By Kate Bartlett
The village of East Aurora is arguably one of the most charming villages in the area, especially during the holiday season. Historic Landmarks like Vidler’s 5 and 10 and the Aurora Theatre are decked out in holiday décor and the streets are twinkling with lights as shoppers stroll the boutique shops and restaurants. If you’re lucky, there’s a few snowflakes in the air and a song in your heart, just like the scenes like a Hallmark movie (7 holiday movies have actually been filmed here).
The holidays are a special time in East Aurora, with a wide variety of shops, restaurants and attractions along main street. With historic charm at The Roycroft, exquisite eats at Ricks on Main, boutique finds at Beulah’s General Store and toy and treasure shopping at the Fisher Price Store and Vidler’s 5 &10, there’s something for everyone.
“Every small business has a story,” says Victoria Sturman, Executive Director for the Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce. “Here in East Aurora, we’re proud to say that most businesses are thriving. Small Business Saturday was great to kick off the holiday season, and we encourage everyone to come out and continue to shop small throughout the year.”
Various events throughout the season make East Aurora a destination to celebrate the holidays. The Chamber Tree Lighting took place at Aurora Heights this past Wednesday, December 6th, with a celebration in the park featuring a Big Brass Band and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
This year marks the 51st annual Carolcade celebration in the Village of East Aurora. The event is always held the Saturday before Christmas (unless that day is Christmas Eve) along Main Street between Elm and Olean Streets. The Carolcade started at this same location outside Vidler’s in 1972 as a small gathering of local clergy and girl scouts. It has grown bigger every year, attracting thousands of carolers yet still embracing the simple goal of spreading Christmas cheer. The Salvation Army Band plays accompaniment and carolers follow along in a provided songbook. Guests are greeted by Santa Claus on an East Aurora ladder truck and Aurora Town Historian Robert Goller directs the singing. Hot Chocolate is a plenty outside Vidler’s as guests gather in celebration of the holiday season. “The Carolcade is such a wonderful event that celebrates the community here in East Aurora during the Holiday Season,” says Victoria. Join the celebration on December 23 from 7-8pm. As always, the event is free and open to the public.
featured in one of seven holiday movies fi lmed in East Aurora. Vidler on the Roof has watched Carolcade from the roof of Vidler’s 5 & 10 for more than a
decade. The holidays are a special time in East Aurora, with a wide variety of shops, restaurants and attractions along main street. With historic charm at The
Roycroft, exquisite eats at Ricks on Main, boutique fi nds at Beulah’s General Store and toy and treasure shopping at the Fisher Price Store and Vidler’s 5 &10,
there’s something for everyone.
Window shoppers will appreciate the authentic Grinch displays at Vidler’s and The Palace Theatre.
The Classic Rink offers a variety of programs throughout the season including youth and adult ice hockey, learn to skate classes and public ice skating. Skate rental is available, along with plenty of hot chocolate to warm up afterwards. From young to old, first timer to professional, the rink offers something for everyone.
Misters Bar and Lanes is hosting the 3rd annual Santacon Bar Crawl on Saturday December 16th from 1-6pm. Tickets are $5 with food/gift drive for the Rural Outreach Center and Fish of East Aurora. Santacon participants will be placed into groups to visit participating bars around the village. Each bar will offer a featured drink, and the top 3 best Santas costumes will win a prize.
The Palace Theatre features family movies throughout the month of December with holiday classics including The Grinch, Christmas Vacation, The Polar Express and more. Movies are free, start at 11am and are open to the public. For more information and full schedule visit their website.
Be sure to visit East Aurora this holiday season to experience the magic of the village during the holiday season. There’s something for everyone, “for kids from 1-92.”