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 & Festivals

Each year, Medina kicks off the season with their Olde Tyme Christmas and Parade of Lights on Saturday, November 29, 2025. This beloved event, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, marks the official start of the holidays with a day full of activities, a parade at night and fireworks to wrap up the day. 

Spend the day in Medina before the parade begins. You can explore the many local shops, meet Santa, and enjoy a meal or sweet treat at one of the town’s cozy cafés or restaurants. The day ends with the biggest and brightest Christmas parades in the region. Learn more about Christmas in Medina here.

The Town of Clarendon will celebrate with its annual Christmas Parade on Friday, December 5, beginning at 7 p.m. The parade will step off from the Clarendon Fire House (16169 E. Lee Rd., Holley, NY) and make its way to the Clarendon Historical Society (16426 Fourth Section Rd., Route 31A). Visitors can enjoy refreshments at the end of the route and a special visit from Santa himself.

In Holley, the holiday season begins with the Memory Bulb Tree Lighting and Holiday Social on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The event has plenty of family-friendly activities during the day, including carriage rides, leading up to the tree lighting at night. You can find the latest updates on the Village of Holley Festivals Facebook page.

A short drive east in Albion, the season carries a special kind of holiday magic. Albion is home to Charles W. Howard (1896–1966), founder of the world’s first Santa Claus School, which opened in 1937 at his farmhouse. Known as the “Dean of Santa Clauses,” Howard was the first nationally televised Santa in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a role he proudly held for 17 years. Today, his legacy lives on through a statue in his honor at Waterman Park on North Main Street.

Every December, Albion celebrates that legacy with the Charles W. Howard Hometown Holiday Parade, happening this year on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Plan to spend the day enjoying “Hometown Holiday,” a day-long celebration featuring shopping, dining, and festive activities throughout the small business district. Stay up to date with event details by following the Albion Merchants Association on Facebook.

Before the Albion parade begins, take a short drive down the road to Barre to catch the Lighted Tractor Parade, also happening on December 13 at 5:30 p.m. This unique event combines small-town charm with holiday creativity as tractors and farm equipment light up the night. Updates will be shared on Barre’s Facebook page.

The Village of Lyndonville also celebrates the season. Each year, Veterans Memorial Park is transformed into a sparkling display of Christmas trees decorated by residents in memory of their loved ones. On the first Saturday in December, the village fills with holiday joy, hosting festive activities and gatherings along Main Street.

No matter where you visit in Orleans County, you’ll find that each town has its own way of spreading holiday cheer. Stay connected and plan your trip around these local favorites by checking out the Orleans County Events Calendar.

Medina Railroad Museum | Polar Express Train Ride

​November 22,23, 29 & December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 & 23

​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 one-of-a-kind gifts, explore the charming local shops and boutiques scattered throughout Orleans County. A few options 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 20 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. 

Christmas Tree Farms

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a fresh, real Christmas tree to get you into the holiday spirit! Luckily, Orleans County is dotted with charming Christmas tree farms, making it easy, and fun, to pick out the perfect tree close to home. Bundle up, sip some cocoa, and make a day of finding your family’s holiday centerpiece!

Roberts Farm Market | Medina, NY

A family farm located in Medina, NY. Has fresh made Christmas wreaths and u-cut Christmas tree patch. To learn more check out their website. 

County House Christmas Trees | Albion, NY

Fresh and potted Christmas trees, Winter Farmers Market featuring all local produce, Designer Wreaths, Holiday Arrangements, Handmade Gifts, Baked Goods. Open the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. To learn more check out their Facebook page. 

Partyka Farms | Kendall, NY

Seasonal produce, peaches, apples, pumpkins/signature pumpkin seeds, bird seed, apple cider, ice cream, craft center, lush green houses. Summer play yard, picnic tables, and grill. Headquarters of the Country Barn Quilt Trail. The holiday season brings a festive air to the market with an array of fresh Wreaths and Christmas Trees, as well as, a lot of fun gift, décor ideas and baked goods. To learn more about Partyka Farms check out their website. 

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. The Webber Cafe | Lyndonville, NY

Enjoy farm-fresh breakfast pastries and sandwiches, hearty lunch options like sandwiches and soups, farm-to-table heat-and-eat dinners, and warm, cozy drinks. Check out their Facebook 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. In Albion, try 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 Sam's Diner, in Holley, NY that has a classic, American diner serving breakfast, lunch and dinner along with delicious daily specials. Their breakfast menu offers eggs your way, pancakes, french toast, omelettes, breakfast wraps and of course, Belgian, strawberry and blueberry waffles.Their lunch and dinner menus offer a huge selection of classics such as, chicken slouvaki dinners, steak dinners, Italian favorites, seafood, sandwiches, wraps and many more. 

View more dining options in Orleans County here.

Lodging: Planning a holiday getaway? Stay in the heart of Orleans County’s charming downtowns to make the most of your Christmas experience. 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.