Welcome to the WNY Festivals & Events Guide brought to you by Bee Group Newspapers.

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Events for Saturday, December 15, 2012



Art
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Catherine Loerch Art Exhibit
Fri. Nov 9 to Sun. Dec 30
West Seneca artist Catherine Loerch will be
presenting selected original artworks at her Art
Exhibit November 9th thru December30, 2012 at
the Larkin @ Exchange Building 726 Exchange St.
Buffalo. The exhibit will feature a mix of portraits,
nautical scenes, landscapes and a new
contemporary series in acrylics.
Artist reception Nov.9th @ 6PM-8PM h/c access
Larkin@Exchange Buiding
726 Exchange St., Buffalo NY 14210
See Map
 

Comedy
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Buffalo ComedySportz
Fri. Jul 9 to Sat. Dec 29
Friday's at 8 pm & Saturdays at 7 pm
ComedySportz is improvisational comedy played as a sport! (If you've ever seen Whose Line Is It Anyway?, you've got the general idea.) Two teams of actors compete for the biggest laughs while a referee calls the fouls and gets suggestions from you, the audience.

Everything we do is improvised. We don't have scripts or pre-planned scenes. That's why a ComedySportz match wouldn't be possible without your suggestions. Just make sure your suggestions are clean, or the referee could call the "Brown Bag Foul" on you, and you'll end up wearing a paper bag over your head.
h/c access
Buffalo ComedySportz Arena
4476 Main St. Synder Square, Amherst 14226
http://www.buffalocsz.com
(716) 393-8669
See Map
 
Celebrity Autobiography
Sat. Jul 7 to Sat. Dec 29
Every Saturday at 8 PM
Celebrity Autobiography is a new stand-up comedy series
featuring Buffalo's funniest performers reading ridiculous
excerpts from the memoirs of famous personalities! A local
special guest highlights each week's lineup. Note - some
extreme language. $10 tickets ($5 w/valid student ID) $
Rohall‘s Corner
540 Amherst St., Buffalo NY
http://roadlesstraveledproductions.org/programs/celebauto/
(716) 671-0514
See Map
 
Fourth Annual December Comedy Extravaganza
Sat. Dec 15
7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Amazing Lineup featuring Jamie Travale, Katrina
Brown, Meghan DePonceau, Billy Whalen, Chet
Wild, Nicholas Hurst, Dan Grabowski, Jimi Pidd,
Rick Matthews, Heather MamaRag Stack and Tim
Joyce.

Tickets $10; $5 for groups and Students...Cash
Bar on Premises!!! h/c access, $
The Buffalo Irish Center
245 Abbott Road, Buffalo 14220
https://www.facebook.com/events/466647586712157/
825-9535
See Map
 

Craft Shows
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Last Minute Panic Holiday Marketplace!
Fri. Dec 14 to Sat. Dec 15
December 14th from 4-8pm & Saturday, December 15th from 12-6pm
WNYBAC’s 5th Annual Last Minute Panic
Holiday Marketplace will be held on
Friday, December 14th from 4-8pm &
Saturday, December 15th from 12-6pm at
the WNY Book Arts Center.

Purchase handmade goods from over 25
local artists! From knit-wear,
trinkets, & jewelry, to hand-printed
greeting cards & posters, you will
find loads of last-minute gifts
perfect for giving or hoarding!
h/c access
Western New York Book Arts Center
468 Washington Street, Buffalo 14203
http://wnybookarts.org/events/
7163481430
See Map
 

Dance
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ZUMBA Classes
Thu. Oct 4 to Mon. Dec 31
Dance, Sweat and Have a Lot of Fun! Zumba
Classes are starting today at North Buffalo
Community Church, SBC 350 Kenmore Ave.
Buffalo NY 14223 For more details Join us at 5:45
PM or 7:30 A on Saturday Oct. 6th. This week is
Free Zumba!

After the initial week we will be Dancing Zumba
every Thursday (5:45P) and Saturday (7:30A). If
you want more information contact Minnie at
716-833-6598 (Tues.- Friday 10:30A-4:30P). h/c access, $
North Buffalo Community Church Fellowship Hall
350 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo 14223
www.nbccwny.org
716-833-6598
See Map
 

Family Events
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Breakfast with Santa
Sat. Dec 15
Children eat breakfast and wait for
Santa to arrive. The Shriners marching
band appears and is followed by Santa in
his sleigh with gifts for all! Photos
with Santa are available following the
breakfast.
h/c access
Eastern Hills Mall
4545 Transit Rd, Wmsvl 14221
www.shopeasternhills.com
6331600 ext 201
See Map
 
Christmas at Hidden Valley
Sat. Dec 15 to Sun. Dec 16
December 15 & 16, 9am-3pm
Celebrate Christmas in the country at our
beautiful Lodge this December 15 and 16, 9am-
3pm. Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus served
from 9am-noon, lunch buffet served from noon-
3pm, sleigh rides around the pond 10am-3pm
($7 per person), craft show, reindeer, ornament
making, and cookie decorating. h/c access
Hidden Valley Animal Adventure
2887 Royce Rd, Varysburg 14167
www.hiddenvalleyadventure.com
(585) 535-4100
See Map
 
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Sat. Nov 17 to Sun. Jan 6
SU, MO, TU, WE, TH, FR, SA
Fifteen acres of spectacular Christmas lights. Get an angel's eye view of the Avenue of Saints and the spirit of Christmas from atop the Basilica. Festival open daily 9am-9pm. Lights on 5pm-9pm. Religious Articles Store and Cafeteria. Free parking. h/c access
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine
1023 Swann Road (off Rt 18E), Lewiston 14092
www.fatimashrine.com
754-7489
See Map
 
Hibernating for the Holidays
Sat. Dec 15
2PM-3:30PM
Discover how Tifft wildlife spends the
holiday season! Bring your favorite
adult for a family hands-on adventure
with a craft, activities, and a trail
hike. Non-Members: $5. Buffalo Museum of
Science Members Save 10%. Pre-
registration required. Please call 825-
6397. $
Tifft Nature Preserve
1200 Fuhrmann Blvd, Buffalo 14203
www.sciencebuff.org
716-825-6397
See Map
 
North Pole Express
Sat. Dec 1 to Sun. Dec 16
Sat & Sun 12:00 noon & 3 pm
Take a train ride through the wintery countryside with Santa. Bring your letters and don't forget to wear your pajamas! Hot chocolate and cookies available at the Curriers Station. h/c access, $
Arcade & Attica Railroad
278 Main St, Arcade 14009
arcadeandatticarr.com
585-492-3100
See Map
 
Photos with Santa
Sat. Nov 17 to Mon. Dec 24
Sat., Nov. 17 2012 Thru Mon., Dec. 24 2012
Children can have their picture taken
with Santa. h/c access
Eastern Hills Mall
4545 Transit Rd, Wmsvl 14221
www.shopeasternhills.com
6331600 ext 201
See Map
 
Santa, His Elf & His Reindeer
Sat. Nov 24 to Sun. Dec 23
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
An annual tradition. Santa and one of his elves and their LIVE reindeer welcome children to visit with them in our rare 1949 29-ton red caboose, where each child receives a special gift packet.

It’s all FREE! No camera, don't worry- we will take your photograph and you can obtain it that same evening from www.niagarahobby.com! There is no cost to see Santa, his elf, and his reindeer, and no cost for the photograph! The Holidays are about giving- and we take that seriously at Niagara Hobby & Craft Mart!

Free Gifts For Every Child! Free Photographs!
Bring Your Pet! (Since some children are allergic to animals, we request that pets sit next to Santa)

Saturdays and Sundays
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
November 2012
24 & 25
December 2012
1 & 2 ; 8 & 9 ; 15 & 16 ; 22 & 23 h/c access
Niagara Hobby & Craft Mart
3366 Union Road (at Walden Avenue), Cheektowaga 14225
www.niagarahobby.com
716-681-1666
See Map
 
Spiritual Labyrinth
Tue. Aug 10 to Mon. Dec 31
All day, every day
The Spitiual Labyrinth is available for public
use. It is user friendly with paths that are 3 feet
wide and a circle in the center in which to
mediate and rest. More than one can walk the
path at one time. It is designed to help the user
focus thought and experience a closer
relationship with God. Please come and walk by
yourself, with your family or your group. h/c access
Elma United Methodist Church
2991 Bowen Rd, Elma 14059
www.elmaumclabyrinth.blogspot.com
716-652-5427
See Map
 
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Fri. Nov 30 to Sun. Dec 16
Fri. Nov 30, Dec 7 &14 - 7:30pm, Sat. Dec 1, 8, 15 & Sun. Dec 2, 9, 16 - 2:30pm
A Comedy by BARBARA ROBINSON
Produced by LANCASTER REGIONAL PLAYERS

In this hilarious Christmas tale adapted from the best-selling book, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids - probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem - and the fun - when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story!

Tickets: $20 Adult, $18 Student/Senior, $13 Children (12 and under) h/c access, $
Lancaster Opera House
21 Central Ave., Lancaster 14086
www.lancopera.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_id=158
683-1776
See Map
 
The Great Made in America Store Christmas
Sat. Dec 15
Celebrate the Great Made in America Store Christmas!

You and your family will find more joy in this holiday season if you make it an “All American”
celebration. And, the Made in America Store in Elma, NY, can help you do just that, by
offering holiday gifts that are 100% American-made and a special event, too.

Both are part of this year’s “Great Made in America Store Christmas”.

The event is Saturday, December 15th at the store, which is located at 900 Maple Road in
Elma and online at www.MadeInAmericaStore.com. The event hours are 10am to 4pm.

There will be live performances by country rock singer Ricky Lee, and chainsaw artist Matt
Hannah, as well as a “meet and greet” with Santa Claus.

Other highlights of the “Great Made in America Store Christmas” include a giant Christmas
Tree lighting ceremony, live Alpacas, and a BBQ cookout.

As a special incentive to holiday shoppers, store owner Mark Andol and his staff will be
offering a 10% discount on all purchases all day.

There is no shortage of gifts to choose from…from toys and games, to outdoor grills, tools
and lawn furniture, and food and clothing for the entire family…all of it 100% American-
made.

You’ll leave the store with great, high quality gifts and a new appreciation for your country
and the great products your fellow Americans produce each and every day.

It’s a fact that “Buying American” creates and save American jobs. In fact if every one of us
spent just $64.00 per year on U.S.made items, it would create more than 200,000 jobs!

Mark Andol says ordinary people, as well as the politicians, are really starting to “get it”,
which is why the national and international media have focused so much attention on the
store and the movement it has generated.

Mark adds that it just makes sense to vote with our dollars, because “China is a Long Drive to
Work”!
h/c access
Made In America Store
900 Maple Road, Elma 14059
www.madeinamericastore.com
716-652-4872
See Map
 
The Polar Express Train Ride
Sat. Nov 24 to Sun. Dec 16
Sat. & Sun, 4:40 and 5:50 pm
Train ride and story as the train makes its magical round-trip to the North Pole. Enjoy hot cocoa, a special treat, a special gift, meet Santa and tour the largest RR and Toy Train museum in NY State. $
Medina Railroad Museum
530 West Ave., Medina 14103
www.railroadmuseum.net
585-798-6106
See Map
 
Warhammer Gaming Nights
Sun. Jan 1 to Mon. Dec 31
4:00 pm to 9:00 pm

We have gaming tables for Fantasy and 40,000; feel free to bring along your own table, terrain,
and structures. The more that you bring, the better the gaming experience will be!
For information and tournament schedule, contact Nathan at (716) 681-1666 or e-mail
manager@niagarahobby.com h/c access
Niagara Hobby & Craft Mart
3366 Union Road (at Walden Avenue), Cheektowaga 14225
www.niagarahobby.com
716-681-1666
See Map
 

Festivals
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CAA Winter Festival of Lights
Sat. Nov 3 to Thu. Jan 31
A winter tradition for so many, North America’s
premier illumination festival in Niagara Falls, ON
celebrates 30 years November 3 to January 31,
2013. Enjoy millions of lights and 120+
illuminations, including the Enchantment of
Disney® displays, and TD RINK at the Brink – the
outdoor, ice rink near the brink of the Falls! h/c access
Niagara Parkway
6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON 000000
www.wfol.com
See Map
 
Festival of trees
Sat. Dec 1 to Sat. Jan 5

December 1-January 5: A Festival of Trees
As one of the stops along the Holiday Lights of Niagara Tour, the Power Vista’s glass walkway will feature a dazzling display of artificial evergreen trees, adorned with energy efficient lights. The trees are decorated for the season by local non-profit groups and will be on display through Jan. 5, 2013. Parking and admission at the Power Vista, located at 5777 Lewiston Road in Lewiston, are always free of charge. For more information, call 716-286-6661 or 1-866-NYPA-FUN, or visit www.nypa.gov/vc/niagara.htm for a complete schedule of activities.
h/c access, $
New York Power Authority‘s Power Vista
5777 Lewiston Road, Lewiston 14092
www.nypa.gov
716-286-6650
See Map
 

Fundraiser
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Share the Bear & Snowflake Ornament Promotion
Fri. Nov 23 to Sun. Dec 23
Adorable bears are $10 or beautiful snowflakes are $3 or 2 for $5. Items are sold at the Walden Galleria
Mall or at the Hospice Mitchell Campus, 225 Como Park Blvd. in
Cheektowaga. All proceeds from Share the Bear & Snowflake Ornament promotion, benefit Essential
Care for Children, the pediatric program of The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care.
h/c access, $
Walden Galleria Mall
Galleria Drive, Cheektowaga 14227
www.hospicebuffalo.com
686-8090
See Map
 

Museums / Exhibits
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The Science of Sports
Sat. Sep 29 to Sun. Jan 6
10am-4pm
Aside from being competitive, sports
are a complex equation of math,
physics and biology. Learn why Science
is the M.V.P. on any field, rink,
diamond or court with interactive
exhibits. From the physical impact of
collisions to the technology behind
how hockey ice is created, science
plays an integral role in every
highlight reel and play-by-play.
With the help of your favorite Buffalo
sports teams, players, and coaches,
get a hands-on lesson on The Science
of Sports through some friendly
competition and fun.
Test the accuracy and speed of your
slapshot in the professional RapidShot
hockey training system. Compare your
speed to an NFL runningback. See if
you have the balance of a cheerleader.
Learn the physics behind the
curveball. Examine the scientific
forces competing with the perfect putt
when trying to sink a birdie. Learn
about sports fitness and health,
including concussions.
Exhibit entry is included with general
museum admission and free for BMS
Members.
h/c access, $
Buffalo Museum of Science
1020 Humboldt Pkwy, Buffalo 14211
www.sciencebuff.org
7168965200
See Map
 
War of 1812 Art Exhibit & War on the Lakes Museum Exhibit
Fri. Nov 30 to Sat. Jan 5
Opens Friday, Novembe30 from 5-9 pm. and Wed. Thurs. & Fri. 11-7 pm, Sat. 10-6 p.m. & Sun. 12-5 p.m.
WAR OF 1812 art exhibit with original works by
Rita Auerbach, Robert Averill, Eugene
Cunningham, Doreen DeBoth, John Montague and
J.Tim Raymond.
Also:
WAR ON THE LAKES special museum exhibit never
before seen in the U.S.
Artsphere Studio & Gallery
447 Amherst Street, Buffalo, NY 14207
artspherestudio.com
510-4007
See Map
 

Music / Concerts
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Christmas Concert & Sing-a-Lon
Sat. Dec 15
12/15/12, 7:00 pm
The Harris Hill United Methodist Church Choir will
present their annual Christmas Concert and Sing-
a-Long. Admission is free, everyone is welcome.
Refreshments will be served following the
concert.
h/c access
Harris Hill United Methodist Church
8495 Main Street, Williamsville 14221
harrishillumc.org
632-4688
See Map
 
First Niagara Holiday Pops with Ronan Tynan
Fri. Dec 14 to Sun. Dec 16
8 PM 12/14 and 12/15; 2:30 PM 12/16
Acclaimed Irish tenor Ronan Tynan joins the BPO for WNY's Number 1 holiday tradition, performing a program of holiday classics and a sampling of traditional Irish favorites. h/c access, $
Kleinhans Music Hall
3 Symphony Circle , Buffalo 14201
www.bpo.org
885-5000
See Map
 
Sauce Boss
Sat. Dec 15
Live national act!! Call for details h/c access, $
Armor Inn Tap Room
5381 Abbott Rd, Hamburg 14075
www.armorinn.com
716-202-1315
See Map
 
Tidings of Joy!
Sat. Dec 15
Saturday, Dec 8, 7:00 pm
A choral Christmas concert to benefit the "Neat
Repeats" clothing closet, Hospice Buffalo, and
Mercy
Flight. A free-will offering will be collected
during
the performance to benefit these organizations.
This 40 voice choir was established in 2001; since
that time, it has raised over $15,000 for Western
New York organizations. h/c access, $
St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church
2021 Sandridge, Alden 14004
www.facebook.com/AldenChoir
445-9492
See Map
 

Performance
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Fri. Nov 23 to Sat. Jan 5
Fri, Sat & Sun: 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m., Wed & Thurs: 2:00 p.m.
Forest Lawn kicks off the fourth year of its popular
Sunday In The Cemetery® Concert & Lecture Series
on November 23 with an all-new It WAS A Wonderful
Life (IWAWL), written and directed by Joseph
Demerly. Narrator John Lay, Jr. – the first person to
take up permanent residence in Forest Lawn (in
1850) – introduces several of the friends he’s made
over the last 160+ years at Forest Lawn - all
portrayed by local actors. They, in turn, create
musical, comical and poignant glimpses of
Christmases past, when they enjoyed life on this
side of the Lawn! Hear from one of the founders of
one of Buffalo’s iconic department stores, famous
for its holiday displays. Sing along to some of your
favorite Christmas carols. Learn the story behind
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, as told by his first
wife, now a permanent resident of Forest Lawn. It all
takes place in Forest Lawn’s historic and festively
decorated chapel, with 11:00 a.m. and/or 2:00 p.m.
performances five days a week through January 5,
2013. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by
calling the Forest Lawn office at 885.1600. Seating
is limited; reservations are required. Gift certificates
are available. Visit www.forest-lawn.com for more
information and to learn more about the Sunday In
The Cemetery® Concert & Lecture Series, which
continues with weekly programs every Sunday in
January through April. h/c access, $
Forest Lawn
1411 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209
www.forest-lawn.com
716.885.1600
See Map
 

Sports
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Happy Feet Soccer Leagues
Sun. Sep 16 to Tue. May 28
Mutiple days/time options
Youth Soccer Leagues for kids ages 2-6. Fun Instructional Leagues this fall (outdoor) and winter (indoors). See website for info and registration. h/c access, $
Windom Elementary
3870 Sheldon Rd, Orchard Park 14127
www.happyfeetbuffalo.com
989-9400
See Map
 
Happy Feet Soccer Leagues
Sun. Sep 16 to Mon. May 20
Mutiple days/time options
Youth Soccer Leagues for kids ages 2-6. Fun Instructional Leagues this fall (outdoor) and winter (indoors). See website for info and registration. h/c access, $
Cheektowaga High School
3600 Union Rd, Cheektowaga 14225
www.happyfeetbuffalo.com
989-9400
See Map
 
The Caroler 5K
Sat. Dec 15
4 P.M.
The Caroler 5K is still held in conjunction with
the 40th Annual East Aurora Carolcade on Main
Street which is from 7:00 - 8:00 PM. The 5K race
is a flat and fast run through the beautiful village
streets of East Aurora, NY
Over 2000 people come together and sing
Christmas carol songs with hot cocoa and donut
holes. Santa Clause will be visiting between 7-8
PM on Main St.

Please remember to bring a non-perishable food
item to donate to FISH of East Aurora food
pantry, or an unwrapped toy, as we will be
making an added donation to the Tonawanda
Elks Lodge which was recently devastated by a
fire. The toys for needy children were lost. We
would like to assist in getting more toys for the
children! h/c access, $
Victoria Lanes
206 Main Street, East Aurora 14052
www.eclipsemutisport.com
716-830-6703
See Map
 
Wreck the Halls: QCRG Holiday Smash
Sat. Dec 15
N/a
Fans, friends and family are welcome to make
merry with their favorite skaters and officials for a
night of drinks, dancing and holiday cheer.
Attendants are encouraged to come dressed as a
favorite holiday character. Events will include
pictures with Santa as well as basket raffles and a
50/50 drawing. The Boys of Bainbridge will
provide music for the dance floor and announce
Santa’s entrance.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Stone’s
Buddies, a program for the Women and Childrenâ
€™s Hospital of Buffalo that provides resources,
support, friendship, and fun for children with life-
threatening illnesses. For those interested in
donating, QCRG will also be accepting Stone’s
Buddies wish list items during the event.

The list of items is available here:
http://www.stonesbuddies.org/involved/wishlist.
asp h/c access
The Forvm
4224 Maple Road, Amherst 14226
https://www.facebook.com/events/441693339227692/
(716) 693-1100
See Map
 

Theatre / Stage
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A Christmas Carol
Thu. Dec 6 to Sun. Dec 16
Thursdays and Friday @ 7:30 PM, Saturdays @ 5 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays @ 2 PM
Dickens’ classic adapted and directed by Neal
Radice sponsored by M&T Bank,
WKBW-TV Channel 7, Mighty Taco and Paragon
Advertising

Our 30th season will be like no other. Beloved
British actor John Smeathers who has played
Ebenezer Scrooge for the past 15 years returns to
Buffalo for one last time before retiring from the
role. So, don’t be sold out of Buffalo’s longest
running
holiday treat and the nation's 5th longest running
stage version!
For everyone of every age!
Alleyway Theatre
1 Curtain Up Alley, Buffalo 14202
www.alleyway.com
716 852 2600
See Map
 
A Night of Christmas Dance and Music
Fri. Dec 14 to Sat. Dec 15
December 14, 15 7:30 PM
Towne Players' annual free Christmas Show returns
for two nights only. Admission is a non-perishable
food item. Be a part of a long tradition! h/c access
Sheridan-Parkside Community Center Theater
169 Sheridan-Parkside Dr, Town of Tonawanda 14150
www.towneplayers.com
693-9641
See Map
 
Gypsy
Fri. Nov 30 to Sat. Dec 15
Fri/Sat 7:30, Sunday 12/2 and 12/9 at 3:00
Niagara Regional Theatre Guild presents the musical "Gypsy", the sotry about Gypsy Rose Lee and her famous larger than life stage mother. h/c access, $
Ellicott Creek Playhouse
530 Ellicott Creek Rd, Tonawanda 14150
www.niagaratheatre.com
284-6358
See Map
 


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