Quaint New York Village Offers Charming Family Fun
Story and Photos By John Thomas
Village Celebrates Old Fashioned Christmas
The holiday season is supposed to be about celebrating the Christmas story. But these days the message of the holiday gets lost in the mix of crowded malls, ceaseless Christmas music, and traffic. Ellicottville, New York each year offers a quiet family-centered alternative to the holiday hustle-bustle. It takes place in a tiny village of about 400 residents that looks like something Norman Rockwell would conjure. The events begin quietly the day after Thanksgiving and continue all the way through Christmas.
Christmas in Ellicottville puts a great emphasis on family activities and children. Friday, November 25th at noon, it begins with the children’s Fire Truck Rides with Santa. Starting in front of the historic Town Hall, kids can board one of the village’s fire trucks with Santa and take a spin around the town. At the other end of the village, in front of the Daily Grind Coffee House, are Horse Drawn Wagon Rides for the whole family. As evening comes on, the Ellicottville Sound Chorus will be strolling through the Village singing carols and other holiday songs. Hot Cocoa will be served for the Community Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:00 pm in front of the 1887 Building.
This year the village will be decked out in new Holiday Lighting. The village shops compete in a window decorating contest, and proudly display their illuminated creations. This year the theme is Christmas Light, so the stores should be especially dazzling. Most stores will be staying open extended hours. Strolling along the twilight lit streets (hopefully with some gently falling snow) you’re sure to feel like a character out of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Saturday and Sunday the festivities continue, starting with a free pancake breakfast at the Villaggio restaurant. The Fire Truck and Horse Drawn Wagon Rides continue in the early afternoon. At the Wingate Hotel there are interactive children’s activities, decoration making, and a chance to visit with Santa. From 3:30 to5:30 pm on Saturday and 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Sunday enjoy visiting with a real live reindeer. Petting and photos in front of the 1887 Building are a popular holiday pastimes. 
Various events continue in Ellicottville through the month of December up to Christmas Day. December 3rd is the annual Christmas Stroll, featuring the Living Nativity. In the Village Gazebo adults and kids all dressed as shepherds, the Wise Men, Mary and Joseph, create a tableau depicting the birth of Jesus. Live animals, including a camel, complete the picture. For those who bemoan the commercialization of the holidays, Christmas in Ellicottville offers a gentler way to embrace the spirit of the season. For information on restaurants and accommodations, go to www.ellicottvillencomy.
