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Christmas in Ellicottville: A Unique Holiday Experience in the Mountains

Ellicottville, New York, may be known as a beautiful skiing destination in the foothills of the Allegany Mountains, but it’s truly perfect for a getaway during any season. Visitors to the town will enjoy stunning mountain views, unique shops, a spectrum of restaurants, and more activities than one vacation can handle. It has something for everyone from a vibrant art scene to family-friendly festivals.

 

Christmas in Ellicottville is one of the top Christmas-themed events in all of western New York. This beautiful mountain community transforms into a Christmas wonderland for the final three days of each November. The opening night of the event is highlighted by the lighting of the three-story-tall town Christmas tree; it’s a can't miss spectacle for any attendee. The downtown area features carolers wandering the streets, beautifully decorated storefronts, and thousands of holiday lights. Patrons will also find a spectrum of Christmas activities including fire truck and wagon rides, photos with Santa, petting real reindeer, sales in local shops, and games for kids. We got the chance to interview Chris Chapman, Media and Communications Manager for the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, to talk about this holiday spectacular.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

CC: The event was started in 2005 and has grown each year since!

   

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

CC: Over the course of the weekend there will be a few thousand people taking part in the many events throughout Ellicottville.

   

RAL: What makes this event unique?

CC: Ellicottville is a special place to be. The holidays make it more of a destination where people spend time. We have the distinction of being called the Aspen of the East because we are what Aspen was when it first started out. Ellicottville has not lost its small town charm. Our town has been described as something out of a Normal Rockwell painting; that should give an idea of just how special a place Ellicottville is.

 

RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.

CC: We have many activities during Christmas in Ellicottville and the best way to look them up is by visiting our website and looking at the event schedule.

   

RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?

CC: Our visitors are the guests, especially for this event.

   

RAL: What will patrons find for dining options?

CC: We have several restaurants that offer various types of cuisine and atmosphere. We have anything anyone could want, from American pub foods to Italian family meals.

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

CC: We have lodging options that range from hotels to bed and breakfasts. A visit to our accommodations section of our website will direct any visitor to those great places.

 

RAL: Does lodging hit max occupancy during the event?

CC: Our lodging is at about 85% occupancy year round, but we do see spikes around our events and festivals. This is one that will fill the rooms.

 

RAL: Is there maybe one place in particular that guests have been flocking to since the event started?

CC: Well, we try to spread everything out through the Village, but on Friday night, Santa lights the village from the Historic 1887 Building Lawn, in front of the Village Christmas Tree

 

RAL: What does this event mean to the community?

CC: Any time we can bring people into the village we can increase visits to our local merchants. That helps everyone in the area, regarding commerce and sales tax revenue.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

CC: This is a great place, and a fantastic event, so come out and enjoy everything that makes Ellicottville what it is. We started out as a ski town and like to harken back to our roots in the winter season. That said, can you think of anything more romantic for a couple than a horse-drawn carriage ride? Maybe a stroll through the village with carolers singing? The smell of hot chocolate, cookies and the sights and sounds of the season all make Christmas in Ellicottville a perfect place to kick off the holidays.

 

For more information about Christmas in Ellicottville, please visit their website.