The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It’s time to get into the Christmas Spirit! The Enchanted Mountains has fun events that are perfect for friends and family of all ages, which start the day after Thanksgiving. Start planning your trip!
It’s time to get into the Christmas Spirit! The Enchanted Mountains has fun events that are perfect for friends and family of all ages, which start the day after Thanksgiving. Start planning your trip!
As snow blankets the majestic peaks, the Enchanted Mountains come alive with the spirit of Christmas! Picture twinkling lights reflecting off frosty pines, cheerful carolers serenading under a starry sky, and the scent of hot cocoa mingling with the crisp winter air.
Santa Claus will be back in the Town of Olean at his cottage in Lincoln Park on December 13th from 5:30-8:30 pm.
Kids can leave letters for Santa in a mailbox outside his cottage created by families of the EvenStart program. Kids will also receive a small treat from Mrs. Claus!
Through the generosity of the community businesses and organizations listed below, the City of Olean Youth Bureau & Recreation Department is offering free admission for public ice skating the following dates and times. There is a $3.00 skate rental fee.
Special appearance by Santa on December 24th from 12-2pm. Free admission, just a $3 rental fee. Sponsored by the Olean Rotary Club.
Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels Free Tours available on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Fridays of the month. No reservations necessary. Come and discover the beauty of the southern tier's Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean, NY. The 33 Munich-style windows are some of the finest domestically-produced windows in the nation. Pope Frances designated the church as a Minor Basilica on February 14, 2017 for its exquisite art, architecture and history. Group tours are also available by calling 716 372 4841.
The Challenger Learning Center announced the return of their popular space quiz event! Join in to test your space knowledge and also support a local organization. The event will feature a quiz with prizes for the winning team. You can participate in a team of 2-5 players.
Apart from the quiz, we will also have raffles with exciting prizes such as a Cutco Block, a $100 gift certificate from the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, a $50 AMC gift certificate, and more. You can still purchase raffle tickets even if you are not attending the event.
Gowanda is a a beautifully quaint community nestled among the hills surrounding Cattaraugus Creek and is coming together for a Christmas Celebration. Come help start off the holiday season downtown with local merchants, train rides all day, Annual tree lighting ceremony, Holiday Spirit Parade and a festive atmosphere for the whole family. Of course we can not forget that Santa and all his helpers will be there to help us celebrate this joyous time of year! Mark your calendars!
There will be a Christmas Parade and Park Lighting Celebration. The parade will start at the Portville School and make its way down to Pioneer Park where Santa will light the park.
Food trucks, live music, and visits with Santa will be available!
Feel good this Thanksgiving by starting your day with a non-timed 5K at St. Bonavenure University with other passionate runners and walkers! Continue that feel good feeling by knowing that the registration fee supports the local food pantry and the Every Kid Deserves the Y fund!
Registration is 8:00am - 8:45am at Murphy Hall. Race starts at 9:00am.
Holiday Valley has announced that their anticipated opening day is November 24th- Weather permitting. Finger crossed that Mother Nature let's that happen!!
Check Holiday Valleys Facebook page for updates!
Take a trip back in time with a Victorian Christmas at the Fannie Bartlett House in Olean, the Friday after Thanksgiving. Watch the Santa Claus Lane Parade before or after touring this beautifully restored mansion built in 1881 with 15 rooms, including a third-floor ballroom.
The historic house will be adorned with Christmas decorations during its annual open house on Friday from 6-9pm. There will be refreshments and raffle baskets, proceeds to benefit the Bartlett House.
Ring in the New Year with the Holiday Valley Groomer parade and spectacular fireworks. Family friendly party in the main Lodge. Approximate times: Groomer Parade on Cindy's Run at 11:15, torchlight parade at 11:30 then the fireworks show at 11:45, ending at midnight.
Come join Santa and Mrs. Claus as they officially light the town's holiday decorations! This festive Annual Santa Claus Lane Parade is held annually on the Friday after Thanksgiving and the traditional kick-off to the holiday season. Santa will be in attendance and light up thousands of lights in Lincoln Park and downtown Olean when he parades through town in celebration.
Below is a video that highlights the 2016 parade, from the Olean Times Herald, produced by Adam Miller.
Today is the day to try before you buy! Free demos from many ski and snowboard reps, featuring Ellicottville's awesome specialty ski and snowboard shops. Check it out, slopeside of the Holiday Valley Lodge. Credit card required for deposit and parent signature if under 18.
Want to work off some of the turkey or treats; or just spend some time outdoors with other biking families? Join us as we take an evening ride along the Red House Bike Path. Meet at Camp Allegany at 6:15 pm with the ride starting at 6:30 pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult and wear a helmet. You do not have to have a fat bike for this ride, but you will need a headlamp or a bike light. Please, no balance bikes, or bikes with training wheels.
HoliMont Contractor’s Day is an event filled with many fun activities that take place on and off the slopes. This year’s activities include the 36th annual Dave Pitkin Memorial Ski Race, dedicated to him to commemorate his enduring spirit, his contributions to the HoliMont Racing Club, and his part in creating the racing hill, Our infamous Bombardier Ball Drop, Lunch provided by Dina’s at the Mont, A vendor market, and an Apres Ski Party. This event is sponsored by many local businesses and helps us celebrate and support our local community. Join us for our favorite day of the year!
"Group B" of the Tourism Promotion Grant Program (Bed Tax Program)
A portion of bed tax is intended to provide grants for advertising and promoting various new or expanded tourism events, unique festivals, attractions and experiences that will attract more visitors for extended stays, overnight visits and day getaways. This grant program seeks to establish the importance of programs and opportunities that promote or support the development of specific themes or significant attractions and events, all of which enhance the level of visitor experience in the area. Any eligible grantee will partner and coordinate with the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning & Tourism (EDPT).
The funds supplied by this grant, the funding source, are from the County's share of taxes collected from overnight stays, bed taxes, within the County.
This funding is intended to supplement your marketing campaign's advertising budget and not meant to be your entire advertising budget; therefore a match or share of cost is expected.
Chambers without full-time staff, business associations, non-profit organizations, events, festivals and other tourism associated activities.
The funds in this group will be administered by EDPT. Grantees will partner and coordinate with EDPT.
Catt. County EDPT will announce the release of the applications in fall for the upcoming year. Applications are accepted after they are released from October to early December. Please double check application dates as they vary slightly each year.
Complete an application for each marketing campaign project.
The marketing campaign should include which expenses would be covered by the Bed Tax Grant Program and which would be covered by your organization. The marketing campaign for Group B of the Tourism Promotion Grant Program could potentially contain a mix of following:
Possible applicants should develop a written plan for how their funding will be used.
Located on 12,000 acres of the Allegheny Reservoir, Onoville Marina Park is one of our best kept secrets. Camp, boat, o
Get ready to witness Griffis Sculpture Park in a whole new light this autumn as NIGHT LIGHTS returns for its 12th consecutive year, starting Friday, September 13, 2024.