Western NY Area Holiday Bucket List!!
Is it just me or does everyone make a series of Bucket Lists? I have my “life” bucket list, my “ultimate travel” list and of course I usually create new lists for the seasons. I know, sounds nuts, but I love to have things to look forward to. It keeps me motivated and excited. So with that being said I thought I would share what I have on my 2021 Holiday Bucket list. I most likely won’t get to all of these, but I sure will try! Here you go in no particular order:
Akron Acres for Sleigh Rides - located at 12607 Stage Road, Akron, NY 14001. Sleigh Rides are offered on weekends only starting the weekend after Thanksgiving 2021. $7 per person and your ticket includes marshmallows for roasting at the bonfire. There is also a country store that will be open and Christmas Trees available for purchase. No reservation is necessary!
Elm Street Bakery - located at 72 Elm Street, East Aurora, NY 14052. Every Saturday starting November 27, 2021 from 10 am -2 pm the bakery is hosting a community artisan winter market. It will be located in the General Riley House behind the bakery. Make sure to grab a hot toddy by the fire!
Chandler Street Winter Market - located at 27 Chandler Street, Buffalo, NY 14207. Every Saturday from 9 am - 2 pm the parking lot and attached buildings at Chandler host multiple vendors. This is a one stop shop for the most incredible holiday desserts and goodies. Take my advice and have brunch at Waxlight Bar a Vin while you are there. You will not be disappointed.
Winter Wonderland at the Erie County Botanical Gardens - located at 2655 South Park Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14218. The gardens are open during the day from 10 am - 4 pm and they also offer special evening events such as The Gardens After Dark Magical Poinsettias. E-tickets are required for entry and start at $7 for kids and +$12.50 for adults. Parking is always free!
*Photos below are courtesy of Instagram
Festive Holiday Brunch at the Mansion on Delaware - located at 414 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo NY, 14202. For the weekends of December 12th and 19th, 2021, the Mansion is hosting a festive holiday brunch! Each table receives a graze board and a selection from a creatively themed menu. Fun holiday beverages are also available for purchase. Reservations are required and are available for parties of 2 - 12. Tickets are $32 each. I cannot wait to see what the decorations are since the Mansion is always so beautiful!
Dining in an Igloo at Tappo - located at 338 Ellicottville Street, Buffalo, NY 14203. This is one of my favorite things to do! The food is always delicious and you get such beautiful views of downtown Buffalo. Igloos are available to book all winter long in case you run out of time before the Holiday.
Getting your Holiday Cards stamped at an Angel Station - located at the US Post Office at 1 West Main Street, Angelica, NY 14709. I absolutely love this tradition and it will always be on my holiday bucket list. Each year the Post Office creates a new angel cancellation stamp that will be used for the season and then destroyed after December 24th. Take a ride this year if you can!
Visit the Coco Crepes Chalet - located at 888 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202. A visit here will definitely get you in the holiday spirit! Holiday hours are Wednesday - Saturday 1 pm - 7 pm and Sunday 1 pm - 6 pm. You’ll find both sweet and savory crepes as well as hot chocolate and other warm beverages!
*Photos below are courtesy of Instagram
Holiday Tour of Lights - located all over the WNY area. Last year I put a tour together for my friends and they loved it. Our stops included houses with unbelievable Christmas lights, Apple Cider Mimosas, Tom & Jerry’s, mulled wine and fireball shots. It really was so fun! If you are interested in planning one, shoot me an email!
Igloos at Canalside - located at the ice at Canalside at 130 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203. For $200 these igloos are yours for 90 minutes and include admission, ice skating rentals and hot cocoa for up to 8 people. This would be so fun with kids! Reservations are required.
Tour of Seneca One Buffalo with Santa - located at 1 Seneca Street, Buffalo, NY 14203. This adults only tour sounds so cool! Available dates are December 1st, 9th and 16th, 2021. Take a tour of this historic building while sipping on holiday spirits. The tour is approximately one hour and costs $15.
Selfie World Buffalo - located at 730 Alberta Drive, Buffalo, NY 14223. This is high on my list to visit this holiday season! Seems silly but looks like so much fun. If you don’t know what it is, Selfie World is an interactive art installation featuring “rooms” with different themes where you take selfies. They have 10 dedicated Holiday themed rooms for 2021 and they are so cute. This is perfect for all ages. Kids 12 and under are $12, adults or over 13 are $22 each. Purchase your tickets online!
*Photos below are courtesy of Instagram and myself
If you are up for a short ride down the I-90 then here are some fun holiday events in the Rochester area!
Rochester Holiday Village - located at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 353 Court Street, Rochester, NY 14604. The village runs from December 3-19, 2021. The downtown festival features outdoor seating and fire pits, free ice skating and skate rentals, a unique shopping village, indoor bar with food and drinks, free visits with Santa, tree lighting, hand-crafted goods and free crafts for kids. Admission is free!!
City of Rochester Public Holiday Market - located at 280 Union Street North, Rochester, NY 14609. This market is totally worth checking out! It runs on the following Sundays from 8 am to 2 pm: November 29th, December 5th and December 12th, plus an evening market on Thursday the 16th from 6 pm to 9 pm. Here you will find fresh wreaths and beautiful garland, specialty foods, decorations and unique gift items. There will also be horse-drawn carriage rides and Santa!! Parking is free! Also, if I may suggest, hit up Boxcar Donuts for some incredible donuts and coffee and Warehouse127 Home store! Both are within walking distance to the market and are super cool!
Stokoe Farms - located at 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY 14546. This farm has it all.. Santa!!, Horse drawn wagon rides, a Christmas Kangaroo encounter, cut your own Christmas trees, live nativity & a farm store!! I cannot wait to check it out!
Shortsville Reindeer Farm - located at 4285 Shortsville Road, Shortsville, NY 14548. Who wouldn’t want to see some of Santa’s helpers up close?? This is a perfect holiday advent if you have little ones! Tickets are $10 and there are still plenty of time slots available in December. The experience lasts about an hour and you can take pictures with and feed the reindeer.
*Photos are courtesy of Instagram
I know there are so many more wonderful events happening this season and I am so grateful that we have the ability to gather again! Make sure to make the most of your time and if you come across any cool bucket list items that I didn’t include, please share with me in the comments!!!
Happy Holidays!
x, Julie