By Kate Bartlett
As the Holiday Season approaches, it’s almost time for the annual Christmas in Ellicottville event. This is a tradition where the village of Ellicottville comes alive with the spirit of the holiday season the weekend following Thanksgiving, Friday, November 29 – Sunday, December 1 (just in time for Small Business Saturday). Like something from a Hallmark movie, this charming village is 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 Assistant with the El-licottville Chamber of Commerce. “Out 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.”
The event kicks off on Friday at noon, but all the following activities will run Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy face painting at EBC Tap + Bottle Taqueria from 12-3pm and fire truck rides with Santa from 1-3pm starting at the Village Gazebo. Cupcaked will host cookie decorating at Balloons from 1-3pm and there will be ornament decorating at Howard Hannah at the same time. The Wingate by Wyndham will host interactive children’s activities from 1:30-3pm, with the opportunity to visit from Santa. Horse and wagon rides around the village streets will run 1-4pm starting at Ellicottville Bake Shop, and meet a real reindeer on the 1887 lawn (across the ski tree) from 4-6pm on Friday, 1-3pm on Saturday and Sunday.
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 with a free holiday movie to follow. On Sunday, the pancake breakfast with Santa will take place at Mill St. Sports Pub (formerly Finnerty’s). 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.
This year, guests are invited to skate with Santa’s elves at Daily City Train from 12-4 pm on Sunday, with roller skating, skateboarding and BMX Biking all available, free of charge. “We’re excited about this new event,” says Barb. “It’s a fun new opportunity and we’re really looking forward to it.”
Enjoy a 12 Days of Christmas Scavenger Hunt on both days at participating shops and restaurants throughout the village. Kids and adults can have fun collecting clues and exploring new shops in the Ellicottville community, a fun activity for all ages.
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 started 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.”
“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.”
For more information and full schedule of events, visit www.ellicottille.com/events and follow on social media for updates.