Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 5, 2026, Community Bank​ presents the Annual Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza. This annual event marks the official opening of the free ice-skating season in the heart of Downtown Buffalo. The event begins at 5pm with free ice-skating. At 6pm, we will countdown the lighting of the official tree and fireworks display over Fountain Plaza.

“Free ice-skating at Rotary Rink is a cherished Downtown Buffalo tradition, and we’re grateful to Community Bank, N.A. for helping us continue to offer this experience to our community,” said Peter Burakowski, Executive Director of Buffalo Place Inc. “Together with the City of Buffalo, we look forward to welcoming families, friends, and visitors to Fountain Plaza for a season of skating and celebration, beginning with our annual Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting.”

Immediately following the fireworks and tree lighting, the fun will continue with visits with Santa, holiday gifts, face-painting, and ice-skating. Ice-skating is free and ice-skate rental is available; $2 for children and $3 for adults. Guests are encouraged to bring their own ice-skates and avoid waiting in the ice-skate rental line. Santa will visit with children from 6:30pm to 8pm.