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 village has become a tradition for many locals and visitors alike.
The ski town’s downtown business district offers a unique shopping experience within a walkable four-block footprint, filled with festive attractions and plenty of holiday cheer. Park the car and stroll the sidewalks lined with an abundance of eclectic shops packed full of holiday gift choices and dining options to keep you fueled through the experience.
“Christmas in Ellicottville will kick off Friday, Nov. 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 chamber, Christmas in Ellicottville will run all weekend long, Nov. 25-27, and feature a plethora of holiday-themed activities for kids and the kid at heart. Thanks to event sponsors, attendees 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 for free.
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 Thanksgiving weekend? The chamber is planning to carry the Christmas in Ellicottville celebration all throughout 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,” Wallace said. “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.”
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.
Posters with a QR code to scan with a smartphone makes it easy for anyone to vote. The QR code will also be displayed on the Chamber’s website. The voting window will run from Nov. 25 through Dec. 6 with the winner announced at the chamber’s annual Christmas Party on Dec. 8.
For a complete schedule of activities, to learn more about sponsorship or to register for the window decorating contest, visit ellicottvilleny.com or call the chamber at (716) 699-5046.
