Tis’ the season for holiday movie binging! And if you are fans of holiday movies like we are, you might have noticed those Hallmark movies giving us the warm and fuzzy feels are set in charming small towns. These quaint villages are full of friendly faces and small town holiday cheer -- inevitably making your heart yearn for a white Christmas in a small town upstate.
Well, you are in luck! You can live out your holiday fantasies by visiting one of these Finger Lakes Wine Country picture-perfect towns, complete with locally-owned shops, streets lined with twinkling lights, and town squares perfect for a romantic moment. So grab your hot cocoa and get ready to be transported into Hallmark movie magic.
Corning
Fall head over heels in love with the enchanting holiday spirit in Corning. You won’t want to miss wandering down Market Street exploring locally-owned shops, eateries, and cafes this holiday season. You'll find yourself gazing at the sparkling lights strung on the trees and festive wreaths hung throughout the town, making it feel like a scene out of a snow globe.
Stop in any of the shops to pick up unique gifts for those on your holiday shopping list. Take a break and visit a bakery for a seasonal sweet treat and a hot cocoa or coffee to warm you up. No matter how you spend your time in Corning, you'll ooh and ahh at all the festive decor in this picturesque town that looks straight out of a heartwarming Hallmark movie.
Owego
The historic walkable downtown of Owego is another charmer and place full of whimsy, especially around the holidays. There is no doubt that Owego could be the backdrop of a cheerful or romantic Christmas movie.
Owego is perched above the spectacular Susquehanna River and visitors are rewarded with the grand entry to the town hall upon arriving over the bridge lined with glimmering lights and holiday wreath decorated lamp posts. You'll feel like you're entering a holiday greeting card!
Enjoy the dreamy decorations around the historic 19th and 20th century buildings, get some holiday shopping done at the locally owned boutiques and antique shops, or warm up with a hot meal at any of the downtown restaurants.
Hammondsport
Nestled on the south shores of Keuka Lake, Hammondsport brings out all the cheer during the holiday season that gives you a Dickens Village vibe. The historic village square is full of independently and locally-owned shops that are the perfect place to stroll and do some of your gift shopping all bundled up with a cup of hot cocoa.
In the center of Hammondsport, you have the Village Square with illuminated Christmas trees and a decorative Victorian gazebo which is always strung with gleaming lights that feels straight out of a cheerful or romantic scene in a holiday Hallmark movie. Talk about the perfect Instagram backdrop!
Just steps away from the square, you'll find beautiful Keuka Lake. There’s something so magical about waterfront Depot Park with a fresh dusting of powdery snow too.
Wherever you decide to spend your time in Finger Lakes Wine Country this holiday season, we hope your visit is filled with joy and magical movie-worthy moments.
