Great Things to Do in Western New York: Holidays at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site

The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, located at 641 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo, has a long history of presenting a beautiful Victorian Christmas program each year, and 2009 is no exception. this year's program runs Thursday, December 3rd through Saturday, December 12th in the Wilcox Mansion and Carriage House.

Festivities kick off Thursday the 3rd with a silent auction and wine tasting from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Hors d'oeuvres, wines, theme baskets, and a performance by Gypsy Jazz band Babik will be $35 for non-members and $30 for members pre-sale ($40 at the door).

Eight luncheon programs will be featured throughout the ten days. Saturday, December 5th and Saturday, December 12th are the Vintage Fashion Shows at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. both days (all shows SOLD OUT). Monday, December 7th features the Hutchinson Family Revival, while Tuesday, December 8th features a presentation by Dorothy Freeman, "Our First Ladies by Madame Alexander." Wednesday, December 9th features a presentation on "Holiday Traditions" by Cathy McGovern of Trillium's Courtyard Florist, while Thursday, December 10th features Mt. Mercy Academy's Magic Belles; Monday through Thursday luncheons are at 11:30 a.m. Cost for all luncheons is $25 per person, and includes a chicken salad plate, wine, dessert, coffee or tea, and entertainment (December 8th and 9th events are also SOLD OUT).

Tuesday, December 8th is the Gourmet Wine and Food Pairing Dinner, beginning at 5:30 p.m., and featuring dinner and holiday music from the Mark Mazur Quartet; tickets are $55 per person. Three Candlelight Dinners will also take place: Monday, December 7th featuring the Grand Island High School Madrigal Singers; Thursday, December 10th with the Mark Mazur Quartet; and Friday, December 11th featuring a Victoria's Tea Room Supper and Vintage Fashion Show. Tickets for the Candlelight Dinners are $45 per person.

Friday, December 11th is a special concert and lunch collaboration with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. At 10:30 a.m., there will be a Classical Christmas concert at Kleinhans, followed by a lunch at the Inaugural Site at 1 p.m. (event is now SOLD OUT).

If you are interested in viewing the decorated Mansion and Carriage House, this display is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.; general admission is $5 per person. To make reservations for any of the special events, call 716-884-0095. For more information on the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, visit nps.gov/THRI.