Christmas in Ellicottville
Christmas in Ellicottville
Village merchants prepare for another fun, festive holiday season
ELLICOTTVILLE - Who needs all the hustle and bustle and stress of spending Black Friday at the Mall when the whole family can enjoy the kickoff to the holiday season in Ellicottville?
Thanksgiving weekend in the 14731 has become a tradition for many locals and visitors alike; book your accommodations, pack your bags, and come celebrate in true Ellicottville style! The ski town’s downtown business district offers a unique shopping experience within a walkable 4-block footprint, filled with festive attractions and plenty of holiday cheer. Park the car and saunter the sidewalks lined with an abundance of eclectic shops packed full of unique holiday gift choices and dining options to keep you fueled through the experience.
“Christmas in Ellicottville will kick off Friday, November 25 with a special lighting ceremony of Ellicottville’s Village lights and the iconic Ski Tree located in front of the Post Office,” said Jessica Wallace, business development manager at the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. “We encourage everyone to come out and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Ellicottville’s Ski Tree. The moment those lights turn on is magical. Kids love it!”
Produced by the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, Christmas in Ellicottville will run all weekend long, Nov. 25-27 and will feature a number of holiday-themed activities for kids and the kid at heart. Thanks to event sponsors, weekenders can anticipate holiday music throughout the village streets, real live reindeer, visits with Santa (including fire truck rides with the big guy!), horse and wagon rides, as well as kid’s crafts, cookie decorating, and more - ALL FREE! Oh! and don’t forget Breakfast with Santa on Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Bring a non-perishable product to donate to the Ellicottville Food Pantry.)
Can’t make it to Ellicottville Thanksgiving weekend? The Chamber is planning to carry the “Christmas in Ellicottville” celebration all through the month of December. There’s always something going on in Ellicottville, especially this time of year with the holidays right around the corner.
“We had so many members wanting to be a part of this event and are so excited to continue this festive celebration,” said Wallace. “We will be seeking out additional holiday activities each week, keeping our calendar up to date with all the festivities. We’ll keep you in the loop as many of our shops are planning to offer specials. You can definitely count on crossing off a good chunk of your holiday shopping list with all of the one-of-a-kind gifts you’ll find right here in Ellicottville, NY.”
NEW this year, the Chamber is sponsoring a window decorating contest, open to all downtown businesses. Merchants are encouraged to get creative with their storefronts - reason enough for visitors to make the trip to Ellicottville… what a sight it will be! Voting will take place by the public and will be fun and convenient! Watch for posters with a QR code which anyone with a smart phone can scan and easily cast their vote. The QR code will also be displayed on the Chamber’s website. The voting window will open Nov. 25 and votes will be accepted until Dec. 6, with the winner announced at the Chamber’s annual Christmas Party, Dec. 8.
As Ellicottville begins to see snowfall, and with the anticipation of the ski slopes opening soon, the excitement meter is running high - surely enough to get Santa’s sleigh off the ground and on its way to this picture-perfect town. Get into the holiday spirit and plan to spend a day - or a weekend - in Ellicottville with your family. For a complete schedule of activities, to learn more about sponsorship, or to register for the window decorating contest, check out www.ellicottvilleny.com or phone the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce toll-free at 1-800-349-9099.
Photos / Ashley Baron