Buffalo’s Holiday Destination is Downtown

This season, Queen City Pop Up invites you to rediscover the heart of Buffalo. Downtown for the Holidays is your guide to making the most of the festive season, whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, sipping something warm, or simply taking in the holiday lights.

Explore the Downtown for the Holidays map, check out our weekly events, and visit one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment across the city center. Every stop supports local businesses and brings more joy to your holiday season.

View List of Downtown Businesses

Come Downtown for Special Holiday Events

Come early, bring your mittens, and enjoy Downtown Buffalo this holiday season with family and friends!

 

Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting

Join us at Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza for the Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting, presented by Community Bank and produced by Buffalo Place. This annual celebration features Santa Claus, festive music, holiday skating, and a magical countdown to lighting the city tree.

When: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Where: Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza

Thursdays at the Plaza

4pm-7pm at Fountain Plaza

Celebrate the season under the city lights! Queen City Pop Up brings Downtown Buffalo to life at Fountain Plaza for three Thursdays in December. Enjoy free themed events that combine live entertainment, community spirit, and plenty of holiday cheer. Plus, go ice skating at Rotary Rink or take photos in our Holiday Snow Globe!

Perfect for families, couples, or a festive night out with friends!

Jazz in the Plaza

Dec. 4th, 2025 4:00 pm

Learn More

View All Events

Win $50 in Downtown Dollars!

Support local and shop more for less with our Downtown Dollars giveaway! We're handing out $50 gift certificates all season long that can be redeemed at participating shops, restaurants, and bars in Downtown Buffalo.

How to Win Downtown Dollars:

  • Follow @Queen City Pop Up on Instagram & Facebook for weekly giveaways
  • Attend Thursdays at the Plaza events in December
  • Post your festive photos shopping or dining downtown. Using the hashtag #DowntownForTheHolidays716 Tag the business and tag us!

Where to Spend: Look for the Downtown Dollars badge on the storefront or use our Holiday Map to find participating locations.

It's our way of giving back to the community — and helping you stretch your holiday shopping budget while supporting small businesses in Buffalo.

Explore the Map

Find out where to Skate, Sip, and Shop! Use our Downtown Holiday Map to discover participating downtown retailers, restaurants, and bars, and businesses that accept Downtown Dollars

View Map Download PDF Map

Weekly Features & Specials

Every week, we’ll spotlight holiday promos, and events from participating businesses.

Check back here or follow us on social media for Pop-up events, Happy hour specials, Gift deals & discounts

Follow @Queen City Pop Up on Instagram and Facebook!

Share the Cheer

Your posts help spread the word and inspire others to explore Downtown Buffalo businesses. Use our official hashtag #DowntownForTheHolidays716 and tag @Queen City Pop Up on Facebook and Instagram to be featured on our website and socials!

An initiative of Buffalo Urban Development Corporation