Winter’s definitely making itself known with colder weather, a bit of snow here and there (or more), and a calendar packed with holiday markets.

It feels “holiday busy” in the best way.

I’ve got some news about the gift guide below. I appreciate everyone responding, now I need your input so I can get to work and get it wrapped up before next week’s newsletter!

YOUR INPUT NEEDED - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 🎁

The Bulletin

Want to spread the word about your business, project, volunteer opportunity, or give a shout-out to 8,400+ friends in the Finger Lakes? Get in touch.

Disbatch Brewing - Pairing great beer with a deep commitment to service and those who serve, offering a laid-back spot north of Canandaigua to relax, swap stories, and enjoy a pint crafted with community.

Jason Tennant Sculptures - Blending wild-foraged materials with a master sculptor’s eye, Jason transforms wood into expressive works inspired by the landscapes and experiences that shaped him.

📅 EVENTS

Top Weekend Picks

1. Shop, Sip & Stroll @ Downtown Skaneateles

2. It's a Wonderful Life Festival @ Downtown Seneca Falls

3. Holiday Artist Showcase @ Downtown Canandaigua

Wednesday

• CAP-a-Palooza Vintage Art Sale Extraordinaire! @ CAP ArtSpace (Ithaca) – A treasure-hunt art sale with 700+ vintage pieces, festive browsing, and price drops all week long.

• Out to Lunch: Holiday Parade @ Chemung Valley Museum (Elmira) – A nostalgic lunchtime talk revisiting Elmira’s Holiday Parades with stories, memories, and festive community warmth.

• Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol — A Solo Performance by Neil McGarry @ Auburn Public Theater (Auburn) – A captivating one-man Christmas Carol, blending artistry and heart in an acclaimed, immersive holiday performance.

• Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – A high-energy tribute battle as Beatles and Stones classics face off in a rock ’n’ roll showdown at the Smith.

Thursday

• Shop, Sip & Stroll @ Downtown Skaneateles (Skaneateles) – Holiday stroll with drinks, treats, and festive shop specials as Skaneateles glows with seasonal charm.

• Richie Stearns & Friends @ South Hill Cider (Ithaca) – Old-time banjo meets eclectic global sound in a warm, ciderhouse concert with Richie Stearns.

• Paint & Sip @ Roast & Toast (Auburn) – A festive paint-and-sip night creating custom champagne flutes in a warm Auburn café setting.

• Chase Rice @ LECOM Event Center (Elmira) – A high-energy country night as Chase Rice brings his chart-topping sound to the Elmira stage.

• Mary Fahl & Band – Winter Songs @ Fort Hill Performing Arts Center (Canandaigua) – A hauntingly beautiful winter concert featuring Mary Fahl’s powerful contralto and cinematic seasonal songs.

• The Polar Express Screening @ Southeast Steuben County Library (Corning) – A cozy family movie night with pizza, popcorn, and a festive screening of The Polar Express.

Friday

• Cookies & Cocktails @ Fulkerson Winery & Farm (Dundee) – A festive, fireside evening with cookies, seasonal cocktails, and cozy holiday vibes at the winery.

• LGBTQ+ Film Night @ Saint Mark’s (Penn Yan) – A welcoming queer-centered film night sharing stories of identity, humor, and belonging in community.

• Los Blancos @ ONCO Fermentations (Tully) – Soulful blues and roots grooves light up the taproom for a lively night of music and craft brews.

• Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – A timeless holiday classic filled with Victorian charm and heartwarming seasonal spirit.

• Broadway in Binghamton – Mark Twain Tonight! @ Broome Arena Forum (Binghamton) – Richard Thomas channels Twain’s sharp wit and timeless humor in a brilliant, celebrated one-man show.

• Slick Rick @ The Westcott Theater (Syracuse) – Hip-hop legend Slick Rick brings his iconic storytelling and unmatched influence to a high-energy live show.

• Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings @ Palladian Hall at the Treasury (Syracuse) – A magical candlelit evening of Christmas classics performed on strings in a warm, glowing holiday setting.

• It's a Wonderful Life Festival @ Downtown Seneca Falls (Seneca Falls) – A three-day celebration with cast guests, screenings, food, and festive holiday magic.

• Winterfare @ Wisner Park: Night One (Elmira) – A festive Elmira winter market with vendors, music, and cozy snow-globe lounges.

Saturday

• Cayuga Shoreline Holiday Market (Interloken) - Wreath making, craft fair, and an evening party with complimentary appetizers and more.

• Michael Kosta – Lucky Loser Tour @ Hangar Theatre (Ithaca) – A sharp, witty night of stand-up with Daily Show comedian Michael Kosta live at the Hangar Theatre.

• The Holly, the Ivy, and the Rose @ NYS Baroque (Ithaca) – A warm, historic holiday concert of medieval and Renaissance carols performed by NYS Baroque.

• 4th Annual “A Very Merry FLXMAS” Holiday Market @ Three Brothers Wineries & Estates (Geneva) – A festive winter market with 70+ artisans, drinks, food, igloos, and Victorian carolers at Three Brothers.

• Holiday Craft Corner @ Roberson Museum (Binghamton) – Festive hands-on holiday crafts led by Roberson educators, included with museum admission.

• Forest Therapy Walk @ Baltimore Woods Nature Center (Marcellus) – A serene, guided forest-bathing walk to reconnect with nature through mindful, sensory immersion.

• Holiday Village & Market @ Prison City Pub & Brewery (Auburn) – A festive outdoor market with local vendors, warm drinks, and holiday cheer at Prison City Brewery.

• The Magic of Holiday Traditions Together @ Clemens Center (Elmira) – A festive Elmira concert blending orchestral classics, carols, choir performances, and joyful holiday spirit.

• Tacky, Tinsel, and Tini’s @ Idol Ridge Winery (Lodi) – A playful holiday night with festive martinis, tacky flair, and cozy Seneca Lake winery vibes.

• Ende Brothers LIVE @ Laurentide Beer Company (Penn Yan) – Acoustic harmonies and feel-good covers from the Ende Brothers at Laurentide Beer Company.

• Sober Saturdays Dance Party @ 201 East Washington Street (Syracuse) – An energizing alcohol-free dance party focused on music, movement, wellness, and community vibes.

• Next Stop Comedy @ The Oasis (Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards) (Hector) – Stand-up comedy meets winery vibes for a fun, laid-back night at Hazlitt’s Oasis on Seneca Lake.

• The Pickle Mafia @ Bristol Valley Theater (Naples) – A high-energy holiday show as The Pickle Mafia puts a bold spin on A Charlie Brown Christmas.

• Holiday Artist Showcase @ Downtown Canandaigua (Canandaigua) – A festive downtown weekend of local art, handmade gifts, holiday décor, Santa visits, and small-town charm.

• Geneva Jingle Markets @ Finger Lakes Welcome Center (Geneva) – A lakeside holiday market with 30 local vendors, tastings, and festive Finger Lakes gifts.

• Taste of Montour Holiday Market @ Taste of Montour / FLX Studio & Maker’s Market (Montour Falls) – Festive holiday market with artisan gifts, handmade goods, and a fun Bewitched Elves performance.

Sunday

• Holiday Food and Wine Pairing @ Buttonwood Grove Winery (Romulus) – A festive Cayuga Lake tasting with seasonal small plates and curated wine pairings in a cozy vineyard setting.

• Holiday Traditions @ Schweinfurth Art Center (Auburn) – A festive afternoon of free art exhibits, ornament painting, and a special artist trunk show in Auburn.

• Sounds of the Season @ Auburn High School (Auburn) – A festive holiday orchestra concert featuring seasonal classics, guest vocals, and family-friendly cheer.

• Holiday Classics for All @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – A festive orchestral concert of holiday favorites performed inside Geneva’s historic Smith Opera House

• Adventurous Autumn Wild Walk Series: Sensory Hike @ RMSC Cumming Nature Center (Naples) – A calming sensory hike inviting you to slow down, tune in, and experience the forest with all five senses.

• Sparkling Holiday Cocktails & Chemistry @ New York Kitchen (Canandaigua) – Sip festive sparkling cocktails while exploring the fun chemistry behind holiday flavors and traditions.

Recurring Events

• Limited Duration - click here 

• Trivia - click here

• Kid Friendly - click here

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

See You Out There

Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect!

Adam Moody

Finger Lakes Effect