” the first person to be interred in Forest Lawn in 1850, as he introduces you to the “friends” he’s made over the years. Tickets are $25 per person, and seating is limited for each performance, so reservations are required – call 716-885-1600 for reservations. Find out more at www.forest-lawn.com.

Check out some of the area’s historical architecture in full Victorian holiday regalia with a trip to the Rich-Twinn Octagon House, located at 145 Main St. in Akron. Sunday afternoon tours are available December 13 and 20 between 1 and 3 p.m. – admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children 6-10. Find out more about the Octagon House at www.newsteadhistoricalsociety.org. 

2015 Holiday Happenings: Larkin Square and the Buffalo Zoo

Celebrate the season at "Larkinville" on Friday
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Get into the holiday swing this weekend at Larkin Square, or get the kids to the Buffalo Zoo for an upcoming event.

Holiday Live at Larkin – Friday, December 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Larkin Square, 745 Seneca St. in Buffalo. The fourth annual event will feature music from Robot Holiday, a holiday marketplace, and food from some of Buffalo’s favorite food trucks. Earlier in the day, check out the Indoor Holiday Market featuring over 30 local craft and food vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get more details at www.larkinsquare.com.

Buffalo Zoo Tree Lighting – Saturday, December 5 at 5:15 p.m. at the Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave. in Buffalo. Zoo admission will be just $5 per person beginning at 3 p.m., and the gates will remain pen until 5 p.m.; the tree will be located near the new Arctic Edge exhibit. Find out more at www.buffalozoo.org.

Breakfast with Santa – Saturday and Sunday, December 12-13 and December 19-20 at the Zoo. Santa and his elves will visit kids for two seatings, 9 and 11 a.m., each day; featuring a breakfast buffet from CJ’s Catering. Pre-paid, non-refundable tickets are $17 for adults and $14 for children (members receive $5 discount per ticket); visit www.buffalozoo.org for tickets and more information or call 716-995-6133.

M&T First Friday: December 4, 2015

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Dave Pape

On the first Friday of each month, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, located at 1285 Elmwood Ave. in Buffalo, opens the doors to the 1962 Knox Building to the public free of charge from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., thanks to sponsorship from M&T Bank. This Friday, December 4, Configuration Dance Theatre performs “Etudes” at 8:30 p.m. in the Auditorium.

• Homeschooler Art Class – 10 a.m. to noon for ages 11-17 – registration required.
• Homeschooler Art Class – 10:30 a.m. to noon for ages 5-10 – registration required.
• Toddler Art Class – 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. for ages 3-4 – free for members, $10 for non-members – registration required.
• Studio Art Classes for Adults – 1 to 3 p.m. and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. – free for members and $10 for non-members.
• Public Tour – a free tour of the 1962 Knox Building at 1:30 p.m.
• Performance by the Buffalo Cello School – 3:30 p.m. in the Auditorium.
• What’s Your Vision tour – free one-hour tour at 4 p.m.
• Drop-in Art Activity for Families –5 to 7 p.m., free in the Education Classrooms.
• Jazz and Happy Hour – live music from Doug Yeomans and Sue Kincaid in the AK Café from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Performance with Young Audiences WNY: Celes Tisdale, “Yet, Do I Marvel” – 6 p.m. in the Auditorium.
• Gallery Talk – Looking at Tomorrow: Light and Language from the Panza Collection, 1967-1990 – join AK Research Assistant Andrew Cappetta for a discussion of the exhibit at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. in the 1905 Building North Galleries (click links for registration information).
• Performance: “Etudes,” by Configuration Dance Theatre – at 8:30 p.m. in the Auditorium - $5 for non-members, free for members.

Registration is required for many classes and events – call 716-270-8292 to register. For more information, visit www.albrightknox.org and www.mandtfirstfridays.org.

Canalside Buffalo in December 2015

The water has been replaced with ice
at Canalside
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Have you been to Canalside Buffalo yet? I need to get down there again soon – I was there in September and need to see the changes over the last couple of months! “Winter” (I’m using that term loosely right now!) brings new life to Canalside, with ice, hot chocolate and lots of fun! Here’s some of the fun coming up in December.

Daily (weather permitting) – ice skating and curling, plus “winter eats” at the Winter Pavilion – including Just Fries, Bubbles & Brews and Harborside Mercantile – and the Buffalove and Canalside merchandise.

Thursdays through Sundays (weather permitting) – ice bike rentals (not on December 24-25).

Special events –

• Fifth annual Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting – Friday, December 4 from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Saturday Artisan Market: Holiday Edition – Friday, December 11 (5 to 8 p.m.) and Saturday, December 12 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
• Santa at Canalside – December 13 through 23 (Monday through Thursday – 4 to 7 p.m., Friday – 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Always check www.canalsidebuffalo.com for weather updates before heading out!

Statler City Ice Ball – December 31, 2015

The fifth annual Statler City Ice Ball will take place Thursday, December 31 at Statler City, 107 Delaware Ave. (entrance will be on Franklin and Genesee Sts.) in downtown Buffalo. The event will feature live music and DJs, hot and cold food stations plus a dinner buffet and much more.

Entertainment includes Boys of Summer, Jeremy Hoyle and Strictly Hip Jeff Toy from Toy Brothers and more.

Included on the menu will be cold displays including the Chilled Seafood Station and Salad Station; Carving Station; a dinner buffet including meatloaf, mashed potatoes, herb-crusted black cod, Sam Adams Beer-Braised Short Ribs and more; a Grande Dessert and Coffee Station; and a late-night menu (to be announced).

Ice Ball tickets includes five hours of premium open bar, food, a champagne toast and seating for all guests. There will also be free parking at the Turner Ramp next to City Hall and free coat check at the Statler. Tickets start at $105 per person and can be purchased at www.statlercity.com/iceball. 

Five Things to do in December 2015

Another holiday season, another new year, another year of fun in Buffalo! Close out December with one of these fun events.

Holiday Happening – Friday through Sunday, December 4-6 and December 11-13 at participating wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail. Sample holiday cookies or desserts at each winery you visit, and take home a recipe booklet of unique treats; tickets are good for all six days of the event and include a commemorative wine glass at your first winery and a cookie/dessert sample and three tastings at each winery you visit. Tickets are $32.40 per person or $59.40 (includes sales tax) per couple online, and are limited; find out more at niagarawinetrail.org.

Holiday in the Village – Friday through Sunday, December 4-6 on Main St. in the Village of Williamsville. On Friday night at 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) the Williamsville Meeting House brings Mike Randall in for A Christmas Carol (tickets $5 pre-sale, $10 at the door – limited to 150 people). On Saturday, there’s free trolley rides on Main St. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), pictures with Santa at the Mill (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and shopping in the Village, followed  by the annual tree lighting at 6 p.m. in front of Village Hall. On Sunday, The Meeting House will host Steve Balesteri’s Christmas in the Village concert at 6:30 p.m. (tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door). For more information, click here.

Lewiston Tour of Homes and Christmas Walk – Saturday and Sunday, December 5-6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Village of Lewiston. The Tour of Homes is the signature fundraising event for the Historical Association of Lewiston, with each home featuring festive decorations including Christmas tablescapes and entertaining ideas. Tickets are $25 each day, and includes the tour as well as a dessert tasting reception at the Barton Hill Hotel from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Holiday Gift Market at Lewiston No. 1 Fire Hall (145 N. 6^th St.) is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with 20 vendors. The Christmas Walk will take place throughout the Village and will feature carriage rides, carolers, a parade and a visit from Santa on Saturday.

Holidays with the BPO – the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra offers up holiday programing beginning with JoAnn Falletta’s Classical Christmas, Friday and Saturday, December 11-12 at Kleinhan’s Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle in Buffalo; Friday’s show is at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday’s is at 8 p.m., and also features the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus. On Sunday, December 13, the Jingle Bell Jam at 2:30 p.m. features music from The Polar Express, dancers from the Royal Academy of Ballet and Verve Dance Studios and the Amherst Bel Canto Chorus. Friday through Sunday, December 18-20, join new BPO Principal Pops Conductor John Morris Russell for the Holiday Pops concerts (Friday – 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday – 8 p.m., Sunday – 2:30 p.m.).

First Night Buffalo – Thursday, December 31 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin St. in downtown Buffalo. For the 27^th year, Buffalo’s biggest drug- and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration will feature family activities throughout the evening. Ticket information will be announced soon – find out more about First Night at firstnightbuffalo.org. 

BfloGirlSports: Buffalo teams in December 2015

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/John Kasawa

Buffalo Bills

• Sunday, December 6 – at home against the Houston Texans (1 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 13 – on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles (1 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 20 – on the road against the Washington Redskins (1 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 27 – at home against the Dallas Cowboys (1 p.m.)

credit: Wikimedia Images

Buffalo Sabres

• Tuesday, December 1 –on the road against the Detroit Red Wings (7:30 p.m.)
• Friday, December 4 – at home against the Arizona Coyotes (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 6 – on the road against the Edmonton Oilers (8 p.m. ET)
• Monday, December 7 – on the road against the Vancouver Canucks (10 p.m. ET)
• Thursday, December 10 – on the road against the Calgary Flames (9 p.m. ET)
• Saturday, December 12 – at home against the Los Angeles Kings (7 p.m.)
• Monday, December 14 – on the road against the Red Wings (7:30 p.m.)
• Tuesday, December 15 – at home against the New Jersey Devils (7 p.m.)
• Thursday, December 17 – at home against the Anaheim Ducks (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 19 – at home against the Chicago Blackhawks (1 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 26 – on the road against the Boston Bruins (7 p.m.)
• Monday, December 28 – at home against the Washington Capitals (7 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 30 – on the road against the Capitals (7 p.m.)
• Thursday, December 31 – at home against the New York Islanders (6 p.m.)

Niagara University Purple Eagles Ice Hockey

• Friday and Saturday, December 4-5 – at home against Bentley university (Friday – 7 p.m., Saturday – 7:05 p.m.)
• Friday, December 11 – on the road against Rochester Institute of Technology (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 12 – at home against RIT (7:05 p.m.)

Canisius College Golden Griffins Ice Hockey

• Friday and Saturday, December 4-5 – on the road against Air Force (both games 9:05 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 12 – on the road at Robert Morris (7:05 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 13 – at home against Robert Morris (7:35 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 20 – on the road against Merrimack (4:05 p.m.)

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/
Salvatore Vuono

UB Bulls Men’s Basketball

• Wednesday, December 2 – at home against St. Bonaventure (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 5 – on the road against Duke (5:15 p.m.)
• Monday, December 7 – on the road against Iowa State (9 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 12 – at home against Birmingham (2 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 19 – at home against Montana State (2 p.m.)
• Tuesday, December 22 – on the road against Virginia Commonwealth (7 p.m.)
• Tuesday, December 29 – at home against Delaware (7 p.m.)

UB Bulls Women’s Basketball

• Thursday, December 3 – on the road against Hofstra (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 6 – at home against Duquesne (2 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 9 – on the road against St. Bonaventure (7 p.m.)
• Monday, December 21 – on the road against Niagara (7 p.m.)
• Tuesday, December 29 – on the road against Sacred Heart (TBA)

Niagara University Purple Eagles Men’s Basketball

• Friday, December 4 – at home against Quinnipiac (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 6 – at home against Monmouth (2 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 9 – on the road against St. John’s University (5 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 12 – at home against LIU Brooklyn (3 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 23 – on the road against the University at Albany (7 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 30 – on the road against St. Bonaventure (7 p.m.)

Niagara University Purple Eagles Women’s Basketball

• Friday, December 4 – on the road against Manhattan (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 6 – on the road against Monmouth (2 p.m.)
• Friday, December 18 – on the road against Dartmouth (7 p.m.)
• Monday, December 21 – at home against UB (7 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 23- on the road against St. Bonaventure (noon)
• Tuesday, December 29 – on the road against Mount St. Mary’s (2 p.m.)

St. Bonaventure University Bonnies Men’s Basketball

• Wednesday, December 2 – on the road against UB (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 5 – at home against Ohio (4 p.m.)
• Tuesday, December 8 – at home against Vermont (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 19 – at home against South Carolina State (2 p.m.)
• Tuesday, December 22 – on the road against Siena (7 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 30 – at home against Niagara (7 p.m.)

St. Bonaventure University Bonnies Women’s Basketball

• Tuesday, December 1 – on the road against Stony Brook (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 5 – at home against Georgetown (1:30 p.m.)
• Monday, December 7 – at home against James Madison (7 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 9 – at home against UB (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 12 – at home against Penn State (1:30 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 19 – on the road against Colgate (4 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 23 – at home against Niagara (noon)
• Tuesday, December 29 – on the road against Canisius (7 p.m.)

Canisius College Golden Griffins Men’s Basketball

• Friday, December 4 – at home against Monmouth (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 6 – at home against Quinnipiac (6 p.m.)
• Thursday, December 10 – on the road against Penn State (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 12 – on the road against Kent State (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 19 – at home against Boston University (2 p.m.)
• Tuesday, December 22 – Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic – on the road against Louisiana-Monroe (5:30 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 23 – Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic – on the road against TBA (TBA)

Canisius College Golden Griffins Women’s Basketball

• Friday, December 4 – on the road against St. Peter’s (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 6 – on the road against Rider (2 p.m.)
• Monday, December 14 – on the road against Lamar (8 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 16 – on the road against Texas (8 p.m.)
• Monday, December 21 – on the road against Northeastern (2 p.m.)
• Tuesday, December 29 – at home against St. Bonaventure (7 p.m.)

The Botanical Gardens in December 2015

Expect the unexpected at the Botanical Gardens'
Poinsettia show
credit:paulathompsonfreelance.com

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, located at 2655 South Park Ave. in Buffalo, celebrates the holidays with these events in December:

• Poinsettias – Expect the Unexpected! – November 27 through January 3.
• Garden Railway Exhibit – November 27 through January 3.
• Arcangel Gallery: Local Artist Collaboration – Nature’s Pallette – November 27 through January 10.
• Santa’s Workshop – December 12 – Santa will visit between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for holiday-themed activities and photos ($5 each).
• Dollar Day – on December 27, admission is just $1 – members and kids under 3 are always free.

For more information on these events and others at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, visit buffalogardens.com.

2015 Holiday Happenings: Power Vista Festival of Trees and Ontario Winter Festival of Lights

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Sse1478

Head up to Niagara Falls to check out the Festival of trees on this side of the border, or grab your enhanced license and cross the border for another Festival of Lights.

Niagara Power Vista Festival of Trees – December 1 through January 1 at the Niagara Power Plant Power Vista, 5777 Lewiston Rd. (Rt. 104) in Lewiston. Check out beautifully decorated trees and visit the nearby Niagara Discovery Center during the annual event. On December 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Power Vista hosts its annual Deck the Halls event, featuring crafts and entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, trolley rides and more. Find out more at the Power Vista website.

Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights – now through January 31 at numerous attractions in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The festival features more than five kilometers of light displays through the Niagara Parks, Dufferin Islands and other tourist areas. There will be a number of spectacular fireworks shows during the course of the festival – click here for dates and times. For more information on the festival, visit www.wfol.com. 

2015 Holiday Happenings: Darwin Martin House and Fatima Shrine Festival of Lights

See the improvements to the Darwin Martin House
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Have out-of-town visitors coming in for the Thanksgiving holiday? Take them to see the improvements at the Darwin Martin House, or take them to Youngstown to see the Fatima Shrine Festival of Lights.

The Darwin Martin House will be open for tours Friday and Saturday, November 27-28. Located at 125 Jewett Pkwy. in Buffalo, visitors will see the improvements made to the estate during additional tours for the holiday weekend. The Martin House tour is offered both days at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. – tour cost is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, $12 for students and free for members. The Martin House Plus tour is offered both days at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – tour cost is $35 for adults, $33 for seniors and $27 for students and members. Find out more at www.darwinmartinhouse.org.

The Fatima Shrine Festivalof Lights takes place November 21 through January 6 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, 1023 Swann Rd. in Youngstown. The lights will be on display nightly from 5 to 9 p.m., and the gift shop is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Check out the festival from the top of the Basilica and see 75 displays and 15 acres of Christmas lights, and view the Avenue of Saints. Fatima Shrine will host Thanksgiving Day mass at 11:30 a.m., as well as Christmas Eve masses at 4 p.m. and midnight and Christmas Day masses at 9 a.m. and noon. Find out more at www.fatimashrine.com. 

2015 Holiday Happenings: Fairgrounds Festival of Lights and Victorian Christmas

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Kris de Curtis

Two more events coming up – lights in Hamburg and Victorian elegance at one of Buffalo’s historic places.

The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights, featuring nearly two miles of light displays and lots of family activities, takes over the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg (enter from South Park Ave.) on weekends beginning November 27-29 and running December 4-6, December 11-13, extended hours December 18-23 and December 26-27. New in 2015: The Great Lakes International Ice Carving Competition, taking place November 27-29, with pieces on display throughout the festival. Gates are open 5 to 9 p.m. (grounds remain open through 10 p.m.); admission is $25 per carload, $50 per busload.

The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, located at 641 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo, offers up its annual Victorian Christmas, with events taking place Thursday, December 3 through Saturday, December 12. The holiday display is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday (general admission $5 per person – December 4-12). The event will also feature fashion show luncheons, a traditional Irish Christmas dinner, wine and food pairings, musical performances and more.  Get more information on the events at www.trsite.org. 

2015 Holiday Happenings: Festival of Trees and Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village

credit: Wikimedia/albertyanks

Two more holiday venues to add to your itinerary this season are the Hyatt Regency in downtown Buffalo and the Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village in Amherst – both host ongoing holiday events that are perfect for all ages.

The Festival of Trees is headquartered at the Hyatt Regency and runs from November 21 through December 3. 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, hosts its first ever Holiday Shopping Extravaganza from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 21. The event will feature unique items from local artists and works from the Village’s own guilds. The Countryside Christmas Tours, giving visitors a glimpse of 19^th century Christmases, will take place Saturday, December 5 from noon to 7 p.m. Tours are approximately 90 minutes and reservations are required; tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for members and $7 for children.

Another event on December 5 is the Taste of Christmas Past from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., with historically-recreated Victorian Christmas dishes and drinks, plus a tree-lighting ceremony. Tickets are $55 per person or $100 per couple, and Countryside Christmas Tours will be available to attendees for a discounted price of $5. On Sunday morning, December 6, Santa visits the Village for breakfast, with seatings at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage and other snacks and costs $8 per person for non-members, $5 for members (reservations are required).

Finally, the Village hosts a Holiday Tea on Sunday, December 13 from 1 to 3 p.m., catered by the English Tea Ladies and featuring traditional tea sandwiches, quiche, scones and meringues. Tickets are $30 per person, and reservations are required by November 25. Learn more about these events and make reservations at bnhv.org.