Thanksgiving in Ellicottville: Gratitude, Small Business Shopping, and the Start of the Holiday Season
Thanksgiving in Ellicottville: Gratitude, Small Business Shopping, and the Start of the Holiday Season
A heartfelt look at gratitude, community spirit, small-business shopping, and the festive traditions that make the holiday season shine in Ellicottville.
There’s something uniquely grounding about Thanksgiving. It invites us to hit pause on the chaos of daily life, gather with the people who steady us, and savor the quiet moments that often slip by unnoticed. It’s a gentle reminder that gratitude isn’t just a holiday tradition - it’s a mindset that carries us through the year.
Count your blessings, my friends. We truly do have so much to be thankful for here in our corner of western New York. - Snow is in the forecast (bring it!), the resorts are buzzing behind the scenes as they get ready to welcome skiers and riders, and Main Street is twinkling a little brighter each night as storefronts roll out their holiday decor. Cozy breakfasts at our local cafés, live music drifting out of village pubs, and that small-town feeling of bumping into someone you know everywhere you go… it all adds up to a pretty special place to call home.
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS
Speaking of businesses, you’ve heard it before, but it never hurts to be reminded of how important it is to #SHOPLOCAL. The holiday season is an especially great time to exercise this practice, and honestly is quite easy to do in our area, as we have some of the most wonderful and unique storefronts lining the sidewalks in Ellicottville and surrounding communities. These entrepreneurs pour their hearts into their offerings, and they depend on us to help them provide food for their families, experiences for their kids, and simple joys for themselves.
As we approach Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, venture out to the independent retailers in your local community and shop ‘til you drop. Here in the 14731, you might find hand-poured candles and locally infused teas perfect for stocking stuffers, custom beanies and quality socks to keep your favorite skier warm, one-of-a-kind ornaments and framed prints featuring familiar village scenes, or small-batch jams and chocolatey sweets made right here in western New York. Don’t forget the pampered pets on your list - there are plenty of cozy beds, festive collars, and homemade biscuits waiting for them, too. Every purchase is a high-five to a neighbor who chose to invest their time, talent, and savings into this community.
CHRISTMAS IN ELLICOTTVILLE
Load up the car with all your favorite people and make your way to Ellicottville Thanksgiving weekend to kick off the holiday season in style as the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce presents “Christmas in Ellicottville” November 28th–30th. The annual celebration is filled with all the things that make this the most wonderful time of the year. Put that #SHOPLOCAL spirit in high gear and wander the village’s walkable four-block footprint on your search for all the perfect presents for everyone on your list. It’s the best way to pass the time as we anxiously await the ski lifts to start spinning!
The weekend will once again kick off with the festive lighting ceremony Friday evening at Ellicottville’s iconic ski tree, complete with Santa, hot cocoa, and plenty of photo ops. Throughout the weekend, look for horse-drawn wagon rides, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cozy spots for holiday movies, live music, and lots of little surprises that make downtown feel like a Hallmark movie set - only better, because it’s real.
And here’s a fun addition for families this year: The Ellicottville Bake Shop will be hosting the Grinch on Saturday, Nov. 29th from 1:00–3:00pm. Kids are invited to stop in, say hello, and snap a selfie with the green guy. While the Grinch is in the bakery, little visitors can also enjoy FREE “Grinchy Green” hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. It’s a sweet, spirited way to add a little extra cheer to your Christmas in Ellicottville weekend. Look for the full schedule in this week’s issue of ellicottvilleNOW.
GIVING BACK
Want to do some good this season? Many local organizations are stepping up their efforts to support neighbors in need. From mitten trees and coat drives to food pantry collections and adopt-a-family wish lists, there are plenty of ways to share your blessings. Consider picking up an extra toy while you’re shopping local, adding a few non-perishable items to your cart during your next grocery run, or donating a gift card to help a family enjoy a night out in the village.
ERA Team VP Real Estate is rallying our communities with its annual holiday hype - aiming to collect 500 toys for Toys for Tots this season! You can help make a huge impact by donating a new, unwrapped toy at any of their drop-off locations across the region: Arcade, Chautauqua, Fredonia, Ellicottville, Jamestown, Olean, or Warren.
The United Church of Ellicottville will host its annual Christmas Bazaar this Saturday, Nov. 29th from 10:00am-4:00pm, featuring homemade chili, a delicious bake sale, and a variety of craft vendors. It’s a wonderful chance to enjoy comfort food, support local crafters, and pick up a few handmade gifts while giving back to the church’s community efforts.
If your business or organization is organizing a fundraising drive or charitable effort this holiday season - or anytime of year - let us in on the details so we can share it with our readers. Email us at info@ellicottvilleNOW.com.
