Holiday Time in the 14731
Photos / Nadine Saviano & Various Sources
There’s no better place to be over the holidays than the 14731! Ellicottville has so much to offer - from its world-class skiing and boarding at Holiday Valley and HoliMont to its charming, historic downtown, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season in EVL.
Once you’ve hit the slopes for the day, the festive experience continues, as the holiday season is a perfect time to enjoy everything the village of Ellicottville and its encompassing town have to offer. From our two internationally renowned resorts, to our fantastic boutique shopping, to our culinary delicacies at local eateries, to our fantastic breweries and watering holes, Ellicottville is aglow all year round, but especially so during the holidays
“All of our great eclectic shops are open for the holiday season, and they have a lot of wonderful items for gifting throughout the year and for Christmas,” said Barb Pump, Executive Assistant of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber handles many of the events in the village, including the annual Winter Blues Weekend (January), Winter Music Jam (February), Mardi Gras & Winter Carnival (March), Summer Music Festival (July), Taste of Ellicottville (August), and Fall Festival (October), to name a few.
“All of our restaurants have amazing menus for the holidays, and they look forward to celebrating while everybody’s out and about - shopping local, shopping small,” she continued.
Ellicottville is known for its stellar niche shopping. You’ll find everything under the sun at our many local boutiques, like state-of-the-art ski and snowboard gear, holistic healing and wellness products, designer goods, antique finds, handcrafted jewelry, and more. Take the snowboarder in your life to The Boardroom Snowboard Shop, celebrating its 40th year as a second-generation, locally owned business, and step into a piece of history at one of the east coast’s premier shops. Owner Spencer Timkey and his wife may even greet you upon arrival, and Timkey and his shop crew will hook you up with a custom set-up on the spot.
If snowsports aren’t your thing, perhaps some indoor pampering and indulgence might be just what the doctor ordered. Ellicottville Oasis Day Spa at Holiday Valley offers an array of self-care options, like reflexology, esthetic treatments, and massage therapy. Be sure to also stop by Nature’s Remedy downtown and load up on any wellness needs from their array of natural herbs, vitamins, supplements, and fine aromatherapy products.
For gift ideas, the Wild Roamer on Monroe Street offers locally inspired gift options and vintage décor. Screen printing is done on-site in the attached studio space, so you know you’re in good hands with the merch and simultaneously supporting a local artist in her craft.
While the ladies shop the eclectic jewelry and clothing finds at Gado-Gado, the men might prefer to escape to Cygaro Cigar Club & Lounge for a little R&R.
Perhaps a lunch break is in order, and with so many great eateries to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one! For a quick bite, Katy’s Café on Washington Street makes for a great casual option for a sandwich, soup, or a delicious muffin. For another wonderful sit-down experience, Dina’s Restaurant further up the block is the place to “see and be seen” for a vibey, fine-dining experience. Take note of their daily specials for a culinary journey you’ll savor for years to come. Just around the corner, Monroe St. Brick & Brew serves up wood-fired brick oven pizzas along with a pint of your favorite craft beer. And for those seeking comfort Italian food alla Nonna, be sure to stop by Villaggio’s for a family feast that can’t be beat!
Last but not least, if you need to burn off a little steam after a long day of shopping or eating your way through town, head on over to Daily City Train (DCT), Ellicottville’s only indoor skatepark and skate shop located a stone’s throw from the town’s outdoor skatepark. Inside you’ll find ramps, rails, kickers, and a pyramid to skate, scooter or BMX bike. If you’re missing a piece of protective gear or are in need of a tune-up, look no further than this custom skate shop for all your gear needs and essentials.
There’s still time to enjoy the holiday season in Ellicottville, so if you’re reading this, you are one step ahead. To find out the latest scoop on the goings on for the holidays, Barb Pump suggests frequenting the Chamber’s website at www.ellicottvilleny.com and following along on social media.
“[People] can check out our social media to see all the different local shops and what they have going on,” she said. “We share a lot of what our businesses offer for the holidays on social media because each business has something going on separately.”
On Saturday, December 21st, the Chamber is hosting free carriage rides from noon-3:00pm. Call the Chamber at 800-349-9099 for additional information. Last but not least, be sure to save the date for next year’s annual Christmas in Ellicottville celebration November 28th-30, 2025, and the annual Christmas Stroll in mid-December.