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5 Can't Miss Finger Lakes Holiday Festivals

Nov 21, 2022
Explore Finger Lakes
3 mins

Holidays in the Finger Lakes Region

Don't just visit the Finger Lakes this holiday season, have an immersive experience built to delight revelers of all ages. Brave the snowy weather and visit the historical towns that make the Finger Lakes a picture perfect destination for the holidays. Even if there is no snow, the holiday spirit can be felt in the many activities and events going on this time of year. So if you’re heading to the Finger Lakes during this festive season, here are some ways you can find yourself among the joy winter activities have to offer.

Dickens Christmas Caroling Skaneateles

Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles: Annual Celebration

Saturdays & Sundays - November 25 - December 24

The magic of the holiday season returns with the 29th edition of Dickens Christmas. Enchanting holiday shoppers as it brings “A Christmas Carol” to life, Skaneateles’ iconic street theater production opens Nov. 25 and runs weekends through Christmas. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with a limited show (noon to 2:30 p.m.) Christmas Eve.

Visit skaneateles.com for more information about this year's event. 

ROC Holiday Village

Roc Holiday Village 2022 - Rochester 

Wednesday - Sunday, December 2-23

Roc Holiday Village is a magical, winter festival located in Rochester, NY. The beloved fest features family-friendly events including a unique shopping village, free visits with Santa, free ice skating, Santa’s Workshop, outdoor seating & firepits, indoor bar & restaurant, cozy winter igloos, holiday celebrations, live music, food trucks and more!

Visit rocholidayvillage.com for more information about this year’s event.

It's A Wonderful Life Museum Seneca Falls

It's a Wonderful Life Festival - Seneca Falls

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, December 9. 10 & 11

A three-day slate of events kicks off to celebrate the movie synonymous with the Holiday Spirit December 9, 10 and 11. Centered around the It's a Wonderful Life Museum in Seneca Falls "The Real Bedford Falls", the festival includes a 5k, live participation movie, pasta and BBQ dinners, holiday lights contests and a whimsical train ride. 

Visit therealbedfordfalls.com for more information about this year's event.

Santa at Gaffer District Sparkle in Corning

Sparkle/Parade of Lights - Corning's Gaffer District

Saturdays, November 26 & December 3

Part of the Annual Crystal City Christmas Celebration, the Parade of Lights kicks off the holiday season following a day of shopping at Gaffer District businesses for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26. Sparkle, a downtown festival featuring a tree lighting in Centerway Square, visits with Santa in the Crystal House, and many craft and artisan vendors on Market Street rounds out events on December 3.

Visit gafferdistrict.com for more information about this year's event.

Ice & Lights Festival in Ithaca

Ice & Lights - Downtown Ithaca

Fridays & Saturdays, December 2-3 / 9-10

Two weekends of ice, lights, family fun and holiday celebrations!  Come shop, dine, and engage with festive holiday lights and ice sculptures and take part in the many festivities!  

Visit downtownithaca.com for more information about this year's event.

*** Stay tuned for coming blog posts about parades, tree lighting ceremonies, holiday markets and more.