Finger Lakes Effect

Finger Lakes events, holidays rolling in, & more snow

Author

Adam Moody
December 03, 2025

It feels like I blinked and suddenly it’s a snow-covered, post-Thanksgiving stretch.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are done (or should be), Christmas is racing toward us, and the Finger Lakes is diving straight into full on holiday mode.

Good thing you voted the way you did last week, because with this many events on deck, an organized way to sort them might save us all a little sanity.

Until that arrives, and don’t forget the monthly newsletter making it’s appearance starting in January, here are plenty of ways to get out, explore, and enjoy the season.

Let’s jump into it!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE?

There’s a ton of talented local creators, artists, and shops in the Finger Lakes.

Would you like to see a Finger Lakes Effect Local Gift Guide - complete with suggestions from readers like you?

If it’s a big YES, then I’ll gather entries over the next 1-2 weeks, and put out the finished guide to subscribers in time to grab some local goodies before Santa appears 😃 

Do you want a Finger Lakes Effect Gift Guide?

Only local creators, artists, and shops - and you get to help choose who gets in!

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

NEXT BIG THING - THE VOTES ARE IN 🗳️

Last week I asked everyone what they’d be most interested in having created next… and the answer was clear!

Based on your input, I’ll be working on a Finger Lakes event calendar that will let you sort by town, lake, and more — and I’ll be asking for additional feedback as it moves forward in 2026.

The Bulletin

Want to spread the word about your business, project, volunteer opportunity, or give a shout-out to 8,200+ friends in the Finger Lakes? Get in touch.

Single Island Shores - Looking for an escape? Settle into luxury lakeside cottages on Seneca Lake, where rustic charm, sunset views, and unbeatable access to top wineries make for nice getaway.

Conlon & Company - Trusted since 1984, Conlon & Company provides personalized, full-service accounting and financial guidance to help individuals and businesses plan confidently for the future. (Sad to say, but tax season begins before too long!)

📅 EVENTS

Top Weekend Picks

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Recurring Events

Got an event we should feature in the Finger Lakes Effect? Click the button below and add your event details!

Forks On The Road: Eats & Drinks

When we asked readers to share their favorite pastries in the Finger Lakes, you delivered. Some were familiar (State BBQ, Flake, etc.), and others were new to us—so of course, we had to do some “research.” We even tried a “bang-bang” pastry tour (two bakeries in one day), but our plan fizzled when Vern’s had already closed for the day.

But fate, it seems, wanted me to visit anyway. When Adam planned his 100-mile trail run route, it happened to pass temptingly close to Vern’s—while it was open. How could I resist? So, while he ran, I detoured to Hammondsport for an early-morning pastry mission (and a surprise aid station upgrade).

Adam’s note: It’s hard to see in the picture but this croissant is BIG! And very tasty 😀 

The smell of butter and sugar hits you the moment you step inside. Vern himself moves between trays of golden pastries, friendly and chatty—and, to my surprise, he’d heard of Finger Lakes Effect! We talked about the bakery, the region, and all things delicious while I picked out my haul: a Bacon, Egg & Cheddar croissant, a Spinach & Feta croissant (always a personal favorite), and a Chocolate croissant recommended by one of our readers. All three were devoured, but the Bacon, Egg & Cheddar one earned extra points when I met Adam mid-run with it.

To power through the next 28 hours of crewing, I stopped at Service Station FLX, a charming new coffee shop in Hammondsport. Excellent coffee (says this coffee snob), kind baristas, and a bright, stylish space. I’ll definitely be back—with Adam in tow next time.

-Jeney, The Forkin’ Local

See You Out There

Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect!

Adam Moody

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