A List of Accessible, Sensory Friendly, and Inclusive Events & Places to Visit This Winter

Events in Broome County:

• Broome County Festival of Lights: ‘Tis the season for holiday magic! The Broome County Festival of Lights (hosted by the Spiedie Fest) is returning for the 4th year to deliver cheer throughout Otsiningo Park. This event runs until December 31. To learn more, visit their website: Broome County Festival of Lights

• Gaffer District & Holiday Tree Lighting: Enjoy a Crystal City Christmas in the Gaffer District of Corning. They offer city tours, boutique shopping, public art, and more! Visit their website here: Gaffer District Events

• Bank of Utica New Year’s Eve: Ring in the New Year on December 31st with the Bank of Utica New Year’s Eve celebration event starting at 6:30 pm. There will be a bonfire, horse and carriage rides, magicians, dancers, and more. This event is not to be missed. More here: Bank of Utica New Year’s Eve

• Explore Oneida County Tourism: The Oneida County Tourism site offers a webpage with events happening all winter long. Check it out here: Oneida County Tourism

Events in Otsego County:

• Oneonta: First Night and Five Star Subaru present the drive through Oneonta Festival of Lights Saturday, December 18th through Saturday, January 1st. On opening night, December 18th, from 5 pm-8 pm, a special pedestrian area will feature Santa and live entertainment by Cosmic Karma Fire, Mike the Juggler, DrumQuest, and the Hill City Ice Queen and Friends! For more information, visit the webpage: First Night Oneonta

• This is Cooperstown: Visit This is Cooperstown for events happening in Cooperstown and across Otsego County. Visit their webpage for a complete listing: This is Cooperstown

• Ithaca Children’s Garden hosts a FREE winter event, the Festival of Fire & Ice, on Saturday, February 3rd, from 3 to 6 p.m. Ithaca Children’s Garden will be dressed up to celebrate the winter season! There will be snacks and beverages available for purchase. For more information, visit their events page here: Festival of Fire and Ice

• For a list of all annual events and festivals taking place in Ithaca, visit their events page here: Visit Ithaca

Events in Cortland County:

• Enjoy Winter Solstice in the Garden at the Cornell Botanical Garden in Ithaca. Register to join a guided tour of the Mullestein Winter Garden to learn all about plants that thrive over the winter season. This event takes place outside; general admission is $18. Tickets are selling fast! Register here: Winter Solstice in the Garden

• For events happening in Cortland County, visit their events page at Experience Cortland

Events in Fulton County:

• Join Santa Claus at The Glove Theatre this weekend, Sunday, December 17th, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. You can take pictures with Santa and watch the tree lighting with hot cocoa in hand. For more information, visit the Glove Theatre webpage here: The Glove Theatre

• There are many holiday events happening in Fulton County this Winter. For a complete list of all the events, visit their calendar page here: 44 Lakes

• Saratoga New Year’s Festival: On Sunday, December 31, 2023, the Saratoga New Year’s Fest will kick off with all kinds of fun things to do from 1 pm to midnight on. Families can enjoy daytime activities in the Spa City, followed by the return of fireworks at approx. 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the website: Saratoga New Year’s Festival

• Schenectady Festival of Trees: The Schenectady Festival of Trees is on now through December 23, 2023 at the Schenectady County Historical Society and YWCA North Eastern NY. Celebrate the season as we fill our galleries with lighted fir trees! The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser for, and a partnership between, the Schenectady County Historical Society. Admission is $6 for adults 12+. Visit the webpage for more information: Schenectady Festival of Trees

Events in Chenango County:

• The Wolf Mountain Nature Center: Looking for something a little different? Spend Winter with the Wolves at The Wolf Mountain Nature Center, which provides sanctuary to 22 animals, from wolves to foxes, located in 12 various enclosures across 70 acres. Trails are grassy or gravel and contain uneven terrain; however, they are easily navigable by persons with disabilities and physical challenges. The gift shop and restrooms are accessible; admission is $8. Visit their website for more info: The Wolf Mountain Nature Center
• Annual Events in Chenango County: Chenango has numerous annual events and festivals listed on their webpage here: Annual Events in Chenango County

Watch the I Love NY website for events listed across the state. As always, you can reach out to your care coordinator for more information about events, places to visit, and accessibility in your city, town, or region.