KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Fri, Nov 28: Visit Santa at Walden Galleria
Sat, Nov 29: The Princess Bride in Concert: Film with Live Orchestra With the BPO Thu, Dec 18: Holiday Pops With the BPO at Buffalo Philharmonic
Orchestra
Fri, Dec 19: ‘Twas The Night Before...by Cirque Du Soleil at Shea's at Shea's Performing Arts Center
Sat, Dec
20: Dream Builders: Winter Wonder Lab at The Foundry
Sat, Dec 20: White Christmas, the Musial at MusicalFare at MusicalFare Theatre
Sun, Dec 21: Breakfast with St. Nick at Genesee Country Village & Museum
Sun, Dec 21: Christmas
Tree Cake Pop Decorating Class at Buffalo Cake Pops Tue, Dec 23: ‘Twas The Night Before...by Cirque Du Soleil at Shea's
Wed,
Dec 24: Tree of Life Menorah and Hanukkah Objects at Corning Museum of Glass
Fri, Dec 26: A Christmas Carol 2025
at Alleyway Theatre!
Sun, Dec 28: Free Outdoor Ice Skating at Rotary Rink |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
It's often said that parenting is a "thankless" job. In one sense, that's undeniably true, because it will likely be many years before the young humans you're raising—the ones who actually have a stake in the outcome of the excellent job you're doing—are in a position to thank you. So you don't hear that phrase often during the first couple of decades of parenthood.
My fervent wish
for the future is to live in a world filled with engaged, culturally literate, productive, happy people. This means that what I said above isn't precisely accurate: It's not only your kids who have a stake in your parenting success, we ALL do, because the path to that future starts NOW for the young people in your orbit. So I'm grateful that you care about getting them "out and about" to the wide variety of experiences available in your community: It will make all
the difference.
Our job here at KidsOutAndAbout.com is to help you do that as easily as possible. In 2001, I created the original version of this web platform that now connects 15 million people each year with their area's activities and resources. My team gets to see it all up-close and personal as local businesses post to KidsOutAndAbout through their free listings, and then we get to turn around and shout about them to y'all, bringing your community closer to you.
So I want to
step in for the rest of the world that's not (yet) thanking you, and say it to you today: Thank you so much for what you're doing. Raising kids is hard in any era, but no one could have anticipated all the roadblocks that a pandemic would toss onto our path.
As anyone who knows me knows, I'm endlessly looking for reasons to celebrate. So today, I'm celebrating YOU with my digital megaphone and pom-poms. You're doing a great job. Future Deb sends her thanks,
too.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes
from Deb" section of our site. |
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Just a minute of your time could make a big impact. KidsOutAndAbout.com is conducting a short survey to better understand how families are navigating the fast-changing world of AI. We're asking all parents, grandparents, and caregivers-whether you're
tech-savvy or not-to weigh in.
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Weekends Nov 28 - Dec 21, 2025: Another Magical Christmas Adventure awaits at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure in Varysburg! The Lodge, in full holiday splendor, will host Santa’s Wonderland where you’ll decorate cookies, write letters to the North Pole, take holiday photos, and more before boarding your trolley for a journey through Hidden Valley’s Mystical Forest. There you’ll see herds of bison and elk, Randy the camel, llamas, and blackbelly sheep roaming the wintery terrain. Upon your return, pet and feed a variety of live animals in open-air stalls. Four consecutive weekends starting Black Friday, November 28 – December 21, 9am-4:30pm. Reservations Required. Book online at hiddenvalleyadventure.com. Allow 3 hours for the full experience.
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Celebrate the holiday season with Genesee Country Village & Museum, where festive traditions and cozy moments come to life. Explore our 19th-century Historic Village during Yuletide in the Country Tours & Dinners, featuring immersive scenes, warm hearths, and all-new storytelling. Savor a comforting Holiday Afternoon Tea beside a crackling fire, complete with finger sandwiches, sweets, and time to browse the Flint Hill Store. Families can enjoy a seasonal favorite at Breakfast with St. Nick, and wander candlelit homes during our Holiday Open House. With so much to discover, GCV&M offers something special for every visitor this winter. Reserve your tickets early.
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It’s the most wonderful shopping time of the year, with the best deals of the year! The 2025 Holiday Shopping season is officially here so we want to give you all the information you’ll need to complete your shopping effectively! Walden Galleria will be CLOSED on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 27th, and will reopen on Black Friday, November 28th at 7:00am until 9:00pm. Click or tap HERE to view the latest Black Friday sales before you arrive!
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Lace up your skates and come chill with us at the Ice presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield! Canalside's Snack Shack at The Ice is a perfect spot to grab a warm cup of hot cocoa and a quick bite to eat while enjoying a gorgeous winter day on the ice with family and friends! Age 5 and Under: Free; Children and Military: $5.00; Age 13 and Up: $8.00. Skate Rentals: $6.00; Training walker: $2.00; Lockers available. Family Season Pass: $99.00
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Bring the whole family for an outing that will make memories to last a lifetime! Our *weekend* activities include horse-drawn hayrides back to the Christmas trees, marshmallows for roasting at the bonfire in back, cut your own trees and visits with the animals in the barn. Visit with Santa 12/6; 12/7 and 12/14 from 12pm to 4pm. There is no cost to take pictures with Santa but in the spirit of giving, we kindly ask you to consider bringing non-perishable food items or monetary donations to help support the Akron-Newstead Food Pantry. The Country Store is open every day but Monday. RESERVATIONS NOT REQUIRED.
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Western NY's best place to cut down your own Christmas tree! You can choose and cut it yourself, or we can cut it for you. Bring the whole family to pick out your tree together and build Christmas memories that will last a lifetime! Crossen Christmas Tree Farm - family-owned and operated since 1989 - is located 5 miles north of New York State Thruway Exit 48A.
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The Buffalo Holiday Market is BACK! Bringing the Joy and Magic of a European Christmas to Western New York in its new location at the Richardson Olmsted Campus. With wooden chalets and holiday fun, the outdoor market series has become an annual holiday artisan market that is loved by Buffalo and has become a holiday destination. At this premier event, artisan vendors from across Western New York and beyond gather to display their one-of-a-kind, handmade holiday gifts. From signature mimosas, home décor, gourmet foods, craft spirits and wine, to handmade jewelry and children's gifts — thousands of shoppers can find that perfect gift this Holiday Season. Ensuring that our outdoor holiday market is a family friendly event, you will find kids activities, selfie stations. and (on certain days) SANTA!
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Special Event! The kids are off school...come spend some quality family time with us at Rolly Pollies for some Black Friday Playtime. Registration is required. Visit www.rpwny.com to reserve your spot today.
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We are excited to announce our annual Light Up Lockport celebration is on Saturday, November 29th 2025! This festive event will feature a free movie, treats, crafts, hot cocoa, gifts and fantastic deals from local businesses, culminating in the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus and our beloved nighttime lighted Christmas parade!
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Santa is coming to town! Come visit him at HCFM.
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The fairy tale adventure of pirates, princesses, revenge, and true love is projected on screen while the BPO performs the score live in this special afternoon matinee. To miss it would be "inconceivable!"
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Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Handel's Messiah, a cherished Western New York Holiday Tradition, as the members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus passionately embrace the profound liturgical texts, evoking the essence of faith and tradition in every resplendent harmony and enchanting melody. Featuring the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra! Get your tickets today for the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus' annual, not-to-be-missed presentation of Handel's Messiah at OLV Basilica.
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Private and alternative schools in the Buffalo area cater to every educational need and parent philosophy. This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools. If your school is not on our list but should be, please email us at ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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Private Schools in the Buffalo, NY area: Try it before you buy it... and even before you visit! This is KidsOutAndAbout.com's video sneak peek into local private school experiences. If your school should have a video on this page, please send a link to the school's video on YouTube or Vimeo to ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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- Buffalo Holiday Market At the Richardson-Olmsted Campus - The Richardson Hotel - 444 Forest Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14213, November 28-30, 2025, varies, check schedule
- Makers Market - The Buffalo History Museum - Museum Court, Buffalo, NY, November 28-29, 2025, 10:00am-5:00pm
- Visit the Buffalo Fire Historical
Society! - Buffalo Fire Historical Society - 1850 William Street, Buffalo, NY 14206, November 29, 2025, 10 am - 4 pm
- Bidwell Farmers
Market - Elmwood Bidwell Farmers Market - Elmwood Avenue and Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14222, November 29, 2025, 8 am - 1 pm
- Open Studio - Burchfield Penney Art Center - 1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222, November 29, 2025, 10:30am-2:30pm
- Wine Cork Ornament Craft - Isaías González-Soto Branch Library (formerly Niagara Branch), 280 Porter Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14201, November 29, 2025, 1:00PM-2:30PM
- Light Up Lockport! - Town of Lockport - 6560 Dysinger Road, Lockport, NY 14094, November 29, 2025, all day
- Celebrate the Joy of Christmas at OLV - Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica - 767 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, NY 14218, November 30, 2025, all day
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KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 holiday events list for Buffalo and Western New York: ways to make the holidays special in our area: Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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The Buffalo area offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and engaging in
festive activities.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Buffalo and WNY area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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