Think the festivities are behind us? Think again. We're right in the heart of both Channukah and Kwanzaa, which do not end until the New Year begins. So don't put those party shoes away yet, there's lots more fun to come this week.
Start out by shaking off the chill for a one dollar bill at the Botanical Gardens. It's Dollar Day today! Luxuriate in this garden paradise.
Thursday is community activist day. Choose from two rallies and a party, three ways to make a difference. An Oust Paladino Rally will take place at 10:30am at Niagara Square and Lyft the ban on Uber! A rally for ridesharing will take place at 6:00pm at Brennan's. Or head to The Mahoney in the Fairmont for the Green Drinks Holiday Party, where proceeds will help fight for policy and legislation that protects our planet.
If cabin fever is setting in, head to the Boston Winterfest. That's the Town of Boston, for a free, family-friendly event with horse-drawn wagon rides, appearances by Anna and Elsa from Frozen, reindeer, a sledding hill, hot chocolate and chili, and fireworks at 8:00pm.
On to the main attraction: New Year's Eve! There is no dearth of festive ways to ring in 2017. Here are our top picks - there's a fun way to celebrate for everyone.
First Night Buffalo at the Convention Center offers a bundle of good, safe fun for all ages from 5:00-10:00pm, including Jeff Musial: The Animal Guy, a Toddler Zone and the much-anticipated Balloon Drop. The 2016 Buffalo Ball Drop and Fireworks at the Electric Tower starts at 10:30pm with Caitlin Koch, continues with the "Countdown to 2017" and Ball Drop in synch with Times Square, and finishes with a bang - fireworks over burgeoning Downtown. Great fun for all.
If you love dressing up, head to the Statler City Ice Ball for a very festive party featuring Boys of Summer, Big City Horns and Jeff Toy, five hours of open bar, sit-down dining, a champagne toast, and free parking. If you prefer foot stomping fun try the New Year's Eve Gypsy Ball at the Gypsy Parlor, with music by The Fredtown Stompers followed by jazz, big band and swing music from 1910-1920. RiverWorks chimes in this year with Brew Years Eve featuring live music by Urban Renewal, food, beverages, a champagne toast and ice skating! The Informers will get you dancing at Gregor's Grove, and Rusted Root will be rocking IronWorks.
Where will you be when the New Year arrives? Wherever you choose to ring in 2017, BuffaloVibe and Citybration wish you a very Happy New Year!