December Events in the Finger Lakes

As snow falls, trees dress in colorful lights, and candles sparkle in the windows, Ontario County welcomes winter in the Finger Lakes with December events full of local festivals, holiday markets, mesmerizing shows, and unique experiences that bring the community together to celebrate this cozy and glowing season.

Festival of Lights

A beloved annual tradition, the Festival of Lights (East Main St., Clifton Springs, N.Y.) on Dec. 4, 2026, transforms Clifton Springs’ charming downtown into a Winter Wonderland. With food, shopping, free horse-drawn wagon rides, visits with Santa Claus, live music and entertainment, a Nutcracker Ballet preview, and more, the Festival of Lights promises a joyful way to greet the holidays in the Finger Lakes.

The Lake House Holiday Market & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Welcome the season at The Lake House on Canandaigua (770 S. Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) with the Holiday Market on Dec. 3-4, 2026. Explore the market in the Event Barn with more than 25 local vendors offering gifts, treats, and more holiday fun. On Dec. 4, you can witness some magic with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring a real reindeer, carolers, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus themselves. If you miss the event or want to come back, The Lake House presents Breakfast with Santa each Sunday in December leading up to Christmas. 

Rochester City Ballet: The Nutcracker

Rochester City Ballet performs The Nutcracker at Fort Hill Performing Arts Center (20 Fort Hill Avenue, Canandaigua, N.Y.) from Dec. 4-6, 2026. Other holiday events at Fort Hill include a jazz holiday performance by Connie Fredericks-Malone and Forte Studios' White Christmas musical. 

Victor's Jingle Mingle

Kick off the season at Victor's Jingle Mingle (85 E. Main St., Victor, N.Y.) on Dec. 5, 2026, between 1 and 5 p.m. Experience an afternoon full of fun for the whole family with a festive lights parade, holiday inflatables, kids activities, an artisan market, horse and wagon rides, photos with Santa, and a Sip & Stroll for adults (21+). Shop, stroll, and celebrate the holidays with this beloved annual event in Victor.

Granger Homestead Festival of Trees 

With jingle bells just around the corner, Granger Homestead (295 N. Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) shares the holiday spirit with the annual Festival of Trees from Nov. 13–Dec. 5, 2026. Find colorful cheer at this unique event, featuring trees of all sizes and styles adorned with lights, nutcrackers, and more. With more than 100 items displayed each year, Granger Homestead becomes a serene winter haven that brightens the season.

Brunch with Grinch at Mill Creek Cafe

There's a new Santa in town and he's heading to Mill Creek Cafe (8705 Main St., Honeoye, N.Y.) on Sunday, Dec. 6. The Grinch is making a special appearance for a festive brunch, holiday fun, and photo opportunities. There will be Grinch themed activities that the whole family is sure to enjoy. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 585-229-1044 or filling out the online inquiry form. 

Breakfast with Santa at Hotel Canandaigua

Bring the family for holiday cheer at Hotel's Canandaigua's Breakfast with Santa (205 Lakeshore Dr., Canandaigua, N.Y.) on Dec. 6, 2026. Mingle and take pictures with Santa while enjoying a traditional breakfast prepared by Nolan's Catering. The menu includes cheesy eggs, fruit, sausage, bacon, potato puffs or home fries, and a waffle station with toppings. 

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

This winter, the Smith Center for the Arts (82 Seneca St., Geneva, N.Y.) presents The Barter Players' I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas on Dec. 5, 2026, a special theatre addition to the season's lineup. This heartwarming musical adventure tells the tale of the Cincinnati Zoo as it awaits the birth of Bella, the first baby hippo. 

Cobblestone Arts Center’s Winterfest

Enjoy the Cobblestone Arts Center’s Winterfest (1622 NY-332, Farmington, N.Y.) on Dec. 12, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Encounter visits from beloved holiday characters and experience the magic of the Finger Lakes season through their curated artisan market featuring artwork, décor, crafts, and treats inspired by the region's culture and creativity. Make sure to stop by to get some very Finger Lakes holiday presents.

Winter Markets at the Canandaigua Farmers Market 

An unmissable stop in your winter weekends, the Winter Markets at the Canandaigua Farmers Market (7 Mill St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) is open every other Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m., November through May. Stock up your pantry with local products like meats, cheese, coffee, bread, maple, and more.

Show us your favorite holiday craft, show, and memories this season by tagging us @VisitFLX and using #VisitFLX. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter  to stay in the know with all things FLX!