HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
The Park Avenue Merchants Association welcomes the public in a celebration of the season during its Holiday Open House.
Visitors to the event on December 3 can start holiday shopping at one of the many businesses along the avenue. Stores include Figgy Studio & Shop, which sells homemade jewelry, clothing, and more; F. Oliver’s, offering oils, vinegars, spices, and more; Parkleigh, a gift shop on the avenue since 1960; and many more.
Restaurants and pubs—such as ROAM Cafe—will be offering a variety of specials, and in past years, boutiques have entertained visitors with holiday prize wheels, raffles, live music, wine tasting, roasted chestnuts, cookie decorating, and more.
“It’s the best way to kick off the holiday season—exploring new and exciting places and visiting those beloved merchants who have made their mark on the avenue for years,” says Mary Bassett, president of the merchant’s association.
Families will have a chance to take photos with Santa at the Park Avenue Green, at the corner of Park Avenue and Barrington Street. There will also be a tree and menorah lighting as well, and guests can ride horse-drawn carriages. The event will also feature a holiday-themed train ride for kids.
Learn more: park-avenue.org/avenue-events/holiday-open-house.
APPLE TASTING TOUR
For the past twenty-nine years, the Wayne County Apple Tasting Tour has celebrated local farms and businesses.
During the month of October, visitors are encouraged to visit eleven businesses—farms, cideries, and wineries—as part of the tour. A “passport” can be found on appletastingtour.com with all locations listed, or participants can download the Apple Tasting Tour app.
Visitors can complete a word jumble for a chance to win up to $300 in prizes. They will find a letter at each stop, which they can add to their passport. All letters can then be scrambled to complete the puzzle.
October 9 through 12, deemed Signature Tasting Weekend, features apple tastings at the farm markets. There will be a mix of activities at the stops, including door prizes, special events, an opportunity for apple picking, animals to visit with, and play areas for families.
Wine tastings will take place at Young Sommer Winery and JD Wine Cellars at Long Acre Farms, and hard cider will be available at Embark Craft Ciderworks at Lagoner Farms or Old Goat Cidery at The Apple Shed. Visitors can also walk through the Amazing Maize Maze at Long Acre Farms.
“This tour gives people an opportunity to slow down and take time for themselves,” says Christine Worth, director of tourism for Wayne County. “Whether you can stop at a couple of the stops or do them all, it is an opportunity to be outdoors, enjoy the products grown and baked locally, relax, and have fun.”
WINTERFEST
The Cobblestone Arts Center in Farmington hosts its annual Winterfest on December 12.
The center offers day programs for adults with disabilities, ranging from visual art and dance to music. It’s also home to the Cobblestone Players, a theater group that performs in rural communities around the area.
Winterfest features an artisan market with local craft vendors and artists. Seasonal snacks, treats, and beverages will be available at the free event. Kids can spend time at interactive arts and crafts stations and building areas. Santa Claus will be onsite for photos.
The center’s theater stage will host the Victor Pops Community Band, Womba Africa Drumming, dance performances by the St. Peter’s Community Arts Academy, and the Rochester City Ballet performing scenes from The Nutcracker.
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2026 issue of (585) Kids.
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