As awesome as New York City is in the holiday season, there are times where we just want to escape, go on vacation, and enjoy what the rest of the world has to offer us. Did you know though that one of the best places to visit happens to be a quick 45 minute plane ride away? I am of course, talking about The Finger Lakes region in upstate New York, which is the perfect place to take your friends and family to for some wintertime fun.
The Finger Lakes region, best known for its 120+ wineries, quaint bed and breakfasts and farm-to-table dining is getting into the holiday spirit with a plethora of over-the-top holiday celebrations. The Finger Lakes region offers a myriad of entertaining (and sometimes bizarre!) winter festivals that make for and entertaining weekend holiday getaway. See the below events, some happening this weekend, to see if anything strikes your fancy. All of the information is listed on the sites provided. Happy Travels everyone!
December 10th-12th (This weekend)
Starting December 10th, visitors are invited to experience the recently revitalized Ithaca commons for three days of ice sculptures, fire dancers, an ice carving competition, and the 6th Annual Downtown Ithaca Chowder Cook-Off.
November 27th– December 24th (Saturdays and Sundays)
An annual celebration, Skaneateles will transport visitors back to 1842 to the world of Charles Dickens. Travelers are immersed into the world of “A Christmas Carol” as a 70-person cast strolls the town performing interactive street theater. Attracting more than 20,000 visitors each year, Dickens Christmas offers free horse-drawn wagon rides, Dickens-themed gifts, period costumes that can be borrowed at no cost, The World’s Smallest Christmas Parade, Christmas carol sing-alongs, and free roasted chestnuts, eggnog, warm figgy pudding, hot cocoa, cider and holiday cookies.
November 11th – January 3rd
The 26th annual illuminated light show features two miles of lights and themes music along Onondoga Lake. Located outside of Syracuse, N.Y. visitors are treated to such scenes as the twinkling fantasy forest, flying monkeys, tropical reef, Snowman on Skis and much more.
There are also a ton of events happening in the New Year, starting in February! Everything from wine, cheese, chili, curling and more for your delight! Check out what they have to offer.
Syracuse Winterfest (February 11-21,2016)
The Celebration of Snow:Highlights include a human dog sled racing (!!!) chilli and chowder cook-offs, martini and margarita mix-off, chicken wing walk, and more!
8th Annual New York Ice Wine Festival (February 13, 2016)
Experience New York State’s award-winning ice wines with ice Wine tastings, pairings and culinary demonstrations using NYS ingredients.
Wine & Cheese Lovers Getaway (February 13-14, 2016)
The perfect Valentine’s getaway – enjoy a wide range of savory tastings and spectacular local cheese, paired with great wines of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail.
Native American Winter Games (February 20, 2016)
Located on the historic Ganondagan site of the Seneca people, guests participate in the Native American ways of celebrating winter including a snowshoe walk, snowsnake throw, Seneca dog sledding, traditional storytelling and more.
Moonlight Curling on the Erie Canal (February 20, 2016)
Travelers can give this Olympic sport a try with on-ice instruction and demonstrations, music, food, and more.