WHen we think about Larkinville, we tend to think of food truck rodeos, concerts, pickleball, and warm sunny days. But Larkinville has turned into a year round destination over the years, partially due to the numerous new shops and eateries that have opened. Holiday events is the other reason that people flock to the district during the colder months. And what better event is there than the annual Holiday Stroll?
The Holiday Stroll is one of the best ways to experience all of the unique shopping (and eating and drinking) flavor that this beloved area of the city has to offer. Plus, The Stroll is fun for the entire family.
“Kid Friendly” events include: Meeting Santa, stories, and crafts. Be sure to meet The Grinch at Meet and Eat Charcuterie. Or stop by for face painting session at D.A. Taste Taco. There will also be a kids’ dance-off at Bratts Hill.
Also, be sure to stop by Artigiana at 935 Seneca Street, for some house baked pastries, breads, and sandwiches. Park and enter off of Exchange Street. Artigiana is Larkinville’s newest breakfast and lunch spot. Offerings include such things as classic sourdough, hearty whole grain, specialty loaves, rustic country loaves, seeded baguettes, rustic sandwiches, croissants, macaroons, cold press juice,… the list goes on and on (Instagram). This place is a destination unto itself.
Business owner Shannon Wilson is self taught, and honed her trades skills while working at Wegmans. Aside from serving in-house, she also wholesales her focaccia to Public Espresso. The eatery has a simple coffee station, without the frills of a full fledge café. Parking is located in the back of the building on Exchange Street.
Following are details on the 2025 Holiday Stroll:
Take a Holiday Stroll in Larkinville on Saturday, December 13th from 11 am – 3 pm. Some venues open earlier and some later. Throughout the neighborhood find holiday activities for all ages, along with fun shopping at the shops in Larkinville plus an assortment of up pop-ups from local vendors.
- Santa will be available for photos and a meet up by the holiday tree in Larkin Square from 12:15 pm – 2 pm.
- Carolers from The Charter School for Applied Technologies Mixed Chorus will be strolling throughout the neighborhood from noon to 2 pm.
Parking is free in the lots off Seneca Street, and Exchange Street.
Heading west to east along Seneca Street
West End Interiors, 696 Seneca Street: Newly opened in Larkinville! Stop by to see their beautiful space inside the newly restored City Clubhouse Building. During the Stroll shop Live wreaths from the Plot Buffalo, along with pie and scone baked goods.
Swan Street Diner, 700 Swan Street: open 7 am – 3 pm. Stop by for breakfast or lunch during your Holiday Stroll. Diner gift cards and merch make fun gifts! Grab a take-out hot chocolate special to enjoy on your stroll. Open for regular dining as well.
Larkin Square, 745 Seneca Street, Santa will be set up in Larkin Square by the holiday tree for visits and photos from 12:15 PM – 2 PM
Bratts Hill by Chef Darian Bryan, Larkin Square, 745 Seneca Street. During the Stroll, pick up and take home a Pre-Purchased Jerk Family Meals – $49
Your meal Includes: 4-piece jerk chicken, rice & peas, plantain, cabbage and the option of adding a warm sorrel beverage. Pick up is from 1:30 PM – 3 PM. Order ahead here. Holiday Stroll special food and drinks; Plantain Foster Pancakes (day-of special), Warm sorrel (NA; spiked option), Regular Bratts Hill items as available.
Schedule of Stroll Activities at Bratts Hill:
11:30 AM – Christmas book read-aloud (kids corner)
12:00 PM – Caribbean Holiday Outfit Contest, Prize: Bratts Hill gift card
1:00 PM – Kids Holiday Dance-Off, Prize: Roblox gift card
2:00 PM – Best Santa Costume Contest, Grand prize: $200
Hydraulic Hearth: 716 Swan Street. Enjoy the annual Bavarian Winterfest in the beer garden. The outdoor patio bar will be open w/ heaters and German beers plus food specials The inside will be open as well.
Millrace Commons, 799 Seneca Street:
Meet and Eat Charcuterie: Meet and Eat Charcuterie is a made-to-order charcuterie, wine bar, cheese shop and gourmet market. For the Holiday Stroll experience “Whoville” The fun will include: Take your photo with the Grinch, a kids arts and craft station presented by Howling Wome Studio, made to order charcuterie snow globes, Grinch/Whoville themed snacks and drinks. In addition find a pop-up by Buff and Flo, Sunrae Love Jewelry and Jazzy Buffalo Creations along with free wine and cheese tastings.
Magic Bear Beer Cellar, Millrace Commons, 799 Seneca Street: Beer store and tasting room. Magic Bear will be presenting pop-up artisans during the Holiday Stroll along with $5 brunch drink specials. They will also be offering Hair Tinsel from Sarah Braids and Tinsel. Walk ins can scan a QR to join a waitlist for hair braiding and then get a text when its your turn! Additional pop ups from Kay’s Earrings, and the Pierced Buffalo, Kay’s Kandles, and Set Sail Design
Blue Table Chocolates, Millrace Commons, House-made artisan made chocolates and chocolate collections. Lots of gifting options! For the Holiday Stroll, take care of all your holiday chocolate gifting needs! Enjoy a specially made hot chocolate during The Stroll!
The Lounge Shop, Millrace Commons, For the Holiday Stroll, find a fully stocked store with gifts for everyone on your list! Lots of Bills and holiday themed merch. From 10:30 AM-2 PM Letterwood Co. will be live painting custom ornaments and stocking tags.
Breathe Organic Salon, Millrace Commons, Full service salon featuring Organic Products from O-Way.
Toasted Buffalo, Millrace Commons, Featuring artisan coffees and teas, toasts with toppings, smoothies and more! For the Holiday Stroll they will have their new winter menu available .
B Sweet Designs, Millrace Commons, For the Holiday Stroll stop by for a curated selection of holiday sweet treats, including hot cocoa, seasonal bevs and holiday inspired treats.
Space On Seneca: 867 Seneca Street, Pop up market with Adam Zyglis, Buffalo News political cartoonist and artist of the Bills themed murals in Larkinville along with Kirsten’s creations.
Buffalo Distilling Company, 860 Seneca Street: Bar room and still house, distilled in Larkinville. Their artisan crafted spirits make great holiday gifts.
Deluxe Tasting Tour will be available during the Stroll from 1-3pm. It is a great informational/historical tour with plenty of tastings – $27 ea. Sign up ahead here.
D.A. Taste 864 Seneca Street: Enjoy at stop off at D.A. Taste for their famous tacos. Enjoy holiday face paintng for the kids!
Paula’s Donuts, 872 Seneca Street: For the Stroll enjoy a free donut with the purchase of any beverage.
Artigiana, 935 Seneca Street. Stop by Larkinville’s newest business for house baked pastries, breads and sandwiches. Park and enter off of Exchange Street.
For more information on Larkinville and upcoming events, please visit LarkinSquare.com or follow @LarkinSquare on social media for frequent updates.
A link to the Holiday Stroll programming may be found here.