Community Bank Presents 2025 Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

Saturday, December 6, 2025, Community Bank, N.A. Presents the annual Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza. The event marks the official opening of the Rotary Rink dfree ice-skating season in the heart of Downtown Buffalo, also presented by Community Bank, N.A. The event begins at 5pm with free ice-skating. At 6pm, there will be a countdown to the lighting of the official tree and fireworks display over Fountain Plaza.

“We look forward to continuing the tradition of free ice-skating in the heart of Downtown Buffalo and to partnering with Community Bank, N.A. this season” said Michael T. Schmand, Executive Director of Buffalo Place Inc. “In partnership with the City of Buffalo, Buffalo Place has proudly managed the operation of this outdoor ice-skating rink for 27 years. The revitalized Fountain Plaza public space provides residents and visitors with a festive and welcoming winter destination to enjoy all season long.”

Immediately following the fireworks and tree lighting, the fun will continue with visits with Santa, holiday gifts, face-painting, train rides for children, 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. All activities are free and open to the public.

Buffalo Place thanks Community Bank, N.A. for their Presenting Sponsorship of the Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration and the 2025-26 Free Ice-Skating Season at Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza. Buffalo Place also thanks our official Media Sponsor and Partner, The Buffalo News, for their support of the event. Stay up to date on event details on our Facebook page.