Singing trees greet guests at Tioga Downs each year during Winterfest. (File Photo / Wendy Post)
Winterfest, a free holiday celebration for the entire family, returned to Tioga Downs Casino Resort, located in Nichols, N.Y. on Friday evening, Nov. 23.
Scheduled on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and running through Dec. 22, Tioga Downs’ Annual Winterfest offers a spectacular ride-through light show by horse-drawn carriage, sponsored by Jim’s RV, a kiddie train ride, photo opportunities, and much more. Admission is free.
Events and activities throughout the season include a free Love-N-Stuff Bear Factory on Dec. 1. This fun event begins at 5 p.m. and goes until 8 p.m. or while supplies last. It will be open to kids 14 and under. There will be a variety of “animals” that kids can choose from including bears, bunnies, owls, dragons, and reindeer.
On Friday, Dec. 14, there will be a “Meet and Greet” with Santa and a Wreath Contest. Santa will greet children from 5 to 8 p.m. and will be up on the stage in Mutuels. Guests can take photos and are encouraged to bring letters for Santa.
Guests can bring in their wreaths beginning on Dec. 8 until Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. to the Player’s Club. Please provide your own hook to hang the wreath. Judging will be announced at 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 14, and prizes will be awarded in the amount of $500 for first place, $300 for second place, ant $200 for third place. Store-bought decorated wreaths will not be accepted and you must be a Player’s Club member to participate.
The fan-favorite Holiday “Lighted Tractor” Parade is scheduled for Dec. 15. The parade will take place at 6 p.m., and first place will win $1,000 and a trophy, second place will win $500 and a trophy, and third place will win $300 and a trophy. To register, contact them by visiting www.tiogadowns.com/about-us/contact/. Deadline for submission is Dec. 8, 2018. Must be a Player’s Club member to participate.
Sanphy Strings Orchestra will perform from 4 to 7:30 p.m., and during the Holiday Parade breaks.
On Dec. 21, Sha Na Na Rockin Christmas will offer two shows at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Hotel Event Center. Tickets are $20 and available at the Tioga Downs Gift Shop and ticketmaster.com.
Judging for Tioga Downs’ Outrageous Sweater Contest begins at 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 22; with registration beginning at 7 p.m. Cash prizes of $500, $300 and $200 will be awarded.
Also this year at Tioga Downs will be a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Contest. Guests can bring in their trees beginning on Dec. 1 until Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. to the Player’s Club. They will be on display on the stage in Mutuels. Trees should be no taller than 16 inches. Judging will be announced at 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 7. Prizes awarded include $300 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place. Must be a Player’s Club member to participate.
And don’t miss the Crazy Sweater Contest on Dec. 22. The event will take place in Coasters Sports Bar. First place is $500, second place is $300, and third place is $200. Registration will begin at 7 p.m. and judging will be announced at 8:30 p.m. Must be a Player’s Club member to participate.
For more information on Tioga Downs or any of these events, visit www.tiogadowns.com.
IT says admission is free. Do you charge to ride the horse drawn carriage?
I can’t speak for Tioga Downs, but I have been to this show before and the ride is part of the event, which is free of charge. We didn’t pay to go on the wagon.