As snow begins to cover the ground in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie region, it’s hard to not get excited about the upcoming holiday season. Throughout November and December, many events take place to help visitors and locals alike get into the holiday spirit. Learn more about some of the most festive events in the region.
Christmas in the Village of Westfield - Visit Westfield for a weekend long holiday event between November 17-19, 2023. Stroll through a holiday market at Eason Hall, cozy up with loved ones during a horse-drawn carriage or indulge in the hot toddy crawl. Marvel at the holiday window displays created by local businesses in hopes of winning one of the many prizes from the local Chamber. Don’t miss the Let There Be Light Parade on Saturday at dusk.
Light Up The Point- Visit Bemus Point on Saturday, December 2nd for the 2nd annual Light Up the Point. From 12:00pm to 6:00pm, enjoy holiday specials, sales, events and more. Decorate your vehicle or golf cart with lights, decorations and glow sticks and join in the parade to help "Light Up the Point". End the night with a tree lighting by Santa.
Jamestown Jingle & Mingle Festival and Christmas Parade -Enjoy Jamestown's Jingle & Mingle Festival on Saturday, December 2nd. Starting at noon, enjoy live music in Tracy Plaza, a showing of the movie the Santa Claus at the Reg Lenna Center of the Arts and more. The day of festivities will conclude with the Light the City Parade at 6pm and a fireworks display.
Miracle on Main Street - Miracle on Main Street ,hosted by Festivals Fredonia, will be held on Saturday December 2nd. Enjoy activities with Santa perfect for the whole family including caroling, the lighting of the Village's Christmas Tree with refreshments, shopping, and more.
Mayville Holiday Market - Support local businesses throughout Mayville at the first annual Mayville Holiday Market. During this weekend long event, vendors will be set up in and around the Town of Chautauqua offices. In addition to shopping, enjoy holiday music, 50/50 raffle, food and more.
Winter Village at CHQ - Experience the holidays at Chautauqua Institution at their annual Winter Village at CHQ. Start your morning on December 16th with breakfast with Santa, enjoy holiday choir performances, shopping, snacks, and horse drawn carriage rides.
Events with Santa
Falconer Santa Parade- The Falconer Santa Parade will take place on Saturday, November 18th beginning at 5pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus will ride on the vintage Mack fire truck at the end of the parade and will greet children at the Santa House in Coleson Park. While waiting, families can enjoy a petting zoo, food trucks and more.
Breakfast with Santa at Peek'n Peak - Bring the whole family out to Peek'n Peak Resort for Breakfast with Santa on December 9th beginning at 8:00am. Enjoy a breakfast buffet, craft stations, photos with Santa and toys from Santa.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides with Santa and Mrs. Claus - Stop down at Lakeside Park in Mayville on December 9th and 10th for Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides with Santa and Mrs. Claus. During your ride enjoy Christmas music and hot cocoa.
Enjoy Breakfast with Santa at the Chautauqua Suites on December 16th. In addition to breakfast, there will be ornament decorating, cookie decorating, and a coloring station. Don't forget to get your picture taken with Santa.
Seasonal Favorite Performances
Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker - Partake in an over 20-year tradition when you attend the performance of the Nutcracker by the Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts. Performances take place on December 16th and 17th. Grab your tickets today for another great way to celebrate the season with your friends and family.
Come see the live production of a Holiday favorite "A Christmas Story" at the Lucille Ball Little Theatre running the first two weekends in December 1st-3rd and 8th-10th.
Come out to the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts on December 8th for a truly unique holiday musical experience Wizards of Winter.
Experience the holiday classic "A Christmas Carol" at the Main Street Studios Community Theatre Project in Fredonia running December 21st-23rd.
Looking for more ways to celebrate the holidays? Check out our website’s event calendar for a full list of holiday events and more.