FEATURED EVENTS

Weekends in November/December starting Nov 21, AND Tuesday, Dec 21: Experience the magic this holiday season! Join us for a truly magical recreation of the classic holiday story, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Medina Railroad Museum is back this season! The 1¼ hour round-trip passenger excursion comes to life as the train departs Medina for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to Medina. Certain dates and car types will sell quickly so you’ll want to book soon to reserve your preferred seating!

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with The Nutcracker, which returns to Shea’s Buffalo Theatre December 4–6, 2026! Presented by Neglia Ballet with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s magnificent music live, this beloved Christmas classic brings a dazzling world of dancing snowflakes, toy soldiers, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and other enchanting characters to life.

The Ha-Ha Show™ is an improv comedy show for all ages! An hour of hilarious comedy games, made-up songs, and audience interaction, performed for you by Buffalo's top improv comedians and special guests! Taking suggestions from our guests of all ages, comedians weave hilarious scenes and songs together into an outrageous night of comedy -- perfect for all budding comedians and comedy lovers! This is a great introduction to comedy, for ages 4 to 104!

This free one-hour, online class is a sample of the 8-week Advanced Reading Course (ARC) for grades 3-8. In this class, which starts Saturday, Nov 7, students will learn how to track the plot of a story and support their answers with the best evidence. The free class is offered at no obligation so parents can determine if ARC is right for their child.

*Tickets On Sale Now* All aboard for a magical holiday adventure on Santa’s Wonderland Express at the Arcade & Attica Railroad! During November and December, families can ride a heated vintage train to the North Pole, where Santa and his elves are waiting with festive fun. Children can write and mail their Christmas wish lists, visit the Elf House, enjoy face painting, meet Santa, and take family photos. Hot cocoa, cookies, and other treats are available for purchase, and every child receives a special gift on the return trip. It's a wonderful way to make holiday memories together!

Take a festive trip back in time with Holiday Tours of the Van Horn Mansion in Burt, NY! On Sundays, November 15, 22, 29, and December 6, 2026, explore this historic 1823 mansion, admire its collection of antique Christmas decorations and vintage holiday displays, and discover the fascinating origins of Christmas traditions during a special parlor presentation. Tours run from 1–4 p.m., last approximately 90 minutes, and cost just $5 per person. No reservations are needed, making this a charming way to enjoy a little old-fashioned holiday magic!