Gingerbread wonders and a bit of shopping on Saturday

Nov. 24—Doors open at the Gingerbread Wonderland at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute today.

It's all a part of Jingle Falls festivities — which also features the LiveNF Makers Market with more than 120 local makers, live music, concessions and festivities at the Niagara Falls Convention Center. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. Admission is $1 per person.

"The opportunity is in front of people to share what's special about Niagara Falls and the surrounding area, including Niagara County," said Phil Mohr, one of the lead market organizers. "You can see over 100 small businesses in the matter of an hour or two and you can be really affecting those people's lives. By purchasing items from them, you will be helping them be able to put presents under their own Christmas trees."

Down Old Falls Street, Gingerbread Wonderland, constructed by the students and chefs of the Baking and Pastry Arts program, will offer a variety of holiday themed activities for the whole family. Visitors can experience live music, face painting, cookie decorating, crafts, children's story times and a visit with Santa Claus.

Admission is free and festive activity sets are available to purchase for $10. Each set includes two delicious cookies with supplies to decorate them, two crafts, two coloring sheets with crayons, and two letters to Santa.

In addition to the holiday fun inside the culinary institute, Jingle Falls USA will also provide activities on Old Falls Street outside of the building Friday through Sunday.

Like the Gingerbread Wonderland, Jingle Falls events are free and open to the public.

Parking will be free in the downtown corridor Friday through Sunday, courtesy of Niagara Falls State Park and the City of Niagara Falls. Locations include Niagara Falls State Park lots, surface lots, street parking, and the Rainbow Ramp.

Gingerbread Wonderland will be open through Dec. 17 on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

'Support Local Everything'

Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce is celebrating this weekend's Small Business Saturday with the theme of "Support Local Everything."

The chamber will give away $15 gift certificates to the first 50 people who stop by the chamber office and welcome center at 895 Center St. in the village today starting at 10 a.m.

The $15 gift certificates must be spent today at participating member businesses.

"Support Local Everything" reusable bags will also be available at participating retail businesses with purchases over $25 (first-come, first-served), sponsored by Lewiston Digital LLC.

"We have encouraged businesses to offer special promotions as a thank you to their customers ..." Chamber President Jennifer Pauly said.

Member businesses are offering special promotions on Small Business Saturday.

A full listing and featured spotlights are available at www.upwardniagara.com.