When you think about Christmas in New York, you may think of bright lights and huge holiday displays in Manhattan. However, some of the state’s most charming holiday celebrations are found in its small towns. From scenic villages to lively festivals, these Christmas towns in New York offer a one-of-a-kind experience. Here’s a guide to the most charming Christmas towns in New York that are perfect for your bus trip from Delaware to NYC.
Skaneateles
If you've ever wanted to step into a Charles Dickens novel, Skaneateles is the place to be. Located in the Finger Lakes region, this village comes to life each weekend from Thanksgiving through Christmas with its Dickens Christmas celebration. During the event, characters from A Christmas Carol, including Ebenezer Scrooge and Father Christmas, walk through the streets and mingle with visitors. Activities include live performances, caroling, horse-drawn carriage rides, and decorations that turn Skaneateles into the ultimate holiday village. The event ends with a big Christmas Eve celebration. It’s the perfect family-friendly destination to get into the holiday spirit.
Seneca Falls
The small town of Seneca Falls is widely believed to be the inspiration for Bedford Falls in Frank Capra’s holiday film, It’s a Wonderful Life. Each December, Seneca Falls honors this legacy with the It’s a Wonderful Life Festival, a weekend event that celebrates the film and the holiday season. Visitors can stroll through streets lined with festive lights and snow-dusted trees, attend screenings of the movie, and visit the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, which pays homage to the film. Seneca Falls is an essential stop for fans of classic Christmas films as the festival captures the nostalgia of the movie.
Liverpool
Liverpool is a town located in Central New York. Here, you can find the beloved Lights on the Lake display. This two-mile, drive-through lights display runs from mid-November to mid-January. It turns Onondaga Lake into a winter wonderland of Christmas light displays and colorful decorations. Every year, visitors from all over can enjoy a display of illuminated reindeer, gingerbread houses, and even underwater-themed lights. This attraction has become a yearly tradition for locals and visitors alike, which makes Liverpool a must-visit stop for your trip to NYC.
Corning
Corning, best known for the Gaffer District and Corning Museum of Glass, turns into a beautiful holiday destination each winter. The museum hosts special seasonal events where visitors can create their own glass ornaments, snowmen, and trees. The town’s main street is decorated with Christmas lights. Local businesses participate in the holiday festivities with window displays and holiday sales. Corning’s commitment to the arts and its holiday events makes it an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy a unique and artistic twist on Christmas.
Rochester
Rochester has a huge Christmas scene that includes both classic winter activities and family-friendly events. Roc Holiday Village, which is open throughout December, is a popular spot for ice skating, shopping, and enjoying seasonal treats. Visitors can go skating under the holiday lights at Manhattan Square Park or take a break with a cup of hot cocoa in a heated tent. For adults, the city’s Genesee Brewing Company has a unique “Keg Tree” decorated with holiday lights. The ambiance, local vendors, and community events make Rochester an exciting and diverse Christmas destination.
Pittsford
Just a short drive from Rochester, Pittsford offers a quieter and more rustic Christmas experience. Pittsford Farms Dairy welcomes visitors with Christmas favorites like rich eggnog and homemade ice cream. This small dairy farm also decorates its barn and surrounding grounds with holiday wreaths and lights that add a picturesque touch. During the holidays, families with kids as well as animal lovers can visit the baby cows on the farm. Pittsford's combination of cozy charm and farm-fresh treats makes it a great addition to any Christmas road trip.
Lake Placid
If you want to see some of New York’s best mountains this Christmas, Lake Placid is a must-visit. It’s known for its snowy landscapes and annual Holiday Village Stroll. The town’s Main Street is decorated with Christmas lights, while the Holiday Stroll event in mid-December brings additional attractions like live music, food tastings, and a “Jingle Bell Run” around Mirror Lake. Kids can meet Santa Claus, and families can participate in holiday-themed crafts and activities. Lake Placid’s winter scenery and holiday festivities make it the ideal spot to experience an Adirondack Christmas.
Book a Bus from Delaware to NYC This Christmas with BestBus!
If you’re traveling from Delaware or nearby areas, consider making New York City the first stop on a holiday tour of New York's most charming Christmas towns. While NYC’s big displays and famous attractions like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Fifth Avenue’s festive windows are a fantastic start to the season, there’s so much more to see just a short trip away in New York’s smaller towns.
BestBus offers convenient routes from Delaware to NYC, which lets you enjoy a stress-free start to your holiday adventure. After taking in the city’s holiday attractions, head to places like Skaneateles, Seneca Falls, or Corning for the ultimate holiday getaway.
Book your bus ticket from Delaware to NYC with us today and experience the benefits of our VIP membership program. As a VIP, you’ll unlock exclusive perks like discounted fares, flexible rescheduling privileges, priority boarding, and early access to premium seating options. Plus, with spacious seating and free onboard Wi-Fi, you can relax and unwind on the way to your destination. Start your holiday trip to NYC with comfort and convenience—reserve your seat now!