Throughout the holiday season, the city of Buffalo is one of the most magical cities that you can visit. All around town, you’ll find twinkling lights strewn about, and how about the fact that the Queen City is the host of one of the largest New Year’s Eve ball drops in the entire country? If you’re ready to experience everything enchanting that exists within Erie County during the holidays, then see why East Aurora is the best place in New York to spend Christmas!

Less than a half-hour outside of Buffalo, the small town of East Aurora is one of the most wonderful destinations to explore here in Erie County.
Evan Roden/Google
Come Christmastime, the entire town of East Aurora starts to look even more picturesque with decorations and holiday lights hung about all over.
East Aurora Annual Carolcade/Facebook
To start chipping away at your holiday shopping, you can explore places like the Roycroft Campus where they host an exciting Holiday Show.
Roycroft Campus/Facebook
For those who have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Western New York's winter weather, you can go hiking through the scenic woods at places like Knox Farm State Park while others will whip out their skates and go ice skating at the Healthy Zone Rink in town!
Peter Pinelli/Google
As if nostalgic attractions like the Aurora Theatre and Popcorn Shop weren't already charming enough...
Evan Roden/Google
...beginning on the Friday after Thanksgiving and running through New Years Day on weekends, you can visit the theatre to enjoy free screenings of your favorite holiday movies like "The Grinch," "Elf," "The Polar Express," "It’s A Wonderful Life," "White Christmas," and more.
Lisa Lubozynski/Google
Wait, the fun's not over just yet! Mark your calendars because a great time to visit East Aurora is at the end of December when the town will be hosting their Annual Christmas Carolcade — an exciting event that takes over the entire town and draws out people from all over Erie County.
East Aurora Annual Carolcade/Facebook
If you're ready to experience the area's best Christmas town, then consider planning a trip to East Aurora before the holidays pass us by!
Kim Carpenter/Flickr

Do you agree that Aurora is the best place to spend Christmas in New York? Or is there another spot you love even more? If you’re feeling up to checking out more magical ways to spend your time around Western New York this holiday season, then be sure to also read about the unforgettable Buffalo Christmas Train!

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More to Explore

Christmastime In New York State

Sara Dager | November 02, 2022

What are the best Christmas lights displays in New York State?

It there anything better that experiencing a gorgeous Christmas lights display in New York? The bright lights and happy faces create a feeling of warmth even on the chilliest winter nights! One of our favorites is Lights on the Lake in Liverpool, it's a massive drive through display packed with two miles worth of incredibly creative light displays. There are animated scenes, a massive lighted forest, and of course the gorgeous lighted arches that are emblematic of any good drive through light display. You can also take our delightful New York Christmas Lights road trip if you're trying to fit in multiple displays.

Which hikes in New York State are fun in the wintertime?

Wintertime hikes in New York are so lovely! You have to bundle up and check that where you're trekking will be safe, but it's well worth it for the crisp air and the look of the landscape when gently blanketed in snow. Green Lakes State parks offers views of two massive glacial lakes that will absolutely make your winter. We also love the hike up Belfrey mountain, at just under a mile you'll feel like you're on top of the world with the surrounding views of the state. For those lovers of natural wonders, check out our list of frozen waterfalls in New York state, these make for great jaunts with killer visual payoffs.

What other fun Christmas towns does New York State have?

There are a few great Christmas towns in New York just waiting to be explored! Bundle on up and take a stroll through the ever lovely Rhinebeck. There are forests to explore and the urban areas have lots of gorgeous architecture. This is made all the more stunning when the lights go up and the snow is gently falling. Saugerties is also great if you want to experience lots of nature, you can visit the Catskill forest preserve, the Esapus Nature Preserve, and the most pastoral lighthouse that will take your breath away.

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