Experience the Holidays in the Enchanted Mountains
Experience the Holidays in the Enchanted Mountains
The holiday season in the Enchanted Mountains is truly magical with so many wonderful holiday events and activities for visitors to experience just outside of Ellicottville.
Located approximately 30 minutes from Ellicottville is the City of Olean. They have several traditions and activities visitors are invited to participate in. On November 29th at 6:30pm, watch Olean’s Santa Claus Lane Parade followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus lighting the town’s decorations! The Fannie E. Bartlett house will also have their “Victorian Christmas” event from 6:00-9:00pm in conjunction with the parade. The 4th Annual Jingle Bell Jubilee offers an abundance of holiday activities and events on December 13th, including sleigh rides!
Discover the beauty of the southern tier's Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean, NY. Enjoy a free tour on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Fridays of the month. The 33 Munich-style windows are some of the finest domestically-produced windows in the nation. Pope Frances designated the church as a Minor Basilica on February 14, 2017 for its exquisite art, architecture and history. Group tours are also available by calling 716- 372-4841.
Once the ground is covered in its white winter blanket, travel just 15 minutes further for snowshoeing at Pfeiffer Nature Center in Portville. Consisting of two properties - each with a unique set of traits - both of them offer hills, flatlands, wetlands and meadows and forests. Perfect for watching the snow fall quietly as you experience the calmness and beauty of a Western New York winter. The Lillibridge Property has 6 miles of trails, is home to the old growth forest, and boasts a historic cabin that hosts special events throughout the year. The Eshelman property will be closed to hikers until January 1st as it is used for hunting. If you do trek out to Portville, be sure to go hungry and make a stop at Sprague's Maple Farms (just minutes away) to warm up with some delicious menu items, most containing fresh, local maple syrup.
The City of Salamanca is less than 20 minutes from Ellicottville and will be hosting their Silver Bells Santa Parade on Saturday, December 7th at 6:00pm. There will be lights, cocoa, cookies and of course, Santa, to celebrate the holiday. The theme of the parade is a reminder of Ray Evans, lyricist of “Silver Bells,” who was born in Salamanca!
Just outside of Salamanca is Allegany State Park, home to our most famous area of trails - the Art Roscoe Trails - dedicated to the forefather of Western New York skiing, Arthur Roscoe, who mapped out many of the logging trails now used in this area. Offering 20 miles of groomed trails, these trails range from beginner to advanced, with varying mileage in the different loops. Winterized cabins are located within a short walking distance from the trail system as well. Plan a winter getaway for the family to get in some great cross-country skiing. Snowshoeing is not allowed on the groomed trails but there are plenty of other trails for you nearby to snowshoe.
You will find Randolph, NY, known as the heart of Amish country, just under 30 minutes away from Ellicottville. Randolph’s Country Christmas event is on Saturday, December 7th with a full day of traditions scheduled. The Randolph Holiday Arts & Crafts Show will be held from 10:00am-3:00pm at Randolph Central School where you can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts for all the people on your list. Be sure to save time to catch the “Christmas Magic Show” at the Randolph Library at 10:00am. In the evening there will be the “Light up the Night” Christmas parade at 7:30pm, immediately followed by the Memory Tree Lighting.
Even if you are not available for Randolph’s holiday events, you are still invited to experience a simpler way of life along New York's Amish Trail. You will come upon Amish buggies that go a comfortable speed of 10mph… Don't be in a hurry, slow down and appreciate the scenery. If there’s a layer of snow on the ground, make sure you stay on the main roads, as the side roads may not be plowed. As you make stops at the different Amish owned shops, you will be able to fill up on the delicious baked goods, buy a handmade quilt or wooden toys, and stock up on wonderful gifts. Not sure where to go? Visit AmishTrail.com to request the newly updated, brochure and map which can be mailed directly to you for FREE.
Stroll downtown Gowanda, approximately 35 minutes from Ellicottville, where you can shop local and celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas at the Annual Christmas in Gowanda event scheduled for Saturday, December 7th. There will be fun family activities and even a fireworks show after the parade! Be sure to purchase tickets and hop aboard the Santa Express Train Ride, departing from Gowanda train station the first two weekends of December.
There are also many places in and around Ellicottville to go “Fat Biking.” The tires are a minimum of 3.8 inches, allowing you to go where a normal bike won’t take you. Enjoy the trails through McCarty Hill State Forest, Little Rock City, HoliMont, and Golden Hill State Park.
For more details on any of these events or activities, please visit EnchantedMountains.com.