Though the weather outside may be frightful, there’s plenty of delightful winter fun to be had in Western New York! Having missed out on so many of our favorite local festivities last year, why not get the most out of the winter months this time around? Get out of the house this season and embrace that lake effect snow. Whether you’re flying solo, taking the whole family, or searching for a fun date idea, Buffalo is the place to be for cold weather activities.
Ice at Canalside is located right on the waterfront of the Erie Canal in downtown Buffalo. Not only can you ice skate here, but there are tons of other fun things to do and sights to see. Sign up for curling, take a ride on one of Canalside’s ice bikes, or hop in a bumper car on the ice! If you’re looking for a good spot to take a date, Canalside also has beautiful igloos available to rent for a more intimate and cozy vibe. The Outer Harbor also offers cross-country skiing if you’re in the mood for some exercise! Enjoy all the great eating and drinking options this area has after you’ve finished up your activities.
Popular Holiday Valley features your favorite Winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Looking for a fun activity that doesn’t take place in the snow? Axe throwing is a great idea to get a group together and have some fun inside! If you’re in need of some more indoor options, there are a number of local breweries in the area offering libations to warm you up. This area also offers its Winter Blues Festival at the end of January where regional musicians fill the streets with entertainment and live music.
Not only can you see the frozen falls, but the Winter Festival of Lights takes place for 101 nights and is surely a spectacle worth seeing. Stay inside and admire the lights from the warmth of your vehicle or bundle up and get some exercise as you walk the festival route. The festival will have a luminous display of three million lights as well as live entertainment on the weekends!
Another great way to introduce someone to the area, this region is definitely known for creating some of the best and most unique dishes you’ll ever have. Take a tasting tour of Buffalo at this market, which has both indoor and outdoor spaces, providing a huge variety of local food producers. Located in the Blackrock neighborhood of Buffalo, you’re sure to eat your heart out while supporting small businesses in the area. You’ll find everything from baked goods and local produce to fresh and hot prepared meals here every Saturday morning through the end of April.
Bring a date or get a group of friends together and cozy up in this fun and festive way! There are several restaurants and breweries around the Western New York area now offering outdoor igloo dining. This is such a unique way to enjoy the beautiful, snowy outdoors without having your fingers and toes go numb. Be sure to book your igloo ahead of time, as these will definitely fill up quickly!
All of these awesome opportunities at our fingertips encourage us to embrace the Great Lakes winter wonderland that so many don’t get to experience. So, get out your cold weather gear and get festive because there’s fun to be had! Having so many amazing options makes it a bit easier to embrace the long stretch that is winter in Buffalo.
