From holiday events like festivals and immersive experiences, to adventurous and cozy winter fun, Ontario County in New York's Finger Lakes is a special place to celebrate the season.
Visit the Shortsville Reindeer Farm
Santa's reindeer await you and your family at Shortsville Reindeer Farm (4285 Shortsville Road, Shortsville, N.Y.)! Reindeer are gentle, curious, and social creatures who love pets and treats. Join them for events such as holiday visits, classes in beekeeping, and maple syrup and cider making. Nearby is Rebel Sailor Brewing Co. (1715 State Route 21, Shortsville, N.Y.), which has local craft brews, good eats, and events. Check out their fun, cleverly named brew “Reindeer P.,” released a few winters ago — of course, no reindeer products involved! — made with honey from Shortsville Reindeer Farm.
Light Up the Season
The picturesque Finger Lakes towns light up the season with colorful displays each year, especially with beloved local traditions such as Canandaigua's Granger Homestead Festival of Trees (295 N. Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) from Nov. 14–Dec. 6, 2025; the Illuminate Light Parade (115 Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) on Nov. 29, 2025; Clifton Springs' Festival of Lights (East Main St., Clifton Springs, N.Y.) on Dec. 5, 2025; and more events happening throughout November and December.
If you enjoy witnessing magical lights from the warmth of your car, make sure to visit the Raggi Christmas Light Show (6221 Buckskin Dr., Farmington, N.Y.) between Nov. 27 and Dec. 31, 2025. The display runs from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 4:30 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and it’s open for the entire community to enjoy. If you’re looking for a peaceful and joyful outing, tune your radio to 91.1 FM and sing along to holiday music as you drive down this illuminated street of homes that would put Clark Griswold to shame.
Connect With Your Body and Soul
Check out The Springs Integrative Medicine Center and Spa (2 Coulter Road, Clifton Springs, N.Y.). This is western New York’s only mineral spa with alternative and complementary therapies including their famous mineral baths, massages, acupuncture, chiropractic and naturopathic medicine, facials, and holistic spa treatments.
Willowbrook Spa at the Lake House Canandaigua (770 S. Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) features outdoor barrel saunas overlooking Canandaigua lake and combines the rustic peace of its lakeside setting with the lauded healing and soothing techniques of London-based Skin Specialist Alexandra Soveral. This season, the Lake House is hosting different events to reconnect and recharge, such as the Winter Solstice Wellness Retreat on Dec. 19 and 20, 2025, offering activities like restorative yoga, a sound bath, and meditations.
Hands-On Holiday Experiences
Ontario County’s hands-on experiences shine extra bright throughout the holidays. This year, join one of New York Kitchen's (800 S. Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) educational classes to learn about Finger Lakes craft beverage and culinary magic with classes ranging from a bubbles and beads workshop and sparkling wine tastings to family holiday cork crafting and holiday cocktail-making classes. Whether you attend by yourself, with family, or with friends, New York Kitchen promises to spread the holiday cheer through moments that will create cherished memories.
Fun on the Snow
We can't talk about a Finger Lakes holiday experience without mentioning Bristol Mountain (5662 NY-64, Canandaigua, N.Y.)! With the highest vertical rises in the Finger Lakes, Bristol Mountain features 138 acres of total skiable terrain. Views from the summit and the 34 slopes and trails are breathtaking and provide a variety of inclines for every skier and snowboarder, from beginner to expert. The mountain also offers groomed cross-country skiing trails and multiple cozy cafes.
If the hills are not your thing, check out one of the ice skating options in the county, including the ice rink at DICK'S House of Sport at Eastview Mall (7979 Pittsford Victor Road, Victor, N.Y.), or snowshoe on one of the beautiful trails at spots like Cumming Nature Center (6472 Gulick Road., Naples, N.Y.), Ganondagan State Historic Site (7000 Co Road 41, Victor, N.Y.), and Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area (96775 Canadice Hill Rd, Springwater, N.Y.).
Winter in the FLX
Winter in the Finger Lakes is the perfect mix of snowy adventures and cozy experiences.
Holiday Season in the FLX
Bells jingling, snowmen appearing, and lights adorning charming downtowns—the holiday season in the Finger Lakes is full of winter wonderlands.
