By Kate Bartlett
‘Tis the season for an Ellicottville Tradition of Christmas in the Village. The village comes alive with the spirit of the holiday season the weekend following Thanksgiving. 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 and spread holiday cheer,” says Barb Pump, Executive Assistant with the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a great family event and close to home. With many events Friday, Saturday and Sunday, there’s something for everyone.”
The weekend kicks off on Friday at 1pm with fire truck rides through the village with Santa, cookie decorating at Balloons by Cupcaked Bakery, horse and wagon rides, and the chance to meet real reindeer! The village Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6:15 on the Post Office Lawn with Santa and hot cocoa.
Saturday and Sunday both begin with free pancake breakfasts with Santa from 10-11am, donations will be accepted for the Ellicottville Food Pantry. Join in viewing a holiday movie Saturday at Villaggio at 11:30 and continue with an afternoon of holiday cheer. Fire truck rides with Santa, cookie decorating, horse and wagon rides, real reindeer encounters and family fun activities at the Wingate which run both Saturday and Sunday.
In addition to the events, the village boasts an array of boutique and specialty shops and exceptional restaurants. “We love promoting our local businesses as they have so much to offer. Their doors are open for business and they’re ready for the holiday season!” said Barb.
Barb and the Chamber also would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone the importance of shopping local and supporting Small Businesses on Saturday, and every day. They invite visitors and locals alike to make a day, or weekend, of Christmas in Ellicottville, supporting local businesses and restaurants, taking in all the village has to offer.
“It’s such a great escape from the hustle and bustle. Ellicottville has all the charm of a Hallmark movie (it’s proven, we were in one!) yet is still close enough to home. With any luck, we’ll get just a bit of snow and it’ll be picture perfect. This is truly my favorite event of the year, says Barb. Seeing the joy on the kids’ faces warms the heart and brings a bit of magic into the air.”
For a full schedule of events and to see all of the holiday fun the month of December visit https://www.ellicottvilleny.com/ and follow on Social Media for updates.