It doesn't take too long to realize that there are many different wants to enjoy Christmas in Buffalo; however, if you feel like you’ve soaked up all the holiday cheer that the Queen City has to offer and are looking for more, don't worry - we've got a delightful list of the best Christmas towns in Buffalo you ought to visit! All within just a quick drive away from the city, see how these amazing towns in western New York come to life during this time of year:
1. Hamburg
Just 20 minutes south of Buffalo, the small town of Hamburg transforms its fairgrounds into a total Christmas wonderland each winter. Outside, you can enjoy drive-thru light shows and Christmas tree forests to walk through, while inside you'll find a complete North Pole with Santa himself waiting to hear what you want for Christmas! It doesn't get much more magical than this. Oh, and if you've never done Christmas in the Country in Hamburg, you haven't lived.
2. East Aurora
Just a half hour outside of the city, East Aurora is a town that many of us love as a day trip destination. In East Aurora, you'll find everything you could possibly need, and it's known for being one of the most charming small towns in the country. Explore around town and you'll find amazing pieces of history, scenic state parks, and wonderful places like the Roycroft Campus. Its annual holiday show, featuring holiday llamas and unique locally-made gifts, is one that shouldn’t be missed. We're also big fans of the East Aurora Carolcade, which is a holiday tradition in New York.
3. Chautauqua
Roughly 1.5 hours south of Buffalo, Chautauqua is another amazing destination in Western New York that really comes to life during the wintertime. At places like the Chautauqua Institution, you'll feel like you've stepped into a real Christmas movie. From horse-drawn sleigh rides to holiday storybook readings at the local library and other sorts of holiday cheer, this town really is a delightful place to be. Keep an eye on the events schedule on the Chautauqua Institution website for info.
4. Orchard Park
One of our favorite towns that’s right in our backyard, Orchard Park is just a quick 20-minute drive from the Queen City. During the wintertime, the town begins to look something like a real-life snow globe, and one of the best places to soak it all in is Chestnut Ridge Park. The park attracts visitors from all over the area who come to enjoy attractions like Eternal Flame Falls and the famous sledding hill, but there's nothing more charming to experience than the park's historic toboggan chutes. Nothing says it's the holidays like flying down this hill in an old wooden toboggan! Keep an eye on the official Village Events and Celebrations Facebook page for all the most up-to-date details about this year's festivities.
5. Mumford
Only an hour east of Buffalo, the small town of Mumford is one that is more unique than people may think. One of the most underrated attractions in this area of our state, the Genesee Country Village transforms into a village that looks like something out of a Charles Dickens novel. The living history museum offers Yuletide in the Country Tours, where visitors can walk around what feels like a real-life Christmas storybook. It's simply magical! We're also big fans of the Hometown Holidays Weekend in both Mumford and Caledonia.
6. Medina
An hour northeast of us, the small town of Medina is one that's wonderful to visit during any time of the year. The town will give you all sorts of nostalgia, as everything in Medina still feels like the good old days. During Christmastime, the local railroad museum totally decks out their museum and train station with holiday decorations and offers Polar Express and Christmas train rides. If you're interested in finding an attraction that the whole family will love and you'll get some great holiday photos out of, try visiting the town of Medina this year. We promise you've never experienced anything like Christmas in Medina!
So there you have it: all sorts of fun things to do in Buffalo at Christmas (well, NEAR Buffalo - but still, you get us). Which town (or towns) do you like to visit around the Queen City during the holidays? Let us know in the comments!
For more seasonal fun, check out these winter attractions in Buffalo that don't involve long lines at the mall! Or, if you're curious about statewide holiday fun, check out some of the downright best Christmas towns in New York on this road trip while you're here!
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