A reminder to those who are spending the holidays at Chautauqua, there are some special events happening on the grounds for you to consider.

Christmas Eve

As we celebrate this joyous season, we invite you to join us in honoring the spirit of Christmas. On December 24, the Chi Rho will be placed in the crèche on the plaza—a symbol of faith and hope for all.

All are welcome to attend the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Hurlbut Church, featuring special music and a warm atmosphere of love and reflection. The service begins at 7:00 pm, and it’s sure to be a memorable and inspiring evening for all who attend.

The Lighting of the Menorah – December 25

Please join us on December 25 for the lighting of the menorah, led by the Rozner family, marking the first night of Hannukah. We will gather at 5:20 pm in front of the post office for a brief reading and the first candle will be lit at sunset.

The Bell Tower at Midnight – December 31

Chautauquans are invited to gather at the Miller Bell Tower just prior to midnight.

Deborah Sunya Moore will begin playing holiday music from the Bell Tower at midnight, and everyone is invited to join in a sing-along. We started this new tradition last year, as we can no longer invite large crowds into the tower to ring the bell as the aging system can no longer tolerate that use.

We also want to share our special hours to help you plan your visits. All times are in Eastern Standard Time (EST).

The Chautauqua Bookstore

• Regular Hours: Monday–Sunday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (Yes, even on New Year’s Eve and Day!)
• Christmas Eve: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Christmas Day: Closed

The Smith Memorial Library

• Mondays: Noon–6 p.m.
• Wednesdays & Fridays: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Saturdays & Sundays: Noon–3 p.m.
• Tuesdays & Thursdays: Closed
• Christmas Day & New Year’s Day: Closed

The Gallery Store

• Visits: By appointment only

Advancement Office

• Open: Dec. 23, 26, 27 & 30: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Closed: Dec. 24, 25, 31 & Jan. 1

Ticketing Office

• Closed: Dec. 20–Jan. 1 & Jan. 3–6
• Special Hours: Jan. 2, Open 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Regular Hours Resume: Starting Jan. 7, Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. · Tickets available anytime online at tickets.chq.org.

The Athenaeum Hotel

• Closed: Dec. 21–Jan. 2
• Online Reservations: Always available

Chautauqua Health & Fitness (Turner Community Center)

• Monday–Friday: 6:30 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Saturday–Sunday: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Closed: Dec. 25 & Jan. 1

2 Ames

• Open: Dec. 27–Jan. 1
• For details or special events, call 716-237-7066

Common Grounds

• Monday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Sunday: Noon–3 p.m.
• Closed: Dec. 24 & 25

We wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, wonder, and memorable moments. We look forward to seeing you soon!