There are many holiday events going on in the Western New York area, so here is a list of some of the festivities happening locally.
Old Fort Niagara
On December 17th, Old Fort Niagara greets the holiday season with its annual Castle by Candlelight tour. The inside of the castle is completely lit by candles and historic characters tell stories from Christmas past.
Demonstrations will be given for 18th and 19th century trades and music from a similar time will play. The holiday décor throughout the castle has been arranged by the Youngstown Garden Club. Tickets to Castle by Candlelight are available at Old Fort Niagara for $8.00 a person. Visitors can arrive at the fort anytime between 7 and 8:30pm. Dress warm, as the historic fort is a bit drafty. (It will be cold). Guests are encouraged to bring flashlights along for the tour.
Old Fort Niagara is located at Scott Avenue in Youngstown, New York. For more information please call (716)745-7611, and the folks at Old Fort Niagara can give you all the details.Elmwood Village
ElmwoodVillage is a unique way to finish up holiday shopping and enjoy the creative window displays that line the Elmwood Village area. On Friday's throughout the holiday season, many of the shops will be open until 9pm to give shoppers a more convenient way to shop.
Friday December 16th all are welcome to join others for an evening of caroling at the Universal Unitarian Church, located at 695 Elmwood Avenue. The event starts at 7pm. This is one of the annual holiday events that the Elmwood Village is known for.
Every Saturday from 12pm to 4pm is Santa Saturdays. Santa will be roaming the streets of the Elmwood Village so if you see him, pose for a picture or give him your Christmas wish list. This is one activity the kids will love.
The Fairground Festival of Lights
The Fairground Festival of Lights in Hamburg will light up the night this holiday season. For $18.00 a carload, you not only get to drive through the vibrant light display; there is a holiday magic show, reindeer carriage rides and of course, Santa. Gates open at 5:30pm and runs through 9:30pm.
Save $3.00 off the gate entry fee by presenting an original Tops or Wendy’s receipt. Where else for $15.00 can you take the entire family out for an evening of fun?
From December 15th through December 23rd the Fairground Festival of Lights will be open nightly from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. The address for the Hamburg Fairgrounds is 5600 McKinley Parkway, but the Fairground Festival of Lights website says to use the South Park entrance. The only address for the South Park entrance is for the Hamburg Casino, but this should get you to the beginning of the light display if you are using a GPS to get there. The address listed is 5820 South Park Avenue in Hamburg.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park, located at 4343 Porter Road in Niagara Falls, New York is has a holiday light display called Hyde Park Holiday Light Trail. The United Way of Greater Niagara presents the Hyde Park Holiday Lights Trail. It is free to the public with over 50 festively illuminated spectacles. Open nightly through January, from 5pm to 10pm.
