Holiday Guide for Orleans County, NY

Welcome to Orleans County, NY, located within the Greater Niagara Region - just an hour's drive from Niagara Falls USA or Canada & Buffalo to the west and Rochester & the Finger Lakes Region to the east. 

As the holiday season approaches, Orleans County becomes a picturesque Hallmark Christmas town. With light displays, parades, festive celebrations, and charming shops and restaurants, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a local or a visitor, we've got a guide to help you fully enjoy the holidays. 

Parades and Celebrations 

Every year Medina kicks off the holiday season with their annual Olde Tyme Christmas & Parade of Lights on Saturday November 30th, 2024. An enchanting evening of lights and joy on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, marking the holiday season's magical beginning. You will want to stay the day for this celebration. Festive activities will be happening all day long at local small businesses and throughout the town. Meet Santa, shop local, and dine at our many restaurants and cafes. End your day of activities with watching the biggest and brightest Parade of Lights. Learn more about Christmas in Medina here.

Holley, NY will be having their annual Memory Bulb Tree Lighting & Holiday Social on Saturday December 7th, 2024. Stay tuned for more information by following the Village of Holley Festivals Facebook page by clicking here. 

Albion, NY is home to the famous Charlie Howard and Santa Claus School. In 1937, resident Charlie Howard (1896-1966) established a world famous Santa Claus School at his Albion farmhouse, the first of its kind & was considered the Dean of the Santa Claus School. He was the 1st nationally televised Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Santa & held that gig for 17 years. The farmhouse is currently a private residence. A statue of Mr. Howard is dedicated in Waterman Park on N. Main St., Albion.

Happening in Albion this season is Charles W. Howard Hometown Parade on December 14th, 2024. Plan to spend the entire day enjoying the festivities of "Hometown Holiday," which will be happening across the town and in the Albion small business district leading up to the parade. Stay up to date with Albion Merchant's Association events on Facebook. 

An hour before Albion's parade, Barre will host its Lighted Tractor Parade. Barre is just a 10-minute drive from Albion. The parade will start at 5:30 pm. More information regarding the event will be coming soon, stay up to date with their Facebook. 

Stay up to date with our events during your visit. To view our Orleans County events calendar click here. 

Medina Railroad Museum | Polar Express Train Ride

​November 30th & December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22nd

​Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical one-hour trip to meet Santa.

​Once on board, the conductor will come around and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. During the trip, characters on each car lead fantastic onboard entertainment!

​When we arrive at the North Pole, Santa will join us for the ride back to the museum.

Santa will give each child the first gift of Christmas, a sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride!

​Families can explore the railroad museum’s exhibits and interactive model train layout.

​Come Hungry! They have a food vendor on site, conveniently located on our grounds, with several meal options, sides, snacks and beverages to choose from.

All items purchased from the vendor may be brought onto the train.

Buy tickets here!

Holiday Shopping

For unique gifts, visit one of the many local businesses in Orleans County. Some examples of local businesses and boutiques include:

1. a lily & a sparrow | Medina, NY

A local small business that carries a variety of clothing, handbags and fragances. To learn more check out their Facebook page. 

2. Brushstrokes Studio | Albion, NY

The perfect way to put a personal touch on a gift. A paint your own pottery studio. They offer a large supply of pre-poured pottery for you to choose from as well as a wide array of colors to match any décor. To learn more check out their website. 

3. Hurd Orchards | Holley, NY

Family-owned fruit and flower farm and canning company located on the Erie Canal in Holley, NY. Offers "From the Farm Gift Collections" for the holiday season. Each one is handmade and heartfelt and features the harvest of their own acres. To learn more visit their website. 

4. Rosenkrans Gift Shop & Pharmacy | Medina, NY

Opened in 1937 Rosenkrans Pharmacy has expanded through the years to include the gift shop as we know it. Still locally owned, still staffed with locals and still providing many of your gift and home decor needs. Boyd's Bears, Yankee Bath & Body, Yankee candles, Camille Beckman, Fenton glass gift baskets, free gift wrapping. To learn more check out their Facebook. 

5. Unique Co-Ops

The Downtown Browsery | Medina, NY and Albion, NY

70+ vendors at 2 locations featuring antiques, vintage, primitives, handcrafted items, collectibles, salvage & other unique gifts. Located in Albion & Medina. Check them out on our website here. 

Modern Mercantile | Medina, NY

Co-op with over 30 vendors featuring collectibles, hand made items, and antiques. Check out their website here. 

Filomena's Favorites | Medina, NY

Co-op with primitives, tole painting, jewelry, dried florals, baskets, antiques, hand carved birds & water fowl and pilgrim candles. Check them out on Facebook. 

For those wishing to get a head start on their holiday shopping, come to Medina, NY on Thursday, November 21st for "Moonlight Madness". Experience "Moonlight Madness" in Medina, a vibrant night of pre-holiday sales, where local businesses showcase exclusive deals. It's the ideal time for early holiday shopping and enjoying the festive community ambiance. 

These are only a few of the many small businesses in Orleans County. To explore all of our local businesses check out our "Shop" page here. 

Warm Drinks and Baked Goods

Kick off or wrap up your day of holiday festivities with a cozy drink or some delicious baked goods. Whether you prefer to dine in or grab something to go, it’s ideal for a night of driving around to admire the Christmas lights throughout the county. Luckily, there are plenty of cafes and bakeries to choose from!

1. The Coffee Pot Cafe | Medina, NY

The Coffee Pot Cafe was born out of a passion to bring you our absolute best. Every element, from the devotion of their founder to the dedication of the frontline team. The perfect cozy atmosphere to warm up and enjoy a delicious drink or baked good. Check our their Facebook here.

2. Rise & Grind Cafe | Albion, NY

Only a short walk away from the Erie Canal is Rise & Grind Cafe. Has everything from ice and hot coffee to sweet and savory goods. Check out their Facebook here

3. Shirt Factory | Medina, NY

From coffee to cocktails, the Shirt Factory does it all. Perfect place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Check out their website here. 

4. Factory Espresso at Hart | Medina, NY

Newly opened, is the Factory Espresso bar located inside the Hart House Hotel. Boasts a large menu full of classics and specials of espresso, lattes, cappuccino's, hot chocolate, and more. Also serves food. Check them out here.

To view a full list of all cafes in Orleans County, check our our "cafe" page here. 

 

Dining

After spending a day in the cold winter air, warm up at one of Orleans County's local restaurants. For a fine dining experience visit Harvest Restaurant located in Bent's Opera House in Medina, NY.  At Harvest, they strive for perfect balance in flavor and to source seasonally sustainable ingredients, so that every meal will be satisfying. Or visit Zambistro's in Medina, NY where Chef Michael Zambito blends seasonal flavors and bold ingredients to create his spin on upscale comfort food. Newly opened in Albion, NY is the Tavern on the Ridge. Formerly known as Tillman's Village Inn, experience their dynamic new menu and revitalized atmosphere. Now open under expert chef management.

For a more casual dining experience visit the Country Club Restaurant in Medina, NY for authentic Greek foods, or visit the Village House Restaurant in Albion, NY open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week while providing four or five homemade soups, fresh fish daily, pasta, prime rib, fresh veal, seafood, and daily specials. Check out Dustin's Pizzeria, in Holley, NY that has delicious pizza, wings, subs, plates, finger foods, tacos, burgers, hots or chicken.

 

Lodging: Traveling during the holidays? Reserve a room at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Medina, a 55-room hotel or Dollinger's Motor Inn in Albion. Or, stay & relax at any one of our waterfront cottages & cabins, boutique hotels, or quaint B&B's. To learn more about lodging in Orleans County click here. 

Stay up to date with our events during your visit. To view our Orleans County events calendar click here. 

We, at Orleans County Tourism, hope you have a great time enjoying the holidays in our county. To request more information explore our website, email info@orleanscountytourism.com, or call 585-589-3100. To request a FREE travel guide, click here.