Downtown Buffalo was hopping Saturday night as hundreds of community members braved the cold winter to come out and celebrate the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Fountain Plaza.
This annual holiday event, presented by First Niagara Bank, was held at Rotary Rink at Main Street and Chippewa Street and marks the official opening of the free ice-skating season there.
The festivities began at 5 p.m. with free ice skating followed by a series of distinguished guest speakers. Mayor Byron W. Brown, Erie County Executive Christopher C. Collins and a representative from First Niagara Bank spoke briefly and then led a countdown to the official lighting of the Christmas tree.
"Like all Buffalo Place events, the tree lighting is intended to celebrate downtown and remind Western New Yorkers about the many attractions and entertainment venues in Downtown Buffalo," said Anthony J. Colucci III, president and vice chairman of Buffalo Place, Inc. "The First Niagara Bank Holiday Tree Lighting is one of the many special attractions in Downtown Buffalo during the holiday season. From now to mid-March, we can enjoy free public skating in a venue that is also available for private parties."
After the tree lighting, the fun continued with visits from Santa, horse and wagon rides, clowns and balloon art, face painting, and more free ice skating. A fireworks display lit by Santa capped off the festivities.
Saturday night marked the 27th consecutive year that Buffalo Place has produced the Christmas tree lighting. The celebration is the chief event showcasing the holiday season in Downtown Buffalo.
If you're looking for other ways to get in the holiday spirit, there are a number of winter themed activities going on in the Buffalo area.
The Buffalo Botanical Gardens on South Park Avenue hosts an annual Poinsettia Show during the holiday season with the biggest exhibition of poinsettias in the Western New York region. It's also a great way to escape the cold as it is always 72 degrees and humid in the Gardens.
"The Poinsettia Show has be going on for decades and thousands of individuals and families enjoy it every year," said Erin Grajek, the Director of Marketing for the Buffalo Botanical Gardens.
Gardens admission includes The Poinsettia Show and Garden Railway Exhibit (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily) and the Holiday Light Display (4 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily) and runs through Jan. 2.
This weekend also marked the annual Artist in Buffalo Holiday Open, an event that presents a unique opportunity to visit over 100 talented local artists and artisans in extraordinary galleries, studios, homes, and other venues not frequently open to the public. "This event offers a wonderful opportunity to explore both the City and the talent that flourishes in our community," said Catherine Gillespie, the event coordinator. "You can really support local talent, and it is a great way to avoid the frenzy and crowds at the malls, while actually meeting the individuals who create the gifts that you'll purchase. You'll meet and talk with the creative individuals who live and work in our community." There is also another event called Art 4 Everyone that runs through December. For a full list of venues and participants, visit artistsinbuffalo.org.
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Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
