The Ultimate Buffalo Thanksgiving Week Checklist

Coming to Buffalo for Thanksgiving means so much more than turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes. Some of the city’s most cherished traditions take place during the Thanksgiving week. Whether you’re an ex-pat coming home for the holidays or a newcomer to Buffalo, you’ll be living like a local when you tick off these events on our ultimate Buffalo Thanksgiving week checklist:

Wednesday, November 27th

✓ Thanksgiving Eve Reunion

After the game, meet up with all of your ol’ Buffalo pals at any of these classic taverns that are perfect for a holiday reunion. If you’re feeling like a festive drink, why not head out on the Tom & Jerry Trail for a sweet, boozy holiday concoction.

Thanksgiving! Thursday, November 28th

✓ The Turkey Trot

While there’s still a chance to sign up to run, the Turkey Trot is still very much a spectator-friendly event. Set your alarm for the early morning on Thanksgiving Day to witness thousands of runners proactively burn off some calories before the big feast. Watch as Superman, Cinderella, sprinting canoers and thousands of others dash through the beautiful streets of Buffalo as they partake in this Thanksgiving tradition. We recommend getting a vantage point at the 198 footbridge or Niagara Square.

Friday, November 29th

✓ Buffalo Holiday Markets

Recreating the magic of holiday markets that are famous across Europe, Buffalo Holiday Markets will feature vendors in wooden chalets, mulled wine, sweet treats and many more seasonal surprises set upon the historic grounds of the Richardson Olmsted Campus. This four-week shopping series will showcase an exceptional mix of artisan crafters and holiday foods from Western New York, including a tree lighting and appearances by the jolly man himself. Check out the full schedule of holiday markets taking place all season long here: Your Guide to Buffalo Holiday Markets & Pop-Ups

✓ Poinsettia Show

Nature’s festive beauty will be in bloom at the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens for their 2024 Poinsettia Show. Shades of red, floral scents and holiday music will fill the warm air of the newly-renovated conservatory. Or come around sundown to experience the poinsettia show during Poinsettias After Dark.

✓ Fairgrounds Festival of Lights

Cruise the illuminated paths of a 10,000 square foot winter wonderland at the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights. Bring the little ones for a tour of the North Pole and a visit to the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Claus. This year, the Festival of Lights features a variety of new displays consisting of over 70 variations of LED light displays, arches and light tunnels. 

✓ Buffalo Sabres at Home

Don your best blue and gold apparel (or the throwback Goathead jersey), hop on the subway downtown toward KeyBank Center and team up with thousands of screaming hockey fans as the Buffalo Sabres take on the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday, November 27 and Vancouver Canucks at 3pm on Friday, November 29, for some raucous, lamp-lighting fun. Get tickets here: Buffalo Sabres vs. Minnesota Wild / Buffalo Sabres vs. Vancouver Canucks

Saturday, November 30th

✓ Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday kicks the local shopping scene into high gear. Along with fashionable boutiques and stores lining Elmwood, Allentown, Hertel Avenue and our other great shopping districts, several locations will be hosting pop-up markets highlighting Buffalo’s creative hometown makers.

Stop by Fall Makers + Shakers: Boozy Artisan Market, Buffalo History Museum Holiday Makers Market, and Buffalo Women’s Gifts Holiday Market for made-in-Buffalo gifts.

✓ The World’s Largest Disco

As much a part of the Thanksgiving holiday as turkey, the World’s Largest Disco is a celebration of 70s fashion, culture and, of course, music. Join celebrities and thousands of disco divas for a night of shaking your groove thing.

✓ A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin at Shea’s

Don’t miss your free opportunity to catch a screening of Home Alone in the grandest theater in Buffalo, which has been meticulously restored to its original, breathtaking beauty. Shea’s continues its special holiday programming with an appearance from a Christmas movie legend, Macaulay Culkin, just in time for the holiday season. The movie screening begins at 7:30pm and will be followed by an on-stage interview with Kevin McAllister… erm, Macaulay Culkin. Get your tickets here: A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin

Sunday, December 1st

✓ Downtown Ice Skating (weather dependent):

Lace up your skates as Canalside and Rotary Rink open the ice for the first skating of the winter season. At Canalside, you’ll find curling, skating, and the famous Buffalo-born ice bikes. Down at Rotary Rink, skating is totally free (plus the cost of skate rentals) and you’ll be joined by dozens of others in the winter wonderland of Downtown Buffalo.

✓ Buffalo Bills Sunday Night Football

The Buffalo Bills are on a roll and take on the San Francisco 49ers in primetime for Sunday Night Football! Bundle up for the best tailgating in the NFL as there’s a bit of lake effect snow in the forecast. How festive! Get tickets for the game here: Buffalo Bills vs. San Francisco 49ers