Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas Returns to EBC Dec. 5th

Dec 3

ELLICOTTVILLE - If you’re looking for a night that feels like pure holiday magic - Ellicottville style - you’ll find it at Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas. The 20th annual celebration returns to the Ellicottville Brewing Company this Friday, December 5th at 6:00pm, combining festive fun, live and silent auctions, scrumptious pies, and the kind of generosity that Bob himself was known for.

This year, EBC and the Winery of Ellicottville are once again stepping up in a big way, donating proceeds from special beer and wine sales directly to the Bob McCarthy Foundation. Brew master Dan Minner is even rolling out a limited-edition draft along with the classic McCarthy Irish Red to toast the evening.

A “Taste of Ireland” (and Beyond): Come hungry - seriously! Some of your favorite local restaurants are cooking up hearty comfort dishes for just a $5 donation each. Every bite supports the foundation’s holiday and year-round programs.

Katy’s: Guinness Irish Stew
Madigan’s: Guinness Mac & Cheese
The Silver Fox: Bangers & Mash
Villaggio: Pasta & Meatballs (no Irish here, but they’re embracing the spirit)
Dina’s: Irish Cream Bread Pudding
Ellicottville Syrup Co.: A maple-sweetened surprise dessert

Live Music, Irish Magic & Can’t-Miss Auction Items: The evening kicks off with Asa on the bagpipes, a toast to Bob, and a performance from the newest group of Ellicottville Central School dancers supported through the Bob McCarthy Foundation.

From there, the energy ramps up as Crikwater, a high-octane Celtic band from South Buffalo, takes the stage. Think pub-style harmonies, tight fiddle tunes, and all the gritty, joyful spirit of a traditional Irish session.

Throughout the beer hall, you’ll find an extensive Irish Basket Raffle, silent auction tables, and one of the most entertaining live auctions of the season. Local legend Brooks LeFeber returns to the mic, offering up a limited selection of treasures - from original Bob McCarthy garden art to a handcrafted pie cabinet, artisan pieces from Ed Frederickson, Sam Sheehy, Pat Burke, and Hughey Dunn, plus a Florida condo getaway, and more. In true McCarthy fashion, each live auction item comes with a homemade pie or baked good from local community members.

The silent auction is bigger than ever this year, with standouts like Bourbon Baskets, HoliMont ski passes, and a summer fun package from Holiday Valley, to name a few. The Irish Basket Raffle, curated by Brooke Szpaicher and Mila Clauss, also returns upstairs with incredible prizes and easy participation: 25 tickets for $25, plus a door prize entry.

Free to Attend, Priceless in Spirit: There’s no admission fee, and you’re welcome to stop in just to browse, but chances are you’ll get swept up in the fun. Irish Christmas has grown into one of the most-loved holiday gatherings in town, reflecting the compassion and community that Bob championed.

Proceeds from the night support the foundation’s biggest initiatives, including Santa’s Workshop, Shop With a Cop, and the Santa Sheriff Program, plus year-round assistance for local families in need. Bob always said, “Irish Christmas is a night of Irish magic. I don’t know how the magic gets there, but it just does.” Somehow, year after year, he’s still right.

If you can’t attend, donations can be made online at bobmccarthyfoundation.com/donate or mailed to: Bob McCarthy Foundation, PO Box 301, Ellicottville, NY 14731. Kick off the holiday season with a night that brings out the best of Ellicottville. Irish Christmas starts at 6:00pm this Friday, Dec. 5th at EBC. See you there!