Arts, Culture, Recreation in the Buffalo New York Area | What’s happening in Buffalo

FEATURED EVENTS

Polar Express Train Ride at Medina Railroad Museum 2026

Weekends in November/December starting Nov 21, AND Tuesday, Dec 21: Experience the magic this holiday season! Join us for a truly magical recreation of the classic holiday story, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Medina Railroad Museum is back this season! The 1¼ hour round-trip passenger excursion comes to life as the train departs Medina for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to Medina. Certain dates and car types will sell quickly so you’ll want to book soon to reserve your preferred seating!
Dates: 
11/21/2026
11/22/2026
11/28/2026
varies, see website
Location: 
Medina Railroad Museum, 530 West Avenue, Medina, NY 14103, United States
See map: Google Maps
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Who Stays for Winter? at Reinstein Woods

Explore which resident birds, mammals, and insects remain active through the colder months. Registration is required. Dress for the weather.
Dates: 
11/21/2026
10 - 11 am
Location: 
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY 14043, United States
See map: Google Maps
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Swan Lake Presented by Classical Arts at Shea's Buffalo Theatre

Swan Lake, presented by Classical Arts Entertainment, comes to Shea's Buffalo Theatre on Friday, November 20th at 7:00 PM. The most iconic ballet ever staged — Tchaikovsky's score and a story that still breaks hearts 150 years later.
Dates: 
11/20/2026
7 pm
Location: 
Sheas Performing Arts Center, 646 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, United States
See map: Google Maps
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Santa's Wonderland Express 2026! (SOLD OUT)

*Tickets On Sale Now* All aboard for a magical holiday adventure on Santa’s Wonderland Express at the Arcade & Attica Railroad! During November and December, families can ride a heated vintage train to the North Pole, where Santa and his elves are waiting with festive fun. Children can write and mail their Christmas wish lists, visit the Elf House, enjoy face painting, meet Santa, and take family photos. Hot cocoa, cookies, and other treats are available for purchase, and every child receives a special gift on the return trip. It's a wonderful way to make holiday memories together!
Dates: 
11/21/2026
11/22/2026
11/27/2026
varies, see website
Location: 
278 Arcade and Attica Railroad, Arcade, NY 14009, United States
See map: Google Maps
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Wildlife Signs Hike at Waste Management Preserve, Chaffee

Come join Earth Spirit Staff for our FREE hike at Waste Management of Chaffee’s Nature Preserve. We will adventure along the rustic trail system in search of wildlife and their signs, such as tracks, scat, and shelters! During this program, we will be collecting data as part of an ongoing wildlife survey of the private nature preserve. We may venture off trail at times. Please be prepared for a moderately challenging walk due to the un-groomed nature of the trails. FREE FOR EVERYONE | Pre-registration is required
Dates: 
11/14/2026
10 am - 12:30 pm
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Location:

Beaver Island State Park
2136 Oakfield Rd
Grand Island, NY, 14072
United States

Phone:

(716)941-6267

The Nutcracker presented by Neglia Ballet, BPO and Shea's PAC

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with The Nutcracker, which returns to Shea’s Buffalo Theatre December 4–6, 2026! Presented by Neglia Ballet with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s magnificent music live, this beloved Christmas classic brings a dazzling world of dancing snowflakes, toy soldiers, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and other enchanting characters to life.
Dates: 
12/04/2026
12/05/2026
12/06/2026
varies, see website
Location: 
Sheas Performing Arts Center, 646 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, United States
See map: Google Maps
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Knee-Hi Naturalists: Turkey at Letchworth

The Knee-High Naturalists program is designed to allow children ages 3-6 to explore the natural world. Themes change with each program, and activities include storybook reading, crafts and a short nature walk. Space is limited - registration is required by calling 585-493-3680. Adults must accompany children at all times. Meet at Humphrey Nature Center and dress for the weather.
Dates: 
11/23/2026
10:30 - 11:30 am
Location: 
Letchworth State Park, 1 Letchworth State Pk, Castile, NY 14427, United States
See map: Google Maps
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Annie at the Historic Palace Theatre

The sun'll come out tomorrow when Annie takes the stage at the Historic Palace Theatre in Lockport, November 13–22, 2026! This heartwarming, family-friendly musical follows a spirited young orphan whose optimism and determination lead to an unforgettable adventure. Filled with lovable characters, lively dancing, and unforgettable songs like "Tomorrow" and "It's the Hard Knock Life," Annie is a joyful celebration of hope, friendship, and finding a place to call home. With plenty of humor, heart, and toe-tapping music, it's a theatrical treat for the whole family!
Dates: 
11/13/2026
11/14/2026
11/15/2026
varies, see the website
Location: 
Palace Theatre, East Avenue, Lockport, NY, USA
See map: Google Maps
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Jingle Bell Jam with the BPO

Make the holidays feel magical and manageable. Jingle Bell Jam combines festive music, holiday decorations, pre-concert activities, and a sing-along into an experience built for families. With Grant O’Brien conducting, the orchestra brings seasonal favorites to life in a way that is bright, interactive, and easy to love. Santa conducts the orchestra, adding an extra layer of wonder for kids and a lot of smiles for grown-ups. Whether you come at noon or 4pm, expect music that invites participation and moments designed for wide eyes and big grins. It is not just a concert; it is a shared holiday memory made in real time.
Dates: 
12/13/2026
Two performances: 12 and 4 pm
Location: 
Kleinhans Music Hall, Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY, USA
See map: Google Maps
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Chris Botti with the BPO

Chris Botti brings his signature trumpet sound to Kleinhans for an evening of elegance and atmosphere. With Ron Spigelman and the BPO, expect luminous melodies, refined artistry, and the kind of shared stillness that only live music can create.
Dates: 
11/14/2026
7:30 pm
Location: 
786 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY, USA
See map: Google Maps
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Home Alone Film in Concert with the BPO

See the holiday classic in the most joyful way, with the full film on screen while your BPO performs John Williams’ captivating score live. Kevin McAllister’s madcap defense of his home is still hilarious, and the live orchestra adds warmth, suspense, and extra sparkle to every scene. It is family friendly, perfectly timed for the season, and ideal for starting a tradition. The laughter hits harder, the tender moments land together, and the music feels bigger because it is happening right in front of you. Come with kids, friends, or your own inner crafty 8-year-old and enjoy a night that feels like the holidays arriving in real time.
Dates: 
11/28/2026
11/29/2026
November 28 @ 7:30 pm, November 29 @ 2:30 pm
Location: 
786 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY, USA
See map: Google Maps
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ComedySportz Buffalo Match!

Family-friendly improve played as a sport! Our high-energy, short-form improv show has two teams of professional comedians improvising games, songs, jokes, and scenes while a referee calls fouls and fields suggestions from you, our Loyal Fans! Loyal Fans will vote for which team they like best and our Voice will declare an ultimate winner for the evening! Best of all, this show uses humor that is appropriate for people of any age. We're clean enough for your kids to enjoy and funny enough to have adults laughing out loud.
Dates: 
11/13/2026
11/14/2026
11/20/2026
Match Start Time - 7:00 PM (Bar & Dining Area Opens at 6:00 PM, Doors Open at 6:45 PM)
Location: 
Buffalo Comedy Collective, Chandler Street, Buffalo, NY, USA
See map: Google Maps
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The Castle by Candlelight at Old Fort Niagara

Old Fort Niagara assumes a particularly festive air during the holiday season. Special activities kick off as the Fort presents The Castle by Candlelight, a tour of the Great Lakes’ oldest building illuminated entirely by candles. Throughout the Castle, visitors will encounter members of the Fort’s 18th century garrison demonstrating everything from quill pens to fur trading to traditional games of skill. Twice each evening the garrison turns out to perform a grand feu de joie (firing of joy), a rolling fire of muskets and cannons. Cooks demonstrate 18th century holiday recipes, musicians play popular songs of the era and a Recollet priest reads the Christmas story in Latin in the Fort’s 298-year-old chapel. Visitors to the event can make a holiday ornament and a bird feeder and enjoy Native American songs and stories. In the fort’s log cabin visitors can warm up and enjoy hot refreshments which will be available for purchase. Menu items include bread pudding, soup, hot chocolate, coffee and tea.
Dates: 
12/05/2026
12/12/2026
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Location: 
Old Fort Niagara, Morrow Plaza, Youngstown, NY 14174, United States
See map: Google Maps
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