Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
Enjoy Hallmark-style horse-drawn wagon rides around Historic Downtown Canandaigua. No charge.
Holiday Artist Showcase
Visit galleries and specialty shops featuring local artists and 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.
Tuba Christmas
Join us at The Central on Main for this special musical celebration of festive holiday favorites beautifully performed by euphonium, tuba, sousaphone and baritone players. FREE for the public to attend.
*Performers, please see the link below to register.
**If inclement weather, the concert will be held inside at Acquilano Wine Cellars, 143 S Main St.
Brewery Keg Tree Lighting
Our local breweries will light up the holidays with a Keg Tree Lighting at each of their locations at varying times!
Hallmark 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!
Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting Celebration
The Illuminate Light 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!
Illuminate Light Parade
Illuminate Canandaigua Light Parade with Santa’s arrival at Commons Park and the Tree-lighting Ceremony 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!
Shop Small Saturday
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 gifts.
Canandaigua Kicks Off Whoville
Plaid Friday
Kick off to Whoville
Downtown Canandaigua will be transformed into Whoville and Celebrating Whobilation all Season! Downtown Canandaigua is transformed into Whoville, to celebrate Whobilation. Storefronts are decorated with incredible artwork, 1000's of dazzling lights illuminate Downtown Canandaigua, Grinch Village, and Santa’s Village are bustling with excitement and visitors. Come wander South Main Street to experience it all and incredible shopping and dining throughout the entire district.
Plaid Friday
Plaid Friday
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.
Sip & Stroll
It’s a Refreshing, Relaxing, and Really Fun Way to Spend an Afternoon Strolling Downtown Canandaigua!
Breweries & Wineries | Mouthwatering Small Bites | Mocktails & Spirits | Passport to be Entered to WIN $500 in Downtown Gift Certificates to Enjoy Some Local Shopping!
Tickets on Sale NOW. There will be a limited supply.
Live Music by the Michael Yacci Trio at The Central on Main
A local favorite playing mix of pop, rock, soul, guaranteed to get you on your feet.
Butterfly & Bloom Auction
Bid and take home any of the 4-foot hand-painted butterflies from the Butterfly & Bloom Trail.
Sip & Stroll
It’s a Refreshing, Relaxing, and Really Fun Way to Spend an Afternoon Strolling Downtown Canandaigua!
Breweries & Wineries | Mouthwatering Small Bites | Mocktails & Spirits | Passport to be Entered to WIN $500 in Downtown Gift Certificates to Enjoy Some Local Shopping!
Tickets on sale NOW! While supplies last.
Blues & Brews at The Central on Main
Featuring...
Joe Beard (supported by Swam Road Jukes )- Rochester's legendary blues guitarist and vocalist
Soul Hammer - a playful hard edge twist on rock & blues
The Movers - a cohesive force of Blues, driven by soul
Back to School Bash & Family Night Out at The Central on Main
Music by Charismatic Entertainment, Games & More!
Bunny Bonanza by REPCO Wildlife Encounters
Live Music by 6 Feet Apart at The Central on Main
🎤 Youth Performance Spotlight | 6:00–6:45 PM
Start the night with a powerful set from Girls Rock! Rochester. This nonprofit helps girls and LGBTQ+ youth build confidence through music, performance, and creativity. Come support these inspiring young musicians as they take the stage and rock out!
🎸 Headlining Band: 6 Feet Apart Band | 7:00–9:00 PM
6 Feet Apart Band is a locally popular, 8-piece Funky Soul Dance Cover Party Band formed during the pandemic—and they’ve been igniting dance floors ever since! With over 200 years of combined professional musical experience, this powerhouse group delivers tight grooves, infectious energy, and nonstop fun.
Craft Bev Fest
Presented by ROC/FLX Craft Beverage Trail…
Craft Bev Fest - August 28th from 5-8pm …An Exclusive VIP Ticketed Experience from 4-5pm...
Specialized tastings, a collectible glass, a passport to the ROC/FLX Craft Beverage Trail (value $250), Meet the Makers, chances to WIN in drawings and giveaways. Tickets $25 in advance. General admission from 5-8pm. Live Music by the Swooners Quartet from 6-8 pm, with high-energy, top-tier talent, and a performance that will leave you wanting more!
(Rain date September 11th)
Live Music by North 42 at The Central on Main
A Canandaigua-based trio with lead vocalist from Flint Creek, that ranges from country to classics that will have you out of your seat and dancing to the beat of the fiddle.
Plant BINGO at The Central on Main
Come join in BINGO for FREE at the Central on Main and WIN plants! Bring your friends and family for a great time. Stay for some live music afterward.
Live Music by Covers Exposed at The Central on Main
A 9-piece "cover" band with a rockin' 3-piece horn section, in the Finger Lakes and western NY.
Live Music by Kyle Alan Anderson Band at The Central on Main
Rochester-based and Country Recording Artists, the Kyle Alan Anderson Band, will be bringing both originals and covers to keep the evening going.
Plant BINGO at The Central on Main
Come join in BINGO for FREE at the Central on Main and WIN plants! Bring your friends and family for a great time. Stay for some live music afterward.
