nhayes+FollowBuffalo’s weekend: Food drive, Santa & sweater fun!Buffalo is buzzing with holiday spirit this weekend! If you’re out shopping, consider grabbing some extra canned goods for the Cans For Christmas Food Drive—your donations go straight to St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy and make a real difference for local families. Feeling festive? Throw on your wildest sweater for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at VUE Rooftop Lounge tonight—$40 gets you food, dessert, and a signature cocktail. And for families, Santa’s stopping by Kenyon’s in Williamsville on Saturday with $1.99 gas and free gift bags for the first 100 kids. Which event are you most excited for? #Culture #BuffaloNY #HolidayFun00Share
lindagarcia+FollowExperience the world’s holidays in South BuffaloSixty Christmas trees, each decked out to reflect a different country’s holiday traditions, are lighting up a former school gym in South Buffalo this season. It’s not just about pretty decorations—this free event is a real celebration of the cultures that make up our community. With themed nights, live music, and fundraising, it’s a chance to connect with neighbors, learn something new, and see how people around the globe celebrate together. The exhibit runs through January 4, so there’s plenty of time to stop by and share your own favorite traditions! Which tree or tradition are you most excited to see? #Culture #SouthBuffalo #HolidayTraditions00Share
Kevin Gregory+FollowMiracles After Darkness: Hanukkah FeelsHanukkah hits different this year in Israel. After so much heartbreak and loss, OneFamily is stepping up big time—tripling their support for families shattered by terror. From healing retreats to a massive Hanukkah camp for young survivors, they’re proving that even when things feel hopeless, a little light (and a lot of love) can change everything. Seriously, resilience is the real miracle. If you need a reason to believe in hope, this is it. #Culture #Hanukkah #Resilience21Share
Zachary Vazquez+FollowHanukkah’s First Night: Mark Your Calendar!Hanukkah 2025 is lighting up December! The first candle gets lit on Sunday, Dec. 14, kicking off eight nights of menorahs, latkes, and dreidel spins. Fun fact: Hanukkah doesn’t land on the same date every year since it follows the Jewish lunar calendar. It’s all about celebrating a miracle—one night’s oil lasted eight! Get ready for eight days of lights, food, and tradition. #Culture #Hanukkah2025 #FestivalOfLights10Share
Zachary Vazquez+FollowHanukkah’s Secret SuperpowerHanukkah isn’t just about dreidels and latkes—it’s a masterclass in quiet resilience. While the world goes wild for December’s big holidays, Hanukkah keeps it low-key, focusing on small rituals that have kept Jewish identity glowing for centuries. Lighting the menorah isn’t just tradition; it’s a nightly reminder to stay visible and proud, even when blending in would be easier. It’s proof that sometimes, the most powerful celebrations are the ones that whisper, not shout. #Culture #Hanukkah #JewishHeritage00Share
Kevin Gregory+FollowAnn Arbor’s KindleFest lights up KerrytownDowntown Ann Arbor turned into a winter wonderland as KindleFest brought neighbors together for a night of holiday cheer. Local vendors filled Kerrytown with handmade gifts, tasty treats, and creative art, while the Ann Arbor Police handed out free hot chocolate. Kids got their fill of balloon animals and even met Santa under a festive tent. For many, the real magic was in the connections—vendors like Miriam Texeira and Rose Nash shared how the event is all about kindness, fun, and making new friends. What’s your favorite part of Ann Arbor’s holiday season? #Culture #AnnArbor #KindleFest00Share
lindagarcia+FollowAuburn-Opelika’s holiday magic: Don’t miss out!Downtown Auburn and Opelika are absolutely glowing this season! From the giant Christmas tree and ice skating at Hey Day Market to the beloved Victorian Front Porch Tour, there’s something festive happening around every corner. Families can hunt for Theodore the Elf, build gingerbread houses, or enjoy brunch with Santa. Don’t forget the Collinwood Luminaries and the dazzling Christmas in Camelot lights. Local artists are raising funds for the food bank with handcrafted gifts, and the Gingerbread Village at Auburn University is a must-see. Which tradition or new event are you most excited to check out this year? #Culture #AuburnOpelika #HolidaySeason00Share
Erin Wilson+FollowWill You Get a White Christmas?Winter is showing off this year! Huge snowstorms have hit the Midwest and Northeast, with some places seeing their snowiest start in decades. Chicago and South Bend are buried, and even the Mid-Atlantic got an early taste of snow. If you’re dreaming of a White Christmas, your best bet is the Rockies, Upper Midwest, or Northern New England. But with all this snow, a lot more of us might wake up to a winter wonderland on the 25th! #Culture #WhiteChristmas #WinterStorm00Share
nhayes+FollowKrampus Festival: Austria’s Wild Holiday TraditionForget elves—Austria just kicked off the holidays with the Krampus Festival, where people dress up as terrifying goat monsters and chase folks through the streets! It’s part of Krampuslauf, a centuries-old tradition where the naughty get swatted and the nice get gifts from St. Nick. The costumes are next-level creepy, and the party is wild—think music, fireworks, and rowdy crowds. Would you dare to join the madness or stick to Christmas markets? #Culture #KrampusFestival #Austria00Share
lindagarcia+FollowHandwritten Holiday Cards Are Back!Who else still loves getting a real Christmas card in the mail? Christmas Card Day is here to remind us why handwritten notes still hit different. Over a billion cards will be sent this season—proof that snail mail is alive and well! Whether you’re writing a quick note or crafting a masterpiece with the fam, each card is a little act of love that tech just can’t replace. Who are you sending yours to this year? #Culture #ChristmasCardDay #HolidayTraditions00Share
