By: Victoria Brawn
Looking to have some Christmas fun over winter break? Working on a tight budget? These
Christmas date ideas are perfect if you’re looking to do something fun with that special someone
or with your family. Check out the list below for fun activities ranging from a train ride with
Santa to a night of ax throwing battles!
$7 or less
1: Stony Brook Legendary Lights
Cost: Free
Visit Stony Brook in Lancaster, NY to drive or walk through a spectacular 8 street
light show! Every single house is decked out in Christmas lights and decorations. You can walk
or drive through, and Santa even comes to visit! Admissions are free, but it is a not for profit that
donates to child-centric charities in WNY, so donations are always welcomed and appreciated
2: Get a picture with Santa at Kelly’s Country Store
Cost: Free
Take a trip to Kelly’s Country Store on Grand Island, NY to take a picture with Santa
for free! There is a text paging system to know when it’s your turn to visit- no waiting in line.
While you wait, you can shop Kelly’s assortment of unique holiday gifts and homemade candy.
3: Buffalo Holiday Market
Cost: Free
Visit the quaint European inspired Christmas market to buy gifts for your loved ones,
try new foods and meet special guests (did someone say Santa?).
4: Pet Night with Santa
Cost: Free
Make a reservation here.
Come on down to the Outlet Mall with your pet to get a free photo with Santa! The event is free,
but donations are being collected for the humane society. Reservations are encouraged.
5: Watch A Christmas Carol
Cost: $5
Click here to get tickets.
Directed by and starring AlleyWay Theater founder Neal Radice as Charles Dickens, this 40th
annual play runs through December 24th and has a student discount.
6: Mini golf at the Paddock Chevrolet Dome
Cost: $5
Try your hand at mini golf in the Paddock Chevrolet Dome. One round of mini golf is
$5 per person. After the game, you can get dinner at their restaurant, The Grill at the Dome.
$15 to $40
7: Go ax throwing at Buffalo BattleGrounds
Cost: $15 to free
Get competitive at Buffalo BattleGrounds! BBG has free ax throwing wednesdays,
and deals where you can get 15 throws for $15 as well as laser tag, airsoft, an XBOX lounge and
an arcade all priced separately.
8: Ice Skating DownTown
Cost: $13 to $16
Enjoy the beautiful nights downtown with ice skating at the Buffalo waterfront!
Admission is $5, skate rentals are $8, locker rentals are $1 and training walkers are $2. There are
also ice bikes, ice bumper cars, and curling priced separately.
9: Santa Train ride
Cost: $32
Click here to get tickets.
Meet Santa and ride a beautiful vintage train to take in the scenery! You will be able to visit the
North Pole, take photos on Santa’s sleigh, and at the end of the ride each child will get a gift
from Santa! Dress warm, it is an indoor/outdoor event. Cocoa, cookies, and other food will be
available for purchase.
10: Zoo Lights at the Buffalo Zoo
Cost: $16
Click here to get tickets.
A beautiful light show after hours at the zoo is fun for all ages! The amphibian and reptile center
will be open to warm up in, but all other exhibits are closed. Cocoa will be available for
purchase, and you can ride the choo choo train! Santa will be there through December 23rd, and
ice princesses will be visiting December 26th to January 1st. Make sure your phone is chargedyou will want to take lots of pictures.
11: Bee Kind Winter Wonderland
Cost: $10
Click here to get tickets.
This lovely Christmas market has everything! There will be more than 40 vendors, free hair
braiding, and adoptable puppies to snuggle!