Christmas events get started this Friday: Here are the holiday happenings in Canandaigua

The snow and cold from over the weekend may have had you whistling, "White Christmas," or possibly dreaming of a white Christmas on the white sands of Kauna'oa Bay, Kohala, Hawaii.

We can't help you with the latter, but we can tell you how Canandaigua is preparing for the holidays.

So fill up on turkey, stuffing and other delicious and hearty staples of a Thanksgiving dinner to provide fuel for the holiday shopping season, and yes, all the fun of the season gets started this Friday.

Find gifts for those on your shopping list and be ready with a list of what you'd like in time for Santa's arrival on Saturday night.

It's Plaid Friday in Canandaigua

Downtown Canandaigua merchants will once again be marking the day after Thanksgiving with a celebration of locally owned small businesses.

As an alternative to Black Friday, Plaid Friday encourages individuals to do their holiday shopping with locally owned and independent businesses the day after Thanksgiving.

“We did away with Black Friday madness years ago, taking the threads of the community and weaving them together by supporting each other on this day only makes our community stronger," said Denise Chaapel, of the Downtown Canandaigua Business Improvement District. "Wear plaid and show your support of our community.”

At the same time, enjoy personalized service and discover those one-of-a kind gifts that you can't find elsewhere, Chaapel said.

Small Business Saturday

As the merchants like to say, shopping small is a big-time help to the friends and neighbors who own the small shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and art galleries in downtown Canandaigua. Hence, Small Business Saturday.

Supporting the local community also means supporting the local economy. Shopping with locally owned businesses this holiday season, you'll enjoy friendly service from knowledgeable staff -- some of whom you may already know — and find quality merchandise and gifts.

Downtown Canandaigua merchants and restaurants will have holiday specials, personalized friendly service that you won’t find at box stores, free gift wrapping and all kinds of festivities for shoppers to enjoy throughout the weekend, Chaapel said.

So if you couldn't cross off every gift item on your list on Plaid Friday, shop small on Saturday.

Santa Claus illuminates Canandaigua

The Illuminate parade has been a popular addition to the Canandaigua community since its start three years ago. And for good reason: Who doesn't enjoy getting out on a Saturday night for a parade, especially when Santa Claus — and a whole bunch of others, including fire trucks and first responders — comes to town?

Santa and his elves will get to downtown in time for the community tree lighting at 6 p.m. Saturday. Visitors also can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling, music and more holiday fun.

Santa of course will be setting up shop at Santa's House in Commons Park after Nov. 25. And free horse and wagon rides also will enhance the shopping and holiday experience. Visit www.downtowncanandaigua.com for more information.

More to come in Canandaigua

-- The holiday artist showcase will be held Dec. 2-3 in downtown Canandaigua. Visit with galleries and specialty shops featuring local artists and products. Discover artists' demonstrations, exhibits and signings, and unique handcrafted gifts. Enjoy refreshments and strolling musicians while you meander.

-- It's all about that bass when tuba players from around the region come together to perform holiday favorites during Tuba Christmas, which will be at 4 p.m. Dec. 3 at Commons Park in downtown Canandaigua.

-- Clifton Springs celebrates the season with the Festival of Lights, from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 2, in downtown Clifton Springs.

-- Get Lit in Canandaigua on Dec. 3, when the Twisted Rail, Young Lion, Frequentem and Peacemaker craft breweries in Canandaigua light up their keg trees.

-- A Christmas organ concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 16, at the United Church (Presbyterian and American Baptist) of Canandaigua, 11 Gibson St., Canandaigua. The festive event features organist Tim Schramm and special guests Tim Burdick, saxophonist, Sam Wersinger, vocalist, and Dennis Overhoff, pianist.