Create your ultimate holiday schedule with our guide for Amherst. Discover all the best festive events and activities. Whether you're rediscovering your city or visiting for the first time, this guide reveals the best of Amherst's holidays.
Popular events this season include the enchanting Polar Express at the Medina Railroad Museum, where families can enjoy a magical train ride inspired by the beloved holiday story. Another highlight is the spirited performance by Pentatonix at KeyBank Center, known for their unique a cappella interpretations of Christmas classics. And definitely don't forget the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Key Bank Center, where the fusion of rock music and holiday cheer creates an unforgettable experience. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Amherst
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Key Bank Center (Buffalo)
- Pentatonix at KeyBank Center (Buffalo)
- The Nutcracker at Shea's (Buffalo)
- Polar Express at Medina Railroad Museum (Medina)
- Macauley Culkin's A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin (Buffalo)
- Fairgrounds Festival of Lights (Hamburg)
- Visit With Santa at Explore & More (Buffalo)
- Gardens After Dark: Magical Poinsettias and Train Display (Buffalo)
- Santa's Wonderland Express (Medina)
- Visit Santa at Walden Galleria (Cheektowaga)
See these and even more events listed below!
Amherst Holiday Light Displays
Fairgrounds Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Synchronized light display with festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights in Hamburg, NY, features a large-scale holiday light display with over 200 synchronized lights. Visitors can drive through the illuminated route, listen to holiday music, and enjoy snacks from food trucks. The event supports local community initiatives.
Where: Hamburg | More Info: Fairgrounds Festival of Lights
Light Up Lockport
What to Expect:
Lighted Christmas parade with holiday activities.
Description:
Light Up Lockport is a holiday event featuring a lighted Christmas parade, crafts, food, shopping, Christmas movies, games, and ice skating along Main Street.
Where: Lockport | More Info: Light Up Lockport
Gardens After Dark: Magical Poinsettias and Train Display
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights illuminate poinsettia collections in a tropical conservatory.
Description:
Step into the Buffalo Botanical Gardens' tropical conservatory to explore a vibrant collection of poinsettias in various sizes and colors. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the greenhouses, revealing textures, shapes, and shadows in a new light. This Western New York holiday tradition offers a charming and calming evening escape from the cold winter nights.
Where: Buffalo | More Info: Gardens After Dark: Magical Poinsettias and Train Display
Poinsettia Exhibit at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
What to Expect:
Vibrant poinsettias illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights.
Description:
The Poinsettia Exhibit at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens features a stunning collection of poinsettias in various sizes and colors, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the conservatory, making it a unique holiday experience.
Where: Buffalo | More Info: Poinsettia Exhibit at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Amherst Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holidays at the Broadway Market
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local products and holiday entertainment.
Description:
The Broadway Market transforms into a vibrant holiday hub, offering a diverse array of local goods, seasonal treats, and festive entertainment.
Where: Buffalo | More Info: Holidays at the Broadway Market
Amherst Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Polar Express at Medina Railroad Museum
What to Expect:
Interactive train ride with Santa and holiday entertainment.
Description:
The Polar Express at Medina Railroad Museum is a one-hour train ride where passengers enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, listen to the Polar Express story, and meet Santa, who gives each child a sleigh bell.
Where: Medina | More Info: Polar Express at Medina Railroad Museum
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Key Bank Center
What to Expect:
Dazzling spectacle with pyrotechnics and lasers.
Description:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings their all-new, dazzling spectacle to KeyBank Center, featuring pyrotechnics, lasers, and incredible storytelling. The show marks the grand return of "The Lost Christmas Eve" to the stage, celebrating 20 years of their beloved rock opera and surpassing $20 million in donations to charity.
Where: Buffalo | More Info: Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Key Bank Center
Pentatonix at KeyBank Center
What to Expect:
Acclaimed a cappella quintet performing holiday favorites.
Description:
Pentatonix brings their highly anticipated 2024 Hallelujah It's A Christmas Tour to KeyBank Center, featuring a cappella renditions of yuletide classics and new holiday tracks.
Where: Buffalo | More Info: Pentatonix at KeyBank Center
The Nutcracker at Shea's
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Neglia Ballet's The Nutcracker at Shea's Buffalo Theatre features a classic ballet with elaborate sets and costumes, showcasing Marie's journey through a battle scene, a winter wonderland, and the Land of Sweets.
Where: Buffalo | More Info: The Nutcracker at Shea's
Castle By Candelight at Old Fort Niagara
What to Expect:
Historic castle illuminated by candlelight with historical characters.
Description:
Old Fort Niagara transforms its 1726 French Castle into a beautifully illuminated setting, adorned with candles and historical characters, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
Where: Youngstown | More Info: Castle By Candelight at Old Fort Niagara
Straight No Chaser's Holiday tour
What to Expect:
Soaring vocals and pitch-perfect harmonies by a 10-man acapella group.
Description:
Straight No Chaser's Holiday tour features a 10-piece a cappella group delivering holiday cheer with their signature harmonies and renditions of pop classics and festive favorites.
Where: Buffalo | More Info: Straight No Chaser's Holiday tour
Macauley Culkin's A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin
What to Expect:
Exclusive Q&A with Macaulay Culkin after a screening of Home Alone.
Description:
Join Macaulay Culkin for a special screening of Home Alone, followed by an exclusive moderated interview and audience Q&A. Relive iconic scenes and hear behind-the-scenes stories from the beloved holiday classic.
Where: Buffalo | More Info: Macauley Culkin's A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin
Handel's Messiah at OLV Basilica
What to Expect:
Classical music performance of Handel's Messiah by the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus.
Description:
The Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus presents Handel's Messiah at Our Lady of Victory Basilica, featuring the chorus and members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in a timeless holiday tradition.
Where: Buffalo | More Info: Handel's Messiah at OLV Basilica
John Morris Russell's Holiday Pops With the BPO
What to Expect:
Holiday concert with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus.
Description:
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra presents John Morris Russell's Holiday Pops, featuring the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus in a concert filled with holiday favorites, from serene beauty to jubilant melodies, creating a communal joy and celebration.
Where: Buffalo | More Info: John Morris Russell's Holiday Pops With the BPO
Lindsey Stirling's Snow Waltz Tour at Shea's
What to Expect:
Innovative fusion of classical and electronic music.
Description:
Lindsey Stirling returns with her Snow Waltz Tour, blending classical violin with modern electronic beats in a unique holiday performance featuring renditions of her 2022 record.
Where: Buffalo | More Info: Lindsey Stirling's Snow Waltz Tour at Shea's
NYE Buffalo Ball Drop
What to Expect:
Live music and fireworks celebration in downtown Buffalo.
Description:
The 36th Annual New Year's Eve Ball Drop in Buffalo features live music, a fireworks show, and a traditional ball drop at midnight, benefiting the Police Athletic League of Buffalo.
Where: Buffalo | More Info: NYE Buffalo Ball Drop
Amherst Other Holiday Activities
Visit With Santa at Explore & More
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa meet-and-greet in a child-friendly museum setting.
Description:
Visit With Santa at Explore & More offers a delightful experience where children can meet Santa Claus amidst engaging exhibits and activities designed for young minds.
Where: Buffalo | More Info: Visit With Santa at Explore & More
Visit Santa at Walden Galleria
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experience with Santa and pets.
Description:
Visit Santa at Walden Galleria, where children, families, and pets can meet Santa Claus in a festive setting with evergreen trees, a cozy fireplace, and presents. Reservations are encouraged, and photo packages are available starting at $39.99.
Where: Cheektowaga | More Info: Visit Santa at Walden Galleria
Santa's Wonderland Express
What to Expect:
Heated, vintage train with festive activities and Santa visits.
Description:
Embark on a round-trip train journey to the North Pole with Santa's Wonderland Express. Enjoy activities like face painting, family photos, and visiting the Elf House. Children receive a wish list from Santa's elf and a gift upon return. Souvenirs and food concessions are available at the Elf House and Pavilion.
Where: Medina | More Info: Santa's Wonderland Express
Candlelight Behind-the-Scenes Tours at the Martin House
What to Expect:
Unique evening tour with dimmed lights and candles.
Description:
Explore the Martin House with the lights dimmed and candles lit during this 90-minute, docent-led tour, visiting spaces not available on other tour offerings.
Where: Buffalo | More Info: Candlelight Behind-the-Scenes Tours at the Martin House
Jingle Falls USA
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa appearances and fireworks.
Description:
Jingle Falls USA in downtown Niagara Falls, NY, features holiday activities, live music, Santa appearances, fireworks, and festive photo opportunities.
Where: Niagara Falls | More Info: Jingle Falls USA
New Year's Eve At Holiday Valley
What to Expect:
New Year's Eve celebration with live music and fireworks.
Description:
Celebrate the start of a new year at Holiday Valley with live music, fireworks, and a lively atmosphere amidst the resort's scenic backdrop.
Where: Ellicottville | More Info: New Year's Eve At Holiday Valley
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- North Tonawanda (5 miles)
- East Amherst (6 miles)
- Buffalo (7 miles)
- Fort Erie (9 miles)
- West Seneca (9 miles)
- Grand Island (9 miles)
- Lockport (14 miles)
- Niagara Falls (15 miles)
- Niagara Falls (16 miles)
- Welland (23 miles)
- St. Catharines (26 miles)
- Grimsby (42 miles)