By Kate Bartlett
November 28th – 30th is the annual Christmas in Ellicottville. This festive weekend is the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with offers horse drawn carriage rides, cookie decorating, fire truck rides, Santa’s mini-donkeys and a pancake breakfast with Santa himself.
The village comes alive with the spirit of the holiday season the weekend following Thanksgiving. Like something from a Hallmark movie, the village streets are transformed into a twinkling holiday scene with three days of free family fun activities. “It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season,” says Barb Pump, Executive Director with the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. “Of all our events here in Ellicottville, this is my absolute favorite. It’s a magical weekend full of free holiday festivities for the whole family.”
Laura Solly, owner the boutique shop Daff Dry Goods, has been involved with the event for over 25 years. “It’s been wonderful to watch this event grow and evolve over the years,” says Laura. “It’s a great opportunity to discover our charming village, support local, and kick off the holiday and ski season.”
Stores will be open from 10am-7pm each day with special events throughout. (See complete schedule, page 7.)
The lighting of the Ski Tree will take place on Friday evening at 6pm, with free Hot Cocoa and visits with Santa on the Post Office lawn. “The moment when the tree lights up is magical” says Barb. “It’s a one-of-a-kind tradition and such a special way to kick of the holiday season in our community.”
Breakfast with Santa will take place at Villaggio on Saturday from 10-11am with a free holiday movie to follow. On Sunday, the pancake breakfast with Santa will take place at Mill St. Sports Pub from 10-11am. Both events are free and open to the public, with donations of non-perishable food items (and cash) accepted to benefit the Food Pantry of Ellicottville.
The event falls on Small Business Saturday, making it a great opportunity to check out the many local shops and restaurants in the village, many within walking distance of one another. “It’s a great opportunity to get starting on holiday shopping in between the family events. Come check out some of our new shops, visit a new restaurant, or return to an old favorite. Either way, it’s a great weekend to support our local businesses,” says Barb.
Laura enjoys watching families return over the years. “It’s great watching families return year after year. The community really shines this weekend. Shopping our boutique shops brings something special to the holiday season. It’s not like shopping the malls. We enjoy welcoming shoppers and foster the spirit of the holiday season.”
“This is truly a fun-filled weekend for everyone,” says Barb. “It warms my heart to see families’ memories, and seeing the smiles on their faces. It brings a bit of magic to the holiday season. Spend the day, the afternoon or the entire weekend here in Ellicottville, and discover the beauty of the season here in our village.”
Celebrate Christmas in Ellicottville Friday, November 28, 1-7pm, Saturday, November 29, 1am-7pm and Sunday, November 20, 10am-7pm. For more information and full schedule of events, visit www.ellicottille.com/events and follow-on social media for updates.