Friday: Check In and Drop the To-Do List 

First, check in, leave your bags, and lock your to-do list away for the next 48 hours.

Start at the Hilton Garden Inn Corning Downtown, which makes a great home base. It's convenient to everything from the Corning Museum of Glass to the restaurants, shops, and galleries of Corning's historic Gaffer District.

Or, if you'd rather be closer to Keuka Lake and love the idea of a brisk lakeside walk, try the Best Western Plus The Hammondsport Hotel. Just a quick drive from the village of Hammondsport, the hotel offers easy access to local shops, restaurants, and wineries with lake views.

If you're arriving early on Friday, consider an appointment at AgeLess SPA The Skin Bar on Market Street in Corning. Find luxury facials designed to rejuvenate, restore, and reveal your natural glow, along with Hydrafacials, nano infusions, chemical peels, massage therapy, brows and lashes, waxing, airbrush tanning, and other treatments to help you get your glow right before the holidays. The spa also carries a curated selection of professional, vetted skincare products. Tip: Appointments should be booked well in advance, and the spa is closed on weekends.

Once you've settled in, it’s time to eat. And please, set your diet goals aside for today and indulge!

In downtown Corning, you'll find no shortage of deliciousness. The Cellar, a longtime local favorite, is known for beautifully plated dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and an excellent selection of local wines. Or try Ellen & Michael's, a newer artisanal Italian restaurant offering homemade pastas, homemade gelato, and something magical involving champagne and sorbet. We'll let you discover that last one for yourself!

Looking for something more casual? Giuseppe's, Aniello's, and Rico's are all staples of Corning's pizza scene, serving pizza, subs, calzones, salads, and other Italian-American favorites. If burgers are more your style, check out the award-winning Ghost Burger at The Butcher's Son. And if you'd like a beer or two with your meal, Liquid Shoes Brewing offers some excellent local craft beer.

If you're staying in Hammondsport, The Park Inn is a delicious dinner option, featuring seasonal ingredients and Finger Lakes wines. You'll also find plenty to enjoy at Timber Stone Grill and The Village Tavern Restaurant & Inn. Checking hours and getting reservations are recommended at all locations!

Saturday Morning: Get Your Sparkle On

Start the day at the Corning Museum of Glass, where the holiday season sparkles a little brighter.

From November 5, 2026, through January 3, 2027, the Museum hosts its spectacular 14-foot Holiday Ornament Tree, glittering with more than 2,000 handmade glass ornaments. This celebration of artistry showcases the ingenuity, invention, creativity, and even a little of the quirk that have made Corning famous. It also makes a beautiful photo opportunity with your friends and family.

But you don't have to just admire the glass. You can make some of your own!

Book a Make Your Own Glass experience, and you and your friends can help create colorful glass ornaments to hang on your trees year after year. It's a lovely way to remember a weekend with people you might not get to see as often as you'd like.

Before leaving, browse The Shops for other beautiful glass ornaments, jewelry, home décor, and gifts from glass artists in New York State and around the world. This might be a chance to cross a few names off your holiday shopping list, or just buy yourself a little something nice. You deserve it.

Tip: Reserve your glassmaking experience in advance. Most projects require time to cool and will need to be shipped or collected the following day.

If you're staying in Hammondsport and would prefer to spend the morning closer to the lake, consider visiting the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. Explore the history of aviation and motorcycles, and discover the fascinating story of Hammondsport native Glenn Curtiss and his contributions to early flight. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during November.

Saturday Afternoon: Choose Your Own Pampering Adventure

After a morning of exploring, it's time to decide what a little pampering looks like for you and your crew.

If you're in Hammondsport, Keuka Peaceful Roots, located at 49 Shethar Street, offers private yoga and meditation classes for groups of friends and family members. Book a gentle Vinyasa or Flow Yoga class, enjoy a 90-minute restorative session with adjustments, or try mindfulness meditation. It's a great way to spend an afternoon bonding with your chosen companions while relaxing and recharging before the holiday rush.

If your idea of pampering involves a glass of wine and a little good conversation, head to Bully Hill Vineyards overlooking Keuka Lake. A tasting at Bully Hill is more than just sampling wines. Take your time, chat with the person pouring, learn a little about the wines, and discover a few new favorites. You can also browse the gift shop or enjoy a leisurely lunch at the winery's restaurant. Bully Hill often offers seasonal pairings around the holidays, including pie and wine or Christmas cookies and wine, so check the events calendar before visiting.

Or perhaps an afternoon of shopping sounds more appealing.

Corning's historic Market Street is full of independently owned shops worth exploring. Browse handcrafted glass at Vitrix Hot Glass Studio, Finger Lakes-inspired gifts at Eleven Lakes Market and Finger Lakes Unique, or beautiful yarns and fibers at Rabbit Row Yarns & Haberdashery.

Book lovers should make a stop at Card Carrying Books & Gifts, an independent bookstore offering a selection of unique and thought-provoking books, locally made gifts, jewelry, and other interesting finds. It's a great place to browse with your friends, discover a new author, or pick out something for your book club.

And if you're in the mood for caffeinated, homemade, or sweet, Market Street has plenty of options, including Soulful Cup, Babe's Bagels & Beans, Homestead Baking, Old World Café, and Dippity Do Dahs. If you're willing to venture a little farther into Corning, lunch at Ella's Acres is another great option for a sit-down meal that's worth the trip.

Saturday Evening: Dinner, Drinks, and Good Times

After a day of you-time, enjoy a relaxed evening of togetherness.

If you're in Corning, spend some time on Market Street for dinner and drinks. And if you're in the mood to get out some aggression (and have some laughs), try the Axe Lounge at Three Birds Restaurant.

It's a super fun, safe, and surprisingly restorative experience where you can enjoy a few drinks, some small bites, and learn to hit a target with a sharp object. Eat dinner downstairs at Three Birds, then head upstairs to try your hand at axe throwing.

Reservations are suggested, although walk-ins are welcome after 5 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Make sure to wear closed-toe shoes.

In Hammondsport, make a reservation at The Park Inn or choose another cozy restaurant in town. Then head back to the hotel for a night of conversation with your favorite people.

Sunday Morning: A Little Lakeside Leisuring

No matter where you're staying, Sunday is a great time to head toward Keuka Lake.

Start with breakfast in Hammondsport, where Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company offers breakfast and, of course, ice cream. Then spend some time strolling through the historic Village Square, browsing, and taking photos by the lake.

At The Cinnamon Stick, you'll find holiday decorations, gifts, and other treasures. The village's independent shops offer plenty of opportunities to find something special to take home. Always check off-season hours and schedules before making plans.

If you have a little more time before heading out, consider a stop at Weis Vineyards, New York State's Winery of the Year for 2026. Enjoy the views over Keuka Lake, browse the wine shop, or pick up a bottle to share over the holidays. Tastings are also available—for those who aren't immediately getting behind the wheel.

After a weekend of good food, wine, shopping, and time with your favorite people, you might even be ready to tackle your holiday to-do lists.

Maybe.