Family // November 2020
Family // November 2020
Family // November 2020
Christmas Uncanceled!
12 Festive Activities for your Holiday Season
12 Festive Activities for your Holiday Season
I don’t know about you, but I think I am suffering from 2020 PTSD. I find myself searching for masks so I can put my children on their bus, bathing in sanitizer as I enter the office (counting my employment blessings), and looking over my shoulder at every loud noise for that wave of Japanese murder hornets! As 2020 comes to a close, I hold my breath, hoping the holiday season will be a little more Tiny Tim and a little less Freddy Kruger.
I’ve started holiday planning for an unfamiliar world, a cross between Zombieland, The Grinch, and a Jumanji in which I’m Kevin Hart. We’ll need a tree. (Preferably without fire-breathing termites. They’re a thing, right?) Then, of course, there are presents. (If I shop local, can I douse the items with sanitizer in-store?) Finally, it is time to decide where to gather. (Whose home is least likely to implode, fall into a sinkhole, or be struck by a flaming meteor?)
I am clearly joking (well, mostly!), but I think it is fair to say that 2020 has left many of us hesitant to make plans, expecting the worst. We offer you 12 festive events and activities which are sure to boost your holiday spirit. 2020 may have put coal in our stockings this year, but it can’t stop us from having the best holiday season ever!
I’ve started holiday planning for an unfamiliar world, a cross between Zombieland, The Grinch, and a Jumanji in which I’m Kevin Hart. We’ll need a tree. (Preferably without fire-breathing termites. They’re a thing, right?) Then, of course, there are presents. (If I shop local, can I douse the items with sanitizer in-store?) Finally, it is time to decide where to gather. (Whose home is least likely to implode, fall into a sinkhole, or be struck by a flaming meteor?)
I am clearly joking (well, mostly!), but I think it is fair to say that 2020 has left many of us hesitant to make plans, expecting the worst. We offer you 12 festive events and activities which are sure to boost your holiday spirit. 2020 may have put coal in our stockings this year, but it can’t stop us from having the best holiday season ever!
Bristol Mountain Ski Resort, Canandaigua
Winter is fast approaching, and guests will be on the snow soon! Last year Bristol Mountain was the first ski area in New York to open on Thursday, November 14th. Many have wondered what to expect this winter when visiting the mountain. This season our operation will be different to accommodate for social distancing and current health guidelines. The 2020-21 season plan is to offer as many mountain services as possible with alterations as needed while ensuring guests and staff feel comfortable and applying appropriate social distancing.
When: Seasonal | Cost: Ticket & Pass prices vary
www.bristolmountain.com | Facebook: @BristolMountain
Create-a-Critter & Treats for Wildlife, Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Center, East Bethany
If you love nature and crafting with your kids, this is the event for you! Have fun and care for your local critters by creating garlands and ornaments edible for area wildlife. Dress for the weather and decorate the trees and shrubs of the ACORNS Outdoor Learning Center.
When: December 5th, 10:30am-12:30pm & 1:30pm-3:30pm
Cost: $5 per person • $10 per family
visitgeneseeny.com/events/4287/create-a-critter-and-treats-for-wildlife
Facebook: Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry
Winter is fast approaching, and guests will be on the snow soon! Last year Bristol Mountain was the first ski area in New York to open on Thursday, November 14th. Many have wondered what to expect this winter when visiting the mountain. This season our operation will be different to accommodate for social distancing and current health guidelines. The 2020-21 season plan is to offer as many mountain services as possible with alterations as needed while ensuring guests and staff feel comfortable and applying appropriate social distancing.
When: Seasonal | Cost: Ticket & Pass prices vary
www.bristolmountain.com | Facebook: @BristolMountain
Create-a-Critter & Treats for Wildlife, Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Center, East Bethany
If you love nature and crafting with your kids, this is the event for you! Have fun and care for your local critters by creating garlands and ornaments edible for area wildlife. Dress for the weather and decorate the trees and shrubs of the ACORNS Outdoor Learning Center.
When: December 5th, 10:30am-12:30pm & 1:30pm-3:30pm
Cost: $5 per person • $10 per family
visitgeneseeny.com/events/4287/create-a-critter-and-treats-for-wildlife
Facebook: Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry
Hamburg Fairgrounds Festival of Lights, Hamburg Fairgrounds, Hamburg
Light up your Holiday with millions of dazzling lights from the comfort of your car! The Festival is a drive-thru only event for 2020. Guests must stay in their vehicles at all times. Admission must be purchased in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the gate. To purchase, visit any Tops Friendly Markets location cashier November 1st - December 31st or purchase tickets online.
When: December 1st-31st • Closed December 24th & 25th
Cost: $15 per vehicle
the-fairgrounds.com/festival-lights | Facebook: @FairgroundsFestivalOfLights
Holiday Kickoff, Corning Museum of Glass, Corning
If you’ve never visited the Corning Museum of Glass (or if it’s been a while), now is a great time to take a day trip and enjoy its many offerings, including festive hot glass demonstrations, themed gallery hunts, make your own glass experiences, photo opportunities, and unique holiday shopping at the gift shop & café. Nothing says “holidays” like a little sparkle. The Museum is full of all things shimmery, twinkly, and sparkly–so come see them! Receive 50% off of your admission tickets on December 5th or 6th! Advanced tickets are still required.
When: December 5th & 6th, 10am-4pm | Cost: $17-$20 • 17 & Under: Free
cmog.org | Facebook: @corningmuseumofglass
Holiday Open House Genesee Country Village & Museum, Mumford
Celebrate the traditions of the season and experience the village in its winter glory as you wander through the historic homes warmed by fires and dressed in festive decorations. Music, food, and good tidings will all be in plentiful supply. Stop in the Banquet Center for warm food and drinks, then browse the Flint Hill Store for the perfect gift. The perfect finale to our holiday season! Due to the uneven walkways and snowy streets, this self-guided program is not recommended for those with walking difficulties.
When: December 20th, 11am-3pm | Cost: Free
gcv.org | Facebook: @GVMuseum
Holiday Valley Resort, Ellicottville
Kids and adults alike with have “snow” much fun visiting Holiday Valley Resort! From our terrific children’s ski and snowboard programs to the family-friendly Inn at Holiday Valley to the fun-loving Village of Ellicottville...there is so much to do! Explore secret trails through the woods, fly down the Mountain Coaster and learn about REAL Native Americans.
When: Seasonal | Cost: Ticket & Pass prices vary
holidayvalley.com | Facebook: @HolidayValley
Light up your Holiday with millions of dazzling lights from the comfort of your car! The Festival is a drive-thru only event for 2020. Guests must stay in their vehicles at all times. Admission must be purchased in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the gate. To purchase, visit any Tops Friendly Markets location cashier November 1st - December 31st or purchase tickets online.
When: December 1st-31st • Closed December 24th & 25th
Cost: $15 per vehicle
the-fairgrounds.com/festival-lights | Facebook: @FairgroundsFestivalOfLights
Holiday Kickoff, Corning Museum of Glass, Corning
If you’ve never visited the Corning Museum of Glass (or if it’s been a while), now is a great time to take a day trip and enjoy its many offerings, including festive hot glass demonstrations, themed gallery hunts, make your own glass experiences, photo opportunities, and unique holiday shopping at the gift shop & café. Nothing says “holidays” like a little sparkle. The Museum is full of all things shimmery, twinkly, and sparkly–so come see them! Receive 50% off of your admission tickets on December 5th or 6th! Advanced tickets are still required.
When: December 5th & 6th, 10am-4pm | Cost: $17-$20 • 17 & Under: Free
cmog.org | Facebook: @corningmuseumofglass
Holiday Open House Genesee Country Village & Museum, Mumford
Celebrate the traditions of the season and experience the village in its winter glory as you wander through the historic homes warmed by fires and dressed in festive decorations. Music, food, and good tidings will all be in plentiful supply. Stop in the Banquet Center for warm food and drinks, then browse the Flint Hill Store for the perfect gift. The perfect finale to our holiday season! Due to the uneven walkways and snowy streets, this self-guided program is not recommended for those with walking difficulties.
When: December 20th, 11am-3pm | Cost: Free
gcv.org | Facebook: @GVMuseum
Holiday Valley Resort, Ellicottville
Kids and adults alike with have “snow” much fun visiting Holiday Valley Resort! From our terrific children’s ski and snowboard programs to the family-friendly Inn at Holiday Valley to the fun-loving Village of Ellicottville...there is so much to do! Explore secret trails through the woods, fly down the Mountain Coaster and learn about REAL Native Americans.
When: Seasonal | Cost: Ticket & Pass prices vary
holidayvalley.com | Facebook: @HolidayValley
Holidays at the Market, Rochester Public Market, Rochester
A Rochester holiday tradition for over 25 years, Holidays at the Market features dozens of holiday-focused vendors (fresh-cut trees and wreaths, decorations, specialty foods and beverage products, handcrafted items, and much more!) Some of the interactive activities will be limited in order to keep everyone happy, safe, and well, but the Market will be decked out in holiday lights, festive music, and have limitless local shopping and unique gift items. We will feature a virtual holiday scavenger hunt and have fun for the whole family!
When: November 29th, December 6th & 13th, 8am - 2pm, December 17th, 6pm - 9pm | Cost: Free
cityofrochester.gov/holidaysatmarket | Facebook: @CityOfRochesterNY
Live Nativity, Powers Farm Market, Pittsford
Winter attractions include hot drinks like cider, hot cocoa, and coffee. We also offer peak of the season baked goodies and home crafted gifts, ornaments, and arrangements. Thousands of Christmas trees and wreaths are available, and a fire is always blazing in the market fireplace. Walk along our interactive wooded trail with a live nativity.
When: Mid-December | Cost: Free
powersfarmmarket.com | Facebook: @PowersFarmandMarket
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, Virtual, Rochester Broadway Theatre League
Go back to a simpler time and celebrate this Christmas tradition with the whole family! See Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker from the best seat in the house: your living room! Take a trip backstage with the cameras for a look at how the magic is made. Hear it firsthand from world-class artists, designers, and the creators of this cherished production. See the full performance as captured on stage plus an up-close look at the behind-the-scenes action.
When: December 19th, 8pm | Cost: $24.99-$69.99
rbtl.org | Facebook: @RBTLAud
Santa’s Workshop Buffalo and Erie County, Botanical Gardens, Buffalo
Wegmans Family Days will transform the Botanical Gardens into a family-friendly and safely distanced Santa’s Workshop, offering lots of holiday photo ops, a scavenger hunt and more! Holiday-themed take-home crafts will be located throughout the Botanical Gardens. Grab your ready-to-go craft bag with materials and instructions to extend the fun at home!
When: December 11th & 12th, 10am-4pm | Cost: $7.00-$12.50
buffalogardens.com | Facebook: @BuffaloBotanicalGardens
A Rochester holiday tradition for over 25 years, Holidays at the Market features dozens of holiday-focused vendors (fresh-cut trees and wreaths, decorations, specialty foods and beverage products, handcrafted items, and much more!) Some of the interactive activities will be limited in order to keep everyone happy, safe, and well, but the Market will be decked out in holiday lights, festive music, and have limitless local shopping and unique gift items. We will feature a virtual holiday scavenger hunt and have fun for the whole family!
When: November 29th, December 6th & 13th, 8am - 2pm, December 17th, 6pm - 9pm | Cost: Free
cityofrochester.gov/holidaysatmarket | Facebook: @CityOfRochesterNY
Live Nativity, Powers Farm Market, Pittsford
Winter attractions include hot drinks like cider, hot cocoa, and coffee. We also offer peak of the season baked goodies and home crafted gifts, ornaments, and arrangements. Thousands of Christmas trees and wreaths are available, and a fire is always blazing in the market fireplace. Walk along our interactive wooded trail with a live nativity.
When: Mid-December | Cost: Free
powersfarmmarket.com | Facebook: @PowersFarmandMarket
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, Virtual, Rochester Broadway Theatre League
Go back to a simpler time and celebrate this Christmas tradition with the whole family! See Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker from the best seat in the house: your living room! Take a trip backstage with the cameras for a look at how the magic is made. Hear it firsthand from world-class artists, designers, and the creators of this cherished production. See the full performance as captured on stage plus an up-close look at the behind-the-scenes action.
When: December 19th, 8pm | Cost: $24.99-$69.99
rbtl.org | Facebook: @RBTLAud
Santa’s Workshop Buffalo and Erie County, Botanical Gardens, Buffalo
Wegmans Family Days will transform the Botanical Gardens into a family-friendly and safely distanced Santa’s Workshop, offering lots of holiday photo ops, a scavenger hunt and more! Holiday-themed take-home crafts will be located throughout the Botanical Gardens. Grab your ready-to-go craft bag with materials and instructions to extend the fun at home!
When: December 11th & 12th, 10am-4pm | Cost: $7.00-$12.50
buffalogardens.com | Facebook: @BuffaloBotanicalGardens
Swain Resort, Swain
Swain Resort offers terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. We thrive on introducing new people to our sport with lesson packages for every age and skill level. Swain has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing a strict standard of cleanliness and customer service across the resort for the upcoming season. These standards are designed to minimize risk and enhance safety for our guests and employees and include additional cleaning and sanitizing across the resort, and ensuring adherence to proper protocols.
When: Seasonal | Cost: Ticket & Pass prices vary
swain.com | Facebook: @SwainResort
Winter Wine Fest, Spring Lake Winery, Lockport
Come celebrate the Holiday Season with our annual Winter Wine Festival! Enjoy a little grown-up time with Christmas shopping, wine tastings, sleigh rides and much more. Spring Lake Winery is the setting for a movie being released next Winter. The shoot will be during our Winter Wine Festival. Sign up to be an extra!
When: December 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th, 12pm-6pm | Cost: Free (guests must register online)
springlakewinery.com | Facebook: @SpringLakeWinery
Swain Resort offers terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. We thrive on introducing new people to our sport with lesson packages for every age and skill level. Swain has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing a strict standard of cleanliness and customer service across the resort for the upcoming season. These standards are designed to minimize risk and enhance safety for our guests and employees and include additional cleaning and sanitizing across the resort, and ensuring adherence to proper protocols.
When: Seasonal | Cost: Ticket & Pass prices vary
swain.com | Facebook: @SwainResort
Winter Wine Fest, Spring Lake Winery, Lockport
Come celebrate the Holiday Season with our annual Winter Wine Festival! Enjoy a little grown-up time with Christmas shopping, wine tastings, sleigh rides and much more. Spring Lake Winery is the setting for a movie being released next Winter. The shoot will be during our Winter Wine Festival. Sign up to be an extra!
When: December 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th, 12pm-6pm | Cost: Free (guests must register online)
springlakewinery.com | Facebook: @SpringLakeWinery
*Descriptions courtesy of event and location sources. Please contact to confirm before visiting the above events and activities.