Your Guide to all Events & Promos Happening During the Holiday Season in Downtown Corning, NY

Welcome to Crystal City Christmas, where downtown Corning, NY, transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights, cheery events, and endless merriment! From festive horse rides to magical Santa visits, we've got all the details so you can make the most of the season.

🎅 Visit Santa in His Crystal House

Santa Claus has set up a holiday HQ in Centerway Square, so bring your list (and your camera!) because pictures with Santa are FREE! Here’s where and when you can catch him:

• Fri 11/29: 3pm–7pm

• Sat 11/30: 2pm–6:30pm (before the Parade of Lights)

• Sun 12/1: 12pm–5pm

• Fri 12/6: 4pm–7pm

• Sat 12/7: 5pm–9pm (Sparkle!)

• Sun 12/8: 12pm–5pm

• Fri 12/13: 4pm–7pm

• Sat 12/14: 12pm–5pm

• Sun 12/15: 12pm–5pm (Pet Day sponsored by Pawsitive Strides)

• Fri 12/20: 4pm–7pm

• Sat 12/21: 12pm–5pm

• Sun 12/22: 12pm–5pm (Pet Day sponsored by The Dog Wash Co.)

• Mon 12/23: 12pm–5pm

Pet days mean your furry friends get in on the holiday fun, too! Bring your pooch for a pick with Santa.

🐴 Holiday Horse & Wagon Rides

Get ready to “jingle all the way” with horse-drawn wagon rides by Hemlock Hidden Hames. Tickets are available at boarding ($5 for kids, $10 for adults), and here’s where and when to hop on:

• Sat 11/30: 2pm–6pm (load at Old World Café, last ride at 5:45pm)

• Sat 12/7: 4pm–8:30pm (during Sparkle, load at Walnut St. and Aurene Ln., last ride at 8:15pm)

• Sat 12/14 & Sun 12/15: 1pm–5pm (load at Old World Café, last ride at 4:45pm)

• Sat 12/21 & Sun 12/22: 1pm–5pm (load at Old World Café, last ride at 4:45pm)

🛍️ Holiday Open House

Kick off the season early! On Saturday, November 9, local businesses open their doors for a Holiday Open House presented by the Corning Area Business Alliance. Stroll Market Street, snag some seasonal steals, and dive into festive finds!

Click HERE to view a full list of participating businesses.

🎁 Small Business Saturday

Support local with style on Saturday, November 30, from 10am to 3pm! Swing by the Chamber of Commerce (11 West Market St.) for a custom shop-small bag, which might contain a surprise gift card. For a list of up to date business promos, click HERE. (this will continually added to as we near the event0.

🎉 Jingle & Mingle Brunch

Join the festive fun at The Quincy Exchange for Jingle & Mingle Brunch on Saturday, November 30, from 11am to 1pm. With a $40 ticket, enjoy brunch, games, live music, and exclusive goodies and giveaways! Hosted by Ally Payne of Wink106, this brunch will be a holiday hit with only 60 spots available. Click HERE to purchase your ticket before they’re gone.

🎄 Parade of Lights

Bundle up and prepare for a dazzling holiday parade on Saturday, November 30, beginning at 7:30pm! Streets close at 5:15pm, so arrive early, grab a cozy spot, and watch as over 50 floats and performers light up the night! 

✨ 50th Annual Sparkle

It’s the 50th anniversary of Corning’s beloved Sparkle on Saturday, December 7, from 5pm to 9pm! Celebrate with over 100 vendors, live music, performances, and an unforgettable holiday atmosphere. Mark your calendars; it’s the event of the season! Click HERE for an up to date description of vendors and activities (this will be continually added to as we near the event).

🎬 Gaffer Gives Back

Families, this one’s for you! Join us at Carey’s Brewhouse on Tuesday, December 10, from 5pm to 6:30pm for a heartwarming, ELF-themed evening. Enjoy a spaghetti dinner, a screening of Elf, and meet Santa! The event is free, and each child will receive a gift.

🎄 Blitzen at BRICK

Throw on your Christmas costume for Blitzen at BRICK on Saturday, December 14, from 8pm to 11pm. Hosted by Ally Payne, this festive bash will include holiday cocktails, live music, games, and costume prizes. Entry is free, so bring your holiday spirit (and maybe a Santa hat).

🎁 Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt sponsored by Rabbit Row

The Elf on the Shelf is hiding around downtown, and we need your help finding him! Starting November 30, keep up with our social media for clues on where the elf is hiding in Gaffer District businesses. Find the elf, snap a photo, tag us, and you could win a prize!

Crystal City Christmas in Corning promises a season full of joy, cheer, and community. Whether you’re visiting Santa, dashing through Market Street, or savoring a holiday brunch, downtown Corning is the place to be this holiday season!