If your sense of time feels a little slippery right now, you’re not alone. The days are short, the lists are long, and the calendar is very full!

I’ll be out running in the snowy woods on Saturday thanks to the Syracuse Chargers (you’ll find that event below), and if my legs cooperate, I’m hoping to make it to Lucky Hare’s Christmas celebration at their Hector location. At the same time, there’s about a jillion other fun events going on. It’s one of those weeks where you have to make a few hard choices, or at least accept that you can’t do everything.

Start with the gift guide below, then scroll on for what’s happening around the region as we head into the final stretch before Christmas 🎄

🎁 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.

Bet The Farm Winery - A boutique Finger Lakes gem crafting fruit-forward red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines in a peaceful tasting room with vineyard views that will have you enjoying a long sip. Head over this Friday through Sunday for the “Tastes of Christmas Past, Present, and Future”.

Tru Agent Real Estate - TRU is raising the bar in the Rochester area with a white-glove, quality-first approach to buying and selling homes backed by a team of seasoned, community-minded agents.

Finger Lakes Insider - Coming in January 2026. If the weekly newsletter helps you plan for this weekend, the Insider Monthly helps you plan for the month ahead. Get more time to plan, enjoy some fun bonuses, and support the Finger Lakes Effect.

📅 EVENTS

Top Weekend Picks

1. It’s a Wonderful Life @ Auburn Public Theater

2. Holiday Market @ Point of the Bluff Vineyards 

3. Annual International Rutabaga Curling Championship @ Ithaca Farmers Market

Wednesday

• The Ugly Xmas Sweater Musical @ The REV Theatre Co. (Auburn) – A hilarious holiday musical packed with festive chaos, bold humor, and full-on ugly sweater energy. Shows available 17th - 20th.

• Wednesday Open Mic Night @ The Nocturnal Café (Ithaca) – A welcoming open mic night centered on creativity, connection, and Ithaca’s alcohol-free nightlife scene.

• A Celtic Christmas @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – A high-energy holiday spectacular filled with Irish music, dance, storytelling, and festive charm.

• Sound Check Live – Jamming Session @ Brick (Corning) – Open jam vibes, live music, cold drinks, plug in, play loud, meet local musicians, no pressure, just fun.

Thursday

• Third Thursday Artist Alley Open Studio @ Artist Alley at South Hill Business Campus (Ithaca) – Open studios, local artists, creative energy, wander, connect, and get inspired during this relaxed monthly art night

• Candlelight Christmas Tours @ Seward House Museum (Auburn) – Candlelit Victorian tours filled with holiday décor, historic stories, and warm seasonal nostalgia inside a grand home.

• “Through the Unquiet Heaven” — Poetry & Stories of Edgar Allan Poe @ Community Arts of Elmira (Elmira) – A haunting solo performance bringing Edgar Allan Poe’s poetry and stories to life through dramatic, immersive storytelling.

• Science & Suds @ Hopshire Farm & Brewery (Freeville) – Engaging science talks paired with local brews, curious minds, and easygoing conversation in a relaxed brewery setting.

• Classy Cult Movie Night: Gremlins @ Center for the Arts of Homer (Homer) – A cult-classic holiday screening of Gremlins, nostalgic laughs, festive mischief, and cozy movie-night vibes.

• Jim Coon’s A Christmas Carol @ Center for the Arts of Homer (Homer) – A haunting, whimsical retelling of A Christmas Carol, rich with transformation, heart, and classic holiday spirit.

• Comedy Open Mic Night @ Bundy Museum Annex Theater (Binghamton) – A lively comedy open mic with bold jokes, fresh voices, audience laughs, and laid-back late-night energy.

• A Christmas Carol @ Cider Mill Stage (Endicott) – A beloved holiday tradition returns with heart, music, and timeless magic in this classic retelling of A Christmas Carol.

• Die Hard on 35mm — The Original @ Palace Theatre (Syracuse) – See Die Hard the way it was meant to be seen, on 35mm film, big screen thrills, holiday action, and classic vibes.

• Candlelight Nights 2025 @ Deer Run Winery (Geneseo) – Candlelight, comfort food, and perfect wine pairings, cozy holiday vibes, gather with friends, and savor the season.

Friday

• Holiday Movie Nights at Grayhaven: Elf @ Grayhaven Motel (Ithaca) – A cozy holiday movie night with fireside vibes, shared treats, and classic seasonal comfort.

• 5 Days of Ramen @ Fox Run Vineyards (Penn Yan) – Cozy up with house-made ramen, wine tastings, and winter vibes at a vineyard.

• Holiday Tap Takeover @ Brewer’s Kitchen & Taproom (Ithaca) – A festive tap takeover pouring holiday beers from standout breweries, perfect for a cozy winter hang with friends.

• Jim Coon’s A Christmas Carol @ Cortland Country Music Park (Cortland) – A haunting yet heartwarming live retelling of A Christmas Carol, perfect for a classic holiday theater night.

• “A Christmas Carol” Staged Reading @ Buffalo Street Books (Ithaca) – A cozy staged reading of A Christmas Carol with hot chocolate, holiday spirit, and local bookstore vibes.

• White Christmas Sing-Along (1954) @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – Sing along to the holiday classic White Christmas in a historic theater, a joyful and nostalgic winter movie night.

• Judy Collins Holiday & Hits Tour @ Center for the Arts of Homer (Homer) – An iconic folk legend brings timeless songs and holiday classics to the stage for a special winter concert.

• Christmas Carol Cocktail Experience @ Hangar Theatre (Ithaca) – A festive holiday cocktail experience inspired by A Christmas Carol, blending theater, drinks, and seasonal magic.

• Ugly Sweater Party & Beer Release @ Horseheads Brewing (Horseheads) – Ugly sweaters, fresh beer release, holiday laughs, festive brews, and a fun-filled brewery night.

• Community Square Dance w/ FLX SQUARES @ Stone Bend Farm (Newfield) – Swing, spin, and dance the night away, live music vibes, welcoming crowd, joyful community fun.

• Holiday Market @ Point of the Bluff Vineyards (Hammondsport) – Sip wine, shop local, live music, festive pavilion vibes, holiday gifts with a scenic wine-country backdrop.

Saturday

• Annual International Rutabaga Curling Championship @ Ithaca Farmers Market (Ithaca) – Ithaca’s most (?) wonderfully weird tradition, featuring costumes, curling, and competitive rutabaga glory.

• Solstice Craft Market @ Buffalo Street Books (Ithaca) – A festive downtown craft market packed with local makers, creative gifts, and warm seasonal vibes.

• Last Chance Trail Run & Pancake Breakfast @ Highland Forest Park (Fabius) – A wild winter trail run through snow and ice, followed by an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, December grit included.

• Holiday Mansion Tours @ Roberson Museum (Binghamton) – Guided holiday tours of a historic mansion filled with Gilded Age stories, festive décor, and seasonal charm.

• Chili Cook-Off @ Middle Ages Beer Hall (Syracuse) – Spice up your Saturday with bold chili tastings, cold beer, and game-day energy at a lively winter cook-off.

• Jason Dufair @ Abandon Brewing Company (Penn Yan) – A laid-back Saturday afternoon of live music, local beer, and cozy countryside vibes at a Finger Lakes brewery.

• Holiday Village & Market @ Prison City Pub & Brewery (Auburn) – A festive holiday village with local vendors, craft beer, and cozy winter vibes—perfect for a Saturday afternoon stroll.

• It’s a Wonderful Life @ Auburn Public Theater (Auburn) – A cozy holiday classic on the big screen, perfect for slowing down and soaking in some timeless Christmas spirit.

• The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – Pajamas, hot cocoa, Santa, and the Muppets—this classic holiday screening is pure festive joy on a winter afternoon.

• Handel’s “Messiah” @ United Presbyterian Church (Binghamton) – A timeless holiday tradition—Handel’s Messiah performed live with full chorus and orchestra on a winter evening.

• Blitzen at Brick — Christmas Costume Party @ BRICK (Corning) – Festive chaos, outrageous costumes, holiday cocktails, dance-floor energy, and a Christmas party gone gloriously off-script.

• Holiday Horse & Wagon Rides @ Downtown Corning (Corning) – A cozy holiday wagon ride through twinkling streets, classic Christmas charm, winter magic, and family memories.

• Christmas at Lucky Hare Brewery @ Lucky Hare Brewing (Hector) – Whoville costumes, brew tour, live music, festive drinks, and an adults-only Christmas brewery party.

Sunday

• Celina Rescott Holiday Concert @ Willard Memorial Chapel (Auburn) – Holiday vocals, intimate chapel setting, heartfelt originals, soaring pop-rock energy, and a hometown celebration.

• Spruce Up Your Sparkling @ Buttonwood Grove Winery (Romulus) – Sparkling wine cocktails, festive bites, vineyard mingling, holiday cheer, and a stylish Sunday afternoon sip.

• Delaney Brothers Bluegrass Christmas @ Center for the Arts of Homer (Homer) – Bluegrass holiday tunes, cozy concert vibes, festive harmonies, roots music warmth, and Sunday afternoon cheer.

• Sunday Blues Series: Jes Sheldon & The Stewards of Sol @ ONCO Fermentations (Tully) – Powerhouse blues vocals, soulful grooves, farm brewery vibes, craft pours, and a smooth Sunday afternoon hang.

• Free “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” Concert @ St. Mary’s Church (Elmira) – Free holiday concert, classic Christmas melodies, peaceful church setting, and a warm community moment.

• Scott B Adams Acoustic Ensemble 28th Annual Solstice Concert @ Red Newt Cellars (Hector) – Solstice acoustics, cozy winery vibes, winter-themed music, fine wine, and a timeless Finger Lakes tradition.

Recurring Events

• Limited Duration - click here 

• Trivia - click here

• Kid Friendly - click here

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See You Out There

Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect!

Adam Moody

Finger Lakes Effect