Christmas Events for Kids in Buffalo (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

13 min read

The Buffalo area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Santa at the Botanical Gardens in Buffalo on November 27 to Movie Matinee: The Polar Express in Buffalo, on December 23. 9 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in New York, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Buffalo for 2026, in Buffalo, Lancaster, Lackawanna and Cheektowaga
  • First: Santa at the Botanical Gardens, Buffalo, November 27. Runs latest: Movie Matinee: The Polar Express, Buffalo, through December 23
  • Free: Community Bank Presents the 2026 Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration, Elf on the Shelf Dance Party, Holiday Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau, Letters to Santa, Graham Cracker Houses, Graham Cracker House Workshop, Staff Movie Vault: Rankin/Bass Marathon, Graham Cracker Houses and Movie Matinee: The Polar Express
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our New York Christmas train rides page.

Buffalo Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
13 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Buffalo, Lancaster, Lackawanna and Cheektowaga
Season
November 27 to December 23, 2026
Free events
9
Kinds of events
holiday crafts, holiday show, Santa visit and breakfast with Santa
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Buffalo Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Santa at the Botanical Gardens in Buffalo on November 27; the last runs to December 23. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Buffalo? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Buffalo

7 confirmed events for kids in Buffalo, soonest first.

Buffalo: Santa at the Botanical Gardens

Santa visitBuffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens · Buffalo

Host
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens (opens in a new tab)
Where
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14218
When
Fri November 27 (5 to 9 pm) and Sat November 28 (10 am to 2 pm), 2026
Cost
Included with garden admission
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Santa visits the Botanical Gardens on two days over Thanksgiving weekend. On Friday, November 27 he joins the evening Poinsettias After Dark hours from 5 to 9 pm, and on Saturday, November 28 he returns during the day from 10 am to 2 pm. The colorful Poinsettia Exhibit makes the backdrop for family photos.

Kids can complete a festive scavenger hunt while exploring the conservatory, and they are invited to bring a letter to Santa or write one on arrival. The holiday train display also returns this year, with a G scale train running through the Bonsai house surrounded by poinsettias, set up with help from the Medina Railroad Museum. Visits with Santa are included with regular admission, and tickets can be purchased online through the gardens' website.

Parent tip: Bring a letter for Santa or write one at the gardens. Pick the Friday evening for a nighttime visit or Saturday for a daytime one.

See dates and details from Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens (opens in a new tab)

Buffalo: Community Bank Presents the 2026 Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

Tree lightingFreeBuffalo Place · Buffalo

Host
Buffalo Place (opens in a new tab)
Where
Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza, Main St at Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
Cost
Free; skate rental $2 for kids, $3 for adults
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Buffalo Place's annual Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting opens the free skating season at Rotary Rink in Fountain Plaza. Skating starts at 5 pm, and at 6 pm the crowd counts down to the lighting of the official tree, followed by fireworks over the plaza.

After the fireworks the evening keeps going with visits with Santa from 6:30 to 8 pm, holiday gifts, face painting, short train rides for children and more skating. All activities are free and open to the public. Skating itself is free, and rental skates cost $2 for children and $3 for adults, so families who own skates can skip the rental line. It is an outdoor event in December in Buffalo, so plan on warm layers for little ones who want to stay for both the lighting and Santa.

Parent tip: Santa visits run 6:30 to 8 pm. Bring your own skates to avoid the rental line.

See dates and details from Buffalo Place (opens in a new tab)

Buffalo: Graham Cracker Houses

Holiday craftsFreeBuffalo & Erie County Public Library · Buffalo

Host
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14208
When
Thursday, December 10, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Toddlers, preschool, children, teens, all ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library on Jefferson Avenue hosts a Graham Cracker Houses craft night on Thursday, December 10 from 6 to 7:30 pm in the branch meeting room. The library invites families to join in for some crafting fun as they build their own little houses from graham crackers.

The program is listed for toddlers, preschoolers, children, teens and all ages, which makes it a good pick for siblings of different ages to do together. The listing says more information is coming, so check the event page closer to the date for any sign up or supply notes. Library programs like this are free, and an evening time slot makes it easy to fit in after school or work during the busy weeks before the holidays.

Parent tip: The library says more details are coming, so check the event page before you go.

See dates and details from Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Buffalo: Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with SantaBuffalo Zoo · Buffalo

Host
Buffalo Zoo (opens in a new tab)
Where
Buffalo Zoo, Children's Resource Center, 300 Parkside Ave, Buffalo, NY 14214
When
Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026, 9 am to 1 pm
Cost
Ticketed; prices not yet posted (zoo admission included)
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Buffalo Zoo hosts Breakfast with Santa on two Saturdays, December 12 and 19, in the Children's Resource Center. Families pick one of two sessions, 9 to 10:30 am or 11:30 am to 1 pm, and enjoy a breakfast buffet, festive activities, a hot chocolate station and a meet and greet with Santa Claus and some of the zoo's animal ambassadors.

Zoo admission is included with the breakfast ticket, so you can stay after the meal and explore. The zoo suggests warming up in the M&T Rainforest Falls building or watching animals in their winter habitats. When last checked the zoo said tickets would go on sale soon, so watch the event page and buy early since seatings are limited to two per day.

Parent tip: Tickets were listed as coming soon; check the event page. Admission to the zoo is included, so plan time to explore after breakfast.

See dates and details from Buffalo Zoo (opens in a new tab)

Buffalo: Toddler Time: Jingle Bell Jam

Holiday story timeExplore & More Children's Museum · Buffalo

Host
Explore & More Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
Explore & More Children's Museum, 130 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 10 am
Cost
$20 per child and guardian, includes museum admission
Ages
18 months to 3 years
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Explore & More's monthly Toddler Time class goes holiday themed on Saturday, December 12 with Jingle Bell Jam. The one hour program, from 9 to 10 am, is built for children 18 months to 3 years old and their caregiver, with story time, crafts and a jingle bell jam to celebrate the season.

Toddler Time classes also include museum exploration, circle time with counting and weather practice, fine and gross motor activities and a take home art project. Each class costs $20 and covers the class plus museum admission for one child and one guardian, so families can keep playing in the museum afterward. The museum notes that classes fill quickly and that members receive a discount, so register ahead through the classes page.

Parent tip: Classes fill fast, so register early. Members get a discount.

See dates and details from Explore & More Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)

Buffalo: Staff Movie Vault: Rankin/Bass Marathon

Holiday showFreeBuffalo & Erie County Public Library · Buffalo

Host
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Isaías González-Soto Branch Library, 280 Porter Ave, Buffalo, NY 14201
When
Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3 to 5:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The González-Soto Branch Library's Staff Movie Vault series picks a holiday triple feature for Thursday, December 17. Staff selected three Rankin/Bass stop motion classics: The Year Without a Santa Claus, Nestor the Long Eared Christmas Donkey and Rudolph's Shiny New Year, all rated TV G and suitable for all ages.

The marathon runs from 3 to 5:30 pm in the branch auditorium. The library will have snacks and drinks for people watching, and outside food and drink are allowed, so families can bring their own treats too. It is a relaxed, free way to spend an after school afternoon during the holiday season, and it works well for kids who are old enough to sit through a couple of short films.

Parent tip: Snacks and drinks are provided, and outside food is allowed.

See dates and details from Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Buffalo: Movie Matinee: The Polar Express

Holiday showFreeBuffalo & Erie County Public Library · Buffalo

Host
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Buffalo & Erie County Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203
When
Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 3 to 5 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Children, teens and adults
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Central Library in downtown Buffalo hosts a free Movie Matinee of The Polar Express on Wednesday, December 23. The showing starts at 3 pm in the library's Ring of Knowledge space and is listed for children, teens and adults.

The G rated animated film follows a doubting young boy who takes a magical train ride to the North Pole and learns that the wonder of the season stays with those who believe. The library lists a running time of about two hours, so it fits nicely into a winter break afternoon when kids are out of school. It is a low key, no cost way to get into the holiday spirit downtown, and it pairs well with a stop at the nearby Fountain Plaza rink.

Parent tip: The listing gives a run time of about two hours; arrive a little early for seats.

See dates and details from Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Lancaster

3 confirmed events for kids in Lancaster, soonest first.

Lancaster: Elf on the Shelf Dance Party

Holiday showFreeLancaster Public Library · Lancaster

Host
Lancaster Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lancaster Public Library, 5466 Broadway, Lancaster, NY 14086 (near Buffalo)
When
Monday, December 7, 2026, 11 am to noon
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Lancaster Public Library hosts an Elf on the Shelf Dance Party on Monday, December 7 from 11 am to noon. Kids are invited to move and groove at a special dance party with the Elf on the Shelf, presented by Emmalee's Memories. The program is open to all ages and is listed under the library's children's programs, so it suits preschoolers and young school age kids especially well.

Registration is required and space is limited. Sign up opened Monday, November 9 through the library's online event page, and you can also call the library at 716 683 1120. A late morning weekday time makes this a nice outing for families with little ones who are not yet in full day school.

Parent tip: Registration is required and space is limited; call 716 683 1120 if you need help signing up.

See dates and details from Lancaster Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Lancaster: Holiday Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau

Holiday craftsFreeLancaster Public Library · Lancaster

Host
Lancaster Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lancaster Public Library, 5466 Broadway, Lancaster, NY 14086 (near Buffalo)
When
Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 5 to 12
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Lancaster Public Library teams up with the Lancaster Youth Bureau for an hour of holiday crafts on Wednesday, December 9 from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. Children make a set of fun holiday crafts to take home, which can double as handmade gifts or decorations.

The program is designed for ages 5 to 12. Registration is required and opens Wednesday, November 18, either online through the event page or by calling the library at 716 683 1120. The after school time slot works well for elementary age kids, and it is a free, hands on way to spend part of a December afternoon. Lancaster is an easy drive east of Buffalo along Broadway. The Lancaster library is part of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library system, and its event pages list each December program separately.

Parent tip: Registration opens November 18; sign up online or call 716 683 1120.

See dates and details from Lancaster Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Lancaster: Graham Cracker House Workshop

Holiday craftsFreeLancaster Public Library · Lancaster

Host
Lancaster Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lancaster Public Library, 5466 Broadway, Lancaster, NY 14086 (near Buffalo)
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 am to noon
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 5 to 12
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Lancaster Public Library offers a Graham Cracker House Workshop on Saturday, December 12, with two half hour sessions at 10:30 am and 11:30 am. Children create their own festive graham cracker house to bring home and show off.

The workshop is for ages 5 to 12, and each session is registered separately, so pick the time that suits your morning. Registration opened Saturday, November 14 through the library's online event pages, or you can call 716 683 1120. Because sessions are short and spaces fill, it helps to register early and arrive a few minutes ahead. The same library also hosts holiday crafts and an Elf on the Shelf dance party earlier in the month.

Parent tip: Register for one session per child; call 716 683 1120 with questions.

See dates and details from Lancaster Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Lackawanna

2 confirmed events for kids in Lackawanna, soonest first.

Lackawanna: Letters to Santa

Santa visitFreeLackawanna Public Library · Lackawanna

Host
Lackawanna Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lackawanna Public Library, 560 Ridge Rd, Lackawanna, NY 14218 (near Buffalo)
When
Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
Cost
Free; register by Dec 4 for a treat
Ages
Children
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Lackawanna Public Library invites children to write their Letter to Santa on Wednesday, December 9 at 6 pm. While kids work on their letters, the library will screen the classic Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, which keeps the mood festive and gives younger children something to enjoy between drawings and wish lists.

Registered attendees receive a special treat to take home. To secure a treat, register by December 4, and note that registration is limited to 30 kids, so it is worth signing up early. The program is free and listed for children. Lackawanna sits just south of Buffalo, a short drive from the Botanical Gardens on South Park Avenue. The library returns on December 19 with a family graham cracker house workshop for anyone who wants another holiday visit.

Parent tip: Register by December 4 to reserve a take home treat; spots are limited to 30 children.

See dates and details from Lackawanna Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Lackawanna: Graham Cracker Houses

Holiday craftsFreeLackawanna Public Library · Lackawanna

Host
Lackawanna Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lackawanna Public Library, 560 Ridge Rd, Lackawanna, NY 14218 (near Buffalo)
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 11 am to noon
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
All ages, geared toward families
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Lackawanna Public Library hosts a family Graham Cracker Houses workshop on Saturday, December 19 from 11 am to noon in the Community Room. Everyone gets to build and decorate their own graham cracker house, and the library provides all of the supplies.

The event is open to all ages and is geared toward families, so parents and kids can work side by side. Registration is required, so sign up through the event page before you go. The library also notes that anyone needing an accommodation can contact the ADA coordinator at least seven days before the program. A Saturday morning time makes it an easy weekend activity during the last stretch before Christmas. Earlier in the month, the same library hosts a Letters to Santa evening with a Rudolph screening on December 9.

Parent tip: Registration is required. Accommodation requests go to access@buffalolib.org at least seven days ahead.

See dates and details from Lackawanna Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Cheektowaga

1 confirmed event for kids in Cheektowaga, soonest first.

Cheektowaga: Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster's Buffalo

Breakfast with SantaDave & Buster's · Cheektowaga

Host
Dave & Buster's (opens in a new tab)
Where
Dave & Buster's Buffalo, Walden Galleria, 1 Galleria Dr, Cheektowaga, NY 14225 (near Buffalo)
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11 am
Cost
$27.94 food only, $33.01 food plus play, per person plus booking fee
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Dave & Buster's at the Walden Galleria hosts a Saturday morning breakfast with Santa before the store opens to the public. Families get a buffet of pancakes, eggs, bacon and fruit with unlimited soda and juice, plus a photo with Santa, holiday crafts and a chance to write a letter to Santa.

The food only ticket is $27.94 per person. The food plus play ticket is $33.01 and adds a $10 Power Card with three hours of unlimited video game play after breakfast. Both are plus a booking fee on the Fever ticket page. The restaurant is at 1 Galleria Dr, and the breakfast runs from 9 to 11 am before the store opens to the public. Children must be with an adult.

Parent tip: Choose the food plus play ticket only if you plan to stay for the arcade after breakfast.

See dates and details from Dave & Buster's (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our New York Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for New York City, Rochester, NY, Albany, NY and Syracuse. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Buffalo Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Buffalo in 2026?

We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Buffalo for 2026 on each host’s own page: Santa at the Botanical Gardens in Buffalo (November 27), Community Bank Presents the 2026 Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration in Buffalo (December 5), Elf on the Shelf Dance Party in Lancaster (December 7), Holiday Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau in Lancaster (December 9), Letters to Santa in Lackawanna (December 9), Graham Cracker Houses in Buffalo (December 10), Breakfast with Santa in Buffalo (December 12), Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster's Buffalo in Cheektowaga (December 12), Graham Cracker House Workshop in Lancaster (December 12), Toddler Time: Jingle Bell Jam in Buffalo (December 12), Staff Movie Vault: Rankin/Bass Marathon in Buffalo (December 17), Graham Cracker Houses in Lackawanna (December 19) and Movie Matinee: The Polar Express in Buffalo (December 23). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Buffalo, New York?

For families in and around Buffalo, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Santa at the Botanical Gardens (Fri, Nov 27, 5 to 9 pm; Sat, Nov 28, 10 am to 2 pm, included with garden admission); Community Bank Presents the 2026 Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration (Sat, Dec 5, 5 to 8 pm (tree lighting at 6 pm), free; skate rental $2 for kids, $3 for adults); Graham Cracker Houses (Thu, Dec 10, 6 to 7:30 pm, free); Breakfast with Santa (Sat, Dec 12 and 19; seatings 9 am or 11:30 am, ticketed; prices not yet posted (zoo admission included)); Toddler Time: Jingle Bell Jam (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 10 am, $20 per child and guardian, includes museum admission); Staff Movie Vault: Rankin/Bass Marathon (Thu, Dec 17, 3 to 5:30 pm, free); Movie Matinee: The Polar Express (Wed, Dec 23, 3 to 5 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Buffalo section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Lancaster, New York?

For families in and around Lancaster, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Elf on the Shelf Dance Party (Mon, Dec 7, 11 am to noon, free, registration required); Holiday Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau (Wed, Dec 9, 4:30 to 5:30 pm, free, registration required); Graham Cracker House Workshop (Sat, Dec 12, 10:30 am or 11:30 am sessions, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Lancaster section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Lackawanna, New York?

For families in and around Lackawanna, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Letters to Santa (Wed, Dec 9, 6 to 7 pm, free; register by dec 4 for a treat); Graham Cracker Houses (Sat, Dec 19, 11 am to noon, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Lackawanna section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Cheektowaga, New York?

For families in and around Cheektowaga, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster's Buffalo (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 11 am, $27.94 food only, $33.01 food plus play, per person plus booking fee). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Cheektowaga section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Buffalo?

Yes. 9 of the 13 events here are free: Community Bank Presents the 2026 Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration in Buffalo, Elf on the Shelf Dance Party in Lancaster, Holiday Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau in Lancaster, Letters to Santa in Lackawanna, Graham Cracker Houses in Buffalo, Graham Cracker House Workshop in Lancaster, Staff Movie Vault: Rankin/Bass Marathon in Buffalo, Graham Cracker Houses in Lackawanna and Movie Matinee: The Polar Express in Buffalo. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Buffalo this December?

Santa appears at Santa at the Botanical Gardens in Buffalo (November 27), Community Bank Presents the 2026 Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration in Buffalo (December 5), Letters to Santa in Lackawanna (December 9), Breakfast with Santa in Buffalo (December 12) and Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster's Buffalo in Cheektowaga (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Buffalo?

Holiday story times on this page: Toddler Time: Jingle Bell Jam in Buffalo. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Buffalo?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Breakfast with Santa in Buffalo (Sat, Dec 12 and 19; seatings 9 am or 11:30 am) and Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster's Buffalo in Cheektowaga (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 11 am). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

Which Buffalo Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Graham Cracker Houses in Buffalo (Toddlers, preschool, children, teens, all ages) and Toddler Time: Jingle Bell Jam in Buffalo (18 months to 3 years).

How much is Santa at the Botanical Gardens in Buffalo?

Included with garden admission. Santa at the Botanical Gardens is on Fri November 27 (5 to 9 pm) and Sat November 28 (10 am to 2 pm), 2026 at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Community Bank Presents the 2026 Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration in Buffalo?

Free; skate rental $2 for kids, $3 for adults. Community Bank Presents the 2026 Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Elf on the Shelf Dance Party in Lancaster?

Free, registration required. Elf on the Shelf Dance Party is on Monday, December 7, 2026, 11 am to noon at Lancaster Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau in Lancaster?

Free, registration required. Holiday Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Lancaster Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Letters to Santa in Lackawanna?

Free; register by Dec 4 for a treat. Letters to Santa is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Lackawanna Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Graham Cracker Houses in Buffalo?

Free. Graham Cracker Houses is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm at Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa in Buffalo?

Ticketed; prices not yet posted (zoo admission included). Breakfast with Santa is on Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026, 9 am to 1 pm at Buffalo Zoo, Children's Resource Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster's Buffalo in Cheektowaga?

$27.94 food only, $33.01 food plus play, per person plus booking fee. Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster's Buffalo is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11 am at Dave & Buster's Buffalo, Walden Galleria. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Graham Cracker House Workshop in Lancaster?

Free, registration required. Graham Cracker House Workshop is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 am to noon at Lancaster Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Toddler Time: Jingle Bell Jam in Buffalo?

$20 per child and guardian, includes museum admission. Toddler Time: Jingle Bell Jam is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 10 am at Explore & More Children's Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Staff Movie Vault: Rankin/Bass Marathon in Buffalo?

Free. Staff Movie Vault: Rankin/Bass Marathon is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3 to 5:30 pm at Isaías González-Soto Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Graham Cracker Houses in Lackawanna?

Free, registration required. Graham Cracker Houses is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 11 am to noon at Lackawanna Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Movie Matinee: The Polar Express in Buffalo?

Free. Movie Matinee: The Polar Express is on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 3 to 5 pm at Buffalo & Erie County Central Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Buffalo?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Buffalo Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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