Winter fun in Western New York usually involves winter sports and snowmobiling. In addition, there are plenty of wonderful events and festivals in January and February that celebrate the best parts of winter in the Chautauqua Lake Erie Region.
Sleigh Rides at Chautauqua Institution - Experience the beauty and tranquility of the Chautauqua Institution grounds during winter while on a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Sleigh rides run on Saturdays and Sundays starting January 3rd and run through February 28th, weather permitting. Rides start at 1pm and depart every half hour from the parking lot near the Chautauqua Bookstore. Tickets available at the Chautauqua Bookstore after noon on the day of the ride.
Winter Festival at the Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House: Enjoy a day packed with winter fun at the Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House for their annual winter festival on January 10th. This year's festival features live music, a Christmas tree bonfire and outdoor vendors as well as food and drink specials.
An Evening of Ice Wine - Enjoy an introduction to locally made ice wine with an evening at the White Inn and Coughlan's Pub hosted by Festivals Fredonia on January 16th. Ice wine made in the Lake Erie region will be provided by 21 Brix Winery, Mazza Vineyards and Johnson Estate Winery. Chef Devin Jones (The White Inn), Matt Pantano (Coughlan's Pub), Andrew Smith (Angry Squirrel) and Phil McMullen (Edwards Waterhouse Inn) will feature dishes tailored to perfectly pair with ice wine. Tickets are required for attendance. Tickets for the White Inn evening are $125 per person and the tickets for the experience at Coughlan's Pub are $65 per person.
Doors Open Jamestown - Come in from the cold and enjoy free admission to museums and attractions in Jamestown on January 24th from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Stay tuned for a full list of participating locations.
Fire & Ice Celebration - Experience an outdoor winter wonderland of breathtaking ice sculptures, martini luges and more at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on February 12th - 14th. Head inside for music and light bites. Top of the night with fireworks. Tickets required and sell out quickly.
Mayville Winter Festival: Head to Lakeside Park in Mayville on February 13th to 15th for the 2026 Mayville Winter Festival. Enjoy a village wide music festival, expanded business hours and the iconic Mayville Ice Castle (weather permitting). Stay tuned for more details.
Wine & Chocolate Weekends - Several weekends throughout the month of February, celebrate wine and chocolate pairings with Lake Erie Wine Country. Participating wineries showcase their wines paired with a delicious chocolate treat. Pairings will be available February 6th-8th, 13th-15th and 20th-22nd. Ticket purchases required.
Check out our website’s event calendar for a full list of upcoming events.