The Holiday Season in

Downtown Canandaigua

November 29th - Plaid Friday & Kick Off to Whobilation

Taking the threads of the community and weaving them together to support independent shops on this Friday after Thanksgiving. As an alternative to Black Friday, Plaid Friday encourages individuals to do their holiday shopping with locally owned and independent businesses. Enjoy personalized service and discover one-of-a-kind gifts. Join Rochester Broadway Theater League (RBTL) and Downtown Canandaigua in the Whobilation Kick-Off

Celebrating How the Grinch Stole Christmas…RBTL How the Grinch Stole Christmas Musical will be performing in Rochester Dec 3-8th...Dont miss the Grinch at Unique Toy Store at 3:00 for a book reading, Meet and Greet, and activities at The Grinch Village (111 South Main) 3:45- 5:00 and Join Mayor Palumbo and The Grinch and friends in his very own Tree Lighting at dusk.

November 30th - Shop Small Saturday & Illuminate Light Parade

Shop Small is BIG in Canandaigua! When you support your local community, you support your local economy. Shopping with Canandaigua-owned small businesses this holiday season, you'll enjoy friendly service from knowledgeable staff and find quality merchandise and unique gifts. Keep The Cheer here this Year- Be treated like one of the family - Support Your Local Independent Retailers!

Illuminate Canandaigua Light Parade with Santa’s arrival Down Main Street Canandaigua from City Hall to Antis Street, Don't Miss this Magical Experience all beginning at 6:00 PM. Kick off the holiday season with a dazzling display of holiday lights as Downtown Canandaigua Illuminates the night. Enjoy a spectacular procession of illuminated floats, fire trucks, antique cars, and local organizations. The parade begins at City Hall bringing Santa, his elves, and loads of holiday cheer. The traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony will immediately follow the parade at the Commons Park. Enjoy caroling, food, and fun as we Light Up Canandaigua! New this year…downtown Canandaigua will be transformed into Whoville and Celebrating Whobilation all Season…Don't be surprised if that big Green guy or even several show up to create some havoc!

December 6th - 8th - Holiday Open House

SHOP, DINE & EXPLORE over 100 Shops, Restaurants & Galleries in Downtown Canandaigua during our Holiday Open House and experience the benefits of shopping locally. You will discover unique gifts, handmade designs from local artisans, exquisite cuisine at our incredible restaurants, and exceptional customer service from friendly merchants. Participating merchants will make the season bright with music, appetizers, and holiday-inspired offerings. Follow along for a list of participating businesses! Shop til you Drop and be registered to WIN over $1500 in Downtown Canandaigua Gift Certificates to kick off your Holiday Shopping.

December 7th - Brewery Keg Tree Lighting & Tuba Christmas

Our local breweries will light up the holidays with a Keg Tree Lighting at each of their locations at varying times! Also, join us for this special musical celebration of festive holiday favorites beautifully performed by euphonium, tuba, sousaphone and baritone players. Stay tune for specific times and locations of each event.

December 13th & 14th - Holiday Artist Showcase

Visit galleries and specialty shops featuring local artists and hand made products. Discover artists' demonstrations, exhibits, and signings, as well as one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts. Enjoy refreshments and strolling musicians while you meander through our festive and quaint historic downtown area. Stay tuned for a listing of participating galleries, artists, and businesses.

The Entire Month of December

Downtown Canandaigua has been Transformed into Whobilation, Storefronts Decorated, 1000's of dazzling lights, Doors of Canandaigua Passport, Special events, Santas Village, Grinch Village, and incredible shopping and dining throughout the entire District. A BIG Thank you to our Sponsors this Season for Keeping the Cheer Here!

Come visit Santa at His Winter Home in the Main Street Commons Park Village, every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00-4:00pm, through December 22nd!

Don’t miss out on festive horse-drawn wagon rides around the historic district from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Keep an eye out for select dates.