Thanksgiving Events 2018
If you’re like me and have family coming to town for Thanksgiving you may be wondering what to do to fill the time after you’ve stuffed your faces on Thursday. Below are some suggestions that will help everyone get off of their phones and spend some actual quality time with one another. After all, the holidays are all about spending time together as a family, eating so much your pants don’t fit, and making memories that will last through the years.
Niagara Falls State Park
If you have company traveling from afar they’ll probably want to go see the wondrous Niagara Falls! And why not see the Falls with a background of fireworks? Going during the day is cool, but seeing the Falls illuminated by fireworks in the night sky is something the entire family will remember for years to come. You can see the fireworks at 9:00PM Friday November 23rd at Niagara Falls State Park located at 24 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY or from any open viewing location at the Falls. And besides paying to park, the fireworks show is free to view! You can see a complete fireworks schedule here.
Fireworks are fun for everyone! Don’t forget to dress warm.
Come see Poinsettias in every shade at the Buffalo & Erie County Poinsettia & Railway Exhibit.
Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens
When Thanksgiving is over you know you’ll be itching to celebrate Christmas. And what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than seeing a Poinsettia & Railway Exhibit at The Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens? See how they transform their tropical paradise into a holiday wonderland. Take in thousands of lush and colorful poinsettias, whimsical woodland scenes, and an entertaining model railway all while spending quality time together! The whole family will enjoy the Botanical Gardens’ annual holiday tradition. A Garden Railway display, that is made possible by the Western New York Garden Railway Society, complements the surrounding poinsettias. While you’re there you might as well stop by the gift shop to get some of your holiday shopping completed. The Poinsettia & Railway Exhibit will be running from November 23rd – January 6th.
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine
While this shrine is open year-round, during the holidays the Festival of Lights at Fatima Shrine will certainly put you into the Christmas spirit. This fifteen acre shrine outside of Lewiston draws guests from all of over the world. Of course, there are religious themes since it’s a shrine and all but the Festival of Lights is a family event for people of all faiths and all ages; you don’t have to be a religious person to enjoy the lights and take in the sights. It’s also a free activity, which is nice for a large group or for anyone who maybe has a tighter budget this time of year. Lights are on display from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM from now until January 6th. There’s also a cafeteria and we hear the Friday fish fry is a must-try.
Our Lady of Basilica and Shrine Festival of Lights.
Don’t wait let’s go skate!
Go For A Skate Date
One of my favorite winter activities is ice-skating. So tell your family to pack some warm weather clothes and thick socks and go for a skate date! Two of my favorite places to skate at are Canalside and Buffalo RiverWorks. Canalside skating is outside and Buffalo RiverWorks is in a covered outdoor rink. So you’ll need to dress warm! You really can’t go wrong at either place. You can find information on skating at Canalside here and information on skating at Buffalo RiverWorks here. Make a whole day out of your trip! Check out the Escape Room at Buffalo RiverWorks or enjoy an Ice Bike Rental at Canalside after you skate!
Niagara Power Vista
The Niagara Power Vista is a great place to go if you have kids in town for the holidays. Another free destination for all, The Niagara Power Vista explores the power behind the magnificent Falls and the geology of Niagara. You’ll also discover the argument between two electricity titans, take the chance to design your own dam, operate a power grid during a storm, and walk through a turbine. You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the high-tech virtual ride that takes you plummeting from the sky and into the Niagara River! If you’re family is planning on staying awhile after Turkey Day, or if they’re local, check out the Power Vista’s Dazzling Annual Festival of Trees from December 1st to December 31st. The Festival of Trees features a festive display of artificial evergreens, adorned with energy efficiency lights and decorated for the season by local non-profit groups. Trees are placed throughout the Niagara Power Vista. So go for free and see some trees!
Learning a thing or two at the Niagara Power Vista.
Conclusion
So while you’re busy planning for Turkey Day don’t forget to plan a few things to do in the following days. With free and low-cost activities the whole family can enjoy you’re sure to make plenty of memories to last a lifetime! Thanksgiving is a segue into the rest of the holiday season and there’s no better time to get into the holiday spirit than to spend time together as a family doing fun activities. We hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving and weekend!
Want other ideas on what to do? Check out our Events Page here.