Light Displays, Parades and Community Traditions
Back to Top of ListLight Displays, Parades and Community Traditions
Twinkle Town at Bradley Farms
1543 Maple Avenue, Elmira
November 21 through January 3
Open daily from 5 PM to 10 PM
This drive through light show features more than two hundred individually lit scenes along a one mile path. Tune your radio to the holiday station and enjoy the display from your vehicle.
Pricing
• Cars are twenty five dollars plus tax
• Season passes for five visits are ninety dollars plus tax
More information: https://bradleyfarmselmira.com/twinkle-town/
Town of Southport Christmas Parade and Night of Holiday Magic
Parade begins at Pennsylvania Avenue and Personius Road, Pine City
Ends at Christmas Land behind the Southport Fire Department, Elmira
December 6 from 4 PM to 6 PM
Tree lighting at 5 PM
Enjoy holiday floats, community groups and Santa’s arrival, followed by a tree lighting and holiday festivities.
Village of Horseheads Santa Sighting
Horseheads Neighborhoods
December 20 through 23 at 6 PM
The Horseheads Fire Department brings Santa through the village on antique fire trucks with goodie bags for children each night.
More information: www.villageofhorseheads.gov/fire/page/santa-sighting-tour
West Elmira Community Christmas Tree Lighting
West Elmira Fire Department
1299 West Water Street, Elmira
December 13 from 5 PM to 6 PM
Festivities include cocoa, treats, crafts and a tree lighting at 6 PM. SWAT Food Truck will be onsite.
Wreaths Across America at Woodlawn National Cemetery
1825 Davis Street, Elmira
December 13 at 9 AM
Join volunteers in honoring veterans through a ceremony and wreath placement.
More information: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/158453
Town of Erin Community Christmas Party
Erin Fire Station
1462 Breesport Road, Erin
December 13 at 5 PM
Dish to pass meal, hot dogs, crafts, cookie decorating and gifts for children.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/836562902442981
Santa Visits and Family Activities
Back to Top of ListSanta Visits and Family Activities
Photos with Santa at Arnot Mall
3300 Chambers Road, Horseheads
Now through December 24
Visit Santa daily with extended hours and themed sessions.
Special Sessions
• Pet Photos on December 2 and 9 from 5 PM to 7 PM
• Sensory Santa on December 7 from 9 AM to 10:30 AM
• Baby’s First Christmas on December 14 from 11 AM to 12 PM
More information: https://whereissanta.com/mall/1454?utm_campaign=arnot-mall&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=website-spinoso
Santa Paws at Diversion Brewing Company
729 Wyncoop Creek Road, Chemung
December 6 from 1 PM to 3 PM
Animal Care Sanctuary prints your pet’s Santa photo on site for a donation. Treats and merchandise available.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/860330179890532
Visit Santa at BKH Crafts and More
501 Erie Street, Elmira
December 6 from 11 AM to 2 PM
Bring your own device for photos with Santa and explore handmade items.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1418570376304773/
Breakfast with Santa – Southport Volunteer Fire Department
Saturday, December 6 from 8 AM to 10 AM
1001 Carl Street, Elmira (Corner of Carl & Cedar Streets)
Start your morning with Santa and support the Southport Volunteer Fire Department. Enjoy a hearty breakfast including pancakes, sausage, eggs and a beverage for just $5 per person. Families are encouraged to bring their own camera for photos with Santa. This dine-in only event is a great way to kick off the holiday season while connecting with neighbors and local firefighters.
Breakfast with Santa at Ill Eagle Taphouse
200 E Church Street, Elmira
December 14 from 10 AM to 1 PM
Includes breakfast buffet, photos with Santa, hot cocoa, cookies and a craft for children.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1170135755222341/
Breakfast with Santa at YWCA Elmira
211 Lake Street, Elmira
December 13 from 10 AM to 12 PM
Enjoy breakfast, cookie decorating and photos with Santa. Tickets available at the YWCA.
More information: https://www.ywcaelmira.org
Letters from Santa at YWCA Elmira
211 Lake Street, Elmira
Now through December 23
Drop off letters to Santa in the YWCA lobby. Staff handles postage and replies with a personalized letter.
Holiday Performances and Concerts
Back to Top of ListHoliday Performances and Concerts
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
Clemens Center
207 Clemens Center Parkway, Elmira
December 3 at 7:30 PM
A beloved holiday performance featuring musicians, multimedia effects and seasonal classics.
More information: https://clemenscenter.org/event/mannheim-steamroller-christmas-by-chip-davis-3/
The Nutcracker by Rafael Grigorian Ballet Theatre
Clemens Center
December 6 at 2 PM
A timeless performance of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker presented by Rafael Grigorian Ballet Theatre.
More information: https://clemenscenter.org/event/rafael-grigorian-ballet-theatre-presents-the-nutcracker-4/
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Clemens Center
December 15 at 7 PM
A holiday theatrical event featuring aerial acts, acrobatics and colorful characters.
More information: https://clemenscenter.org/event/cirque-dreams-holidaze-2/
The Nutcracker in Motion and Land of the Sweets Dessert Party
Clemens Center
December 19 at 7:30 PM
December 20 at 2 PM and 7 PM
A jazz inspired interpretation of The Nutcracker presented by New Heights Dance Theater. The Dessert Party offers festive treats before the show.
More information:
Dessert Party: https://clemenscenter.org/event/new-heights-dance-theater-presents-the-nutcracker-in-motion-land-of-the-sweets-dessert-party-2/
Main Performances: https://clemenscenter.org/event/new-heights-dance-theater-presents-the-nutcracker-in-motion-3/
Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes Holiday Concert
Clemens Center
December 13 at 3 PM
Featuring holiday music, classical works, choirs and a Youth Orchestra pre concert performance.
More information: https://www.osfl.org/holiday-concert-2025.html
Cantata Singers Holiday Concert
New Beginnings United Methodist Church
300 East Miller Street, Elmira
December 6 at 3 PM
A free concert celebrating the season with traditional and contemporary selections.
More information: https://www.cantatasingers.com/
Special Holiday Events
Back to Top of ListSpecial Holiday Events
WinterFest Under the Stars
Swarthout’s Bait and Tackle
133 East Hudson Street, Elmira
December 19 from 4 PM to 8 PM
Vendors, food, a chili cookoff supporting Smile Through The Storm and gifts for the first one hundred children.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1886676438544216
Winterfare at Wisner Park
Friday, December 12 from 4-8 PM
Saturday, December 13 from 12-6 PM
Wisner Park, Elmira
Enjoy live performances, local vendors, food trucks, snowboarding demos, the Snow Globe Experience, and visits with Santa. Saturday adds reindeer, pony rides, stilt walkers, and special performances by 607 Unity, The Christmas Piper, Kat Cook, and magician Collin Ward.
This community celebration brings holiday magic to the heart of Elmira with something for every age!
More information and Snow Globe reservations: elmiradowntown.com/winterfare
Out to Lunch: Elmira Holiday Parade Talk
Chemung County Historical Society
415 East Water Street, Elmira
December 10 at 12 PM
Archivist Rachel Dworkin presents a history of the Elmira Holiday Parade.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1303017601363839
Hop into the Holidays – Tanglewood Nature Center
Saturday, December 6 at 11 AM
443 Coleman Avenue, Elmira, NY 14903
Meet some of Tanglewood’s cutest hopping animal ambassadors including a frog, toad, bunny, chinchilla and Furby the ferret. Kids can also make a take-home holiday craft.
Admission is one new, unopened gift for the animals such as fresh produce, small mammal toys, bedding, gift cards or other supplies.
RSVP required so enough craft kits are available: https://tanglewoodnaturecenter.wildapricot.org/event-6397224
SantaCon Elmira
Begins at Rye Bar and Restaurant
365 Davis Street, Elmira
December 6 at 4 PM
Holiday bar crawl with food and drink specials. Passport prizes and afterparty at Ill Eagle Taphouse.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1534295390899308
Holiday Markets and Seasonal Shopping Events
Back to Top of ListHoliday Markets and Seasonal Shopping Events
Arnot Art Museum Holiday Art Market
235 Lake Street, Elmira
Through December 27
Shop paintings, pottery, photography, ornaments and local artwork from nine regional artists.
More information: https://arnotartmuseum.org
Holiday in the Heights Artist Pop Up Sale
Achille’s Wheel Studio
105 East 14th Street, Elmira Heights
December 6 from 10 AM to 4 PM
Art, pottery, jewelry and handmade gifts.
ILL Eagle Annual Holiday Market
Federal Building
200 E Church Street, Elmira
December 6 from 11 AM to 3 PM
Featuring over fifty vendors, holiday cocktails, live music and handmade gifts.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/771410605676757
Holiday Market on the Farm
1116 Chambers Road, Horseheads
December 6 from 11 AM to 2 PM
Outdoor market with vendors, treats, raffles and photos with farm animals.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1335733574938484/
Holiday Craft Fair at Arnot Mall Event Center
3300 Chambers Road, Horseheads
December 13 and 14 from 10 AM to 4 PM
Two day market with local vendors and seasonal crafts.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/713224408003847/713224414670513/
Winter Fantasy Bazaar and Craft Sale
Horseheads United Methodist Church
1034 W Broad St, Horseheads, NY 14845
December 6 from 9 AM to 3 PM
Crafts, food and local vendors.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/867913646176141/867913649509474/
Holiday Market and Craft Fair at Big Flats American Legion
45 Olcott Road South, Big Flats
December 6 from 11 AM to 3 PM
Local artisans, baked goods and holiday décor.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2016595665829814/
Local Holiday Shopping
Back to Top of ListWorkshops and Holiday Activities
Back to Top of ListWorkshops and Holiday Activities
FLX Improv Holiday Show
Community Arts of Elmira
413 Lake Street, Elmira
December 3 at 6:30 PM
A free improv performance open to ages sixteen and up.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1368511064914467/
Kick It Holiday Style with a Former Rockette
Ill Eagle Taphouse
200 E Church Street, Elmira
December 3 from 6 PM to 7 PM
A precision dance workshop taught by former Radio City Rockette Miki Reaume.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/856534940382967
Winter Wreath Workshop with Fee Fi Fo Farm
Latitude 42
467 Old Ithaca Road, Horseheads
December 10 from 5 PM to 7 PM
Create your own winter wreath using foraged greenery.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1525351555078272
Coffee with Friends Holiday Wreath Program
Friends of the Chemung River Watershed
109 North Main Street, Elmira
December 13 at 9 AM
Learn to dry flowers and assemble a seasonal wreath.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/868323122323172
Sustainable Holiday Craft Night at Patrick’s
303 College Avenue, Elmira
December 2 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Make holiday crafts using shared materials.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/863007996901560
Holiday Watercolor Workshop
318 Madison Avenue, Elmira
December 6 from 1 PM to 4 PM
A guided watercolor class with local artist Bridget Bossart van Otterloo.
More information: https://www.corning-cc.edu/community-business/programs-courses/watercolor.php
Cookie Decorating Workshops
Back to Top of ListCookie Decorating Workshops
Christmas Cookie Decorating with Sugared Sweets Cookies LLC
The Sage Grove
311 E Water Street, Elmira
December 14 at 2 PM
Decorate a set of six cookies with step by step instruction.
More information: https://www.sugaredsweetscookies.com/product/christmas-cookie-decorating-dec-14th-elmira-/JPCB4VZB2S24DIAZR6WGDCGG?cs=true&cst=custom
Christmas Cookie Decorating with Desirae’s Creations
1015 Kendall Street, Horseheads
December 20 at 1 PM
Decorate six themed cookies using royal icing.
More information: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/RFSXFHN4TZ8AR/checkout/RFJECSXBKPUXCRV2HXFLZTE5
New Year Celebrations
Back to Top of ListNew Year Celebrations
New Year’s Neon Night at JaMS Fitness Club
1570 Lake Street, Elmira
December 31
Ring in the new year with pickleball, roller skating and dancing. Pre registration available.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2845255482484528
Interstellar Eve at Wings of Eagles Discovery Center
339 Daniel Zenker Drive, Horseheads
December 31 at 6 PM
Ages twenty one and older
Mars themed New Year celebration with exhibits, simulators, dinner, open bar and shuttle service.
More information: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/new-years-on-mars
New Year’s Eve at the Horseheads Elks Lodge
6 Prospect Hill Road, Horseheads
December 31 from 9 PM to 12:30 AM
Live music by Still Kickin for a festive New Year celebration.
