By Kate Bartlett
While Chautauqua is a wonderful place to visit throughout the year, it takes on a special character during the holiday season. The town square, Bestor Plaza, is decorated festively and visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds free of charge, including free parking.
Holiday celebrations began last Friday, November 25, with Black Friday sales at the Chautauqua Bookstore and The Gallery Store. Both shops offer a variety of unique merchandise both in store and online. Privately owned shops, including GG My Love, St. Elmo Spa, Gretchen’s Gallery and Chautauqua Wearhouse are open for business, some are open by appointment or with special holiday shopping hours.
On December 7, the Institution invites guests to celebrate the start of Hanukkah with the Menorah Lighting on Bestor Plaza at 4:30pm. Emily Morris, senior vice president and chief brand officer at Chautauqua said the menorah lighting ceremony has been part of Chautauqua’s winter holiday celebrations since 2017 when the Winter Village at Chautauqua celebration was inaugurated. “We are delighted to celebrate the commencement of Hannukah at dusk on this day,” Morris said.
The Winter Village celebration takes places Saturday, December 16, 9am-5pm, with Breakfast with Santa taking place at 9 and 11am. “Winter Village at Chautauqua provides a perfect family day itinerary,” Morris said. “Start with breakfast, enjoy some delightful holiday music from local choirs, do some shopping, enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate from the Afterwords Wine Bar, and snap holiday photos in front of our giant Christmas tree or Hanukkah Menorah, then finish up the day with a tour of the grounds and lakefront in a heated horse-drawn carriage.”
Breakfast with Santa is a beloved family tradition and takes place at Hurlbut Church with a full breakfast menu. “Our chefs from the Heirloom Restaurant at the Athenaeum Hotel prepare a delicious breakfast for children and adults alike,” Morris said. The menu includes a favorite introduced last year, the chef’s special homemade roasted corned beef hash. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit with every family, providing an abundance of photo opportunities in front of the warm fire.
For the first time this year, Chautauqua Institution is welcoming three local school choirs to perform at Hurlbut Memorial Church. Choirs from Jamestown, Fredonia and Chautauqua Lake high schools will take stage performing a variety of vocal music, including holiday favorites starting at 10:15am.
In addition to the events above, Institution staff members host a craft bazaar at Winter Village on December 16, featuring one-of-a-kind handmade gift items, with all proceeds benefiting the United Way of Chautauqua County. Horse-drawn carriage rides around the grounds are also offered on this day. “The Institution grounds are beautiful at this time of the year. The festivities are a great way to spend a Saturday during the holiday season while also finishing up holiday shopping at our unique shops and galleries.”
Also on December 16, the Stateline Draft Horse Club will offer wagon or (weather permitting) sleigh rides at Chautauqua weekends in January and February from 1-3pm. Tickets are sold at the Chautauqua Bookstore: $4 for children/$6 for adults.
Morris suggests there is no place like Chautauqua. “There’s really no place on earth like Chautauqua. Every day is special here. We invite everyone to come out and appreciate winter in Chautauqua and create holiday memories to cherish for a lifetime.”
For more information or to purchase breakfast tickets, visit winter.chq.org. Advance purchase of Breakfast with Santa tickets is recommended.