What to Do in Canandaigua, NY This Week: January 2026 News and Events

Welcome to your midwinter roundup of things to do, see, and enjoy around Canandaigua. From ice time to indoor crafts, this week offers plenty of ways to stay active, learn something new, and connect with neighbors.

This Week's Highlights: Jan 11-17

• Sun Jan 11 - Cozy Storytime at Wood Library: A relaxed, winter-themed read-aloud for toddlers and preschoolers with simple crafts. 10:30-11:15 am.
• Wed Jan 14 - Public Skate at the Civic Center: Glide under the lights during evening open skate. Rentals available. 6:30-8:00 pm; arrive early for sizing.
• Thu Jan 15 - Sunset Stroll at Kershaw Park: Bundle up for a brisk lakeside walk. Meet by the main pavilion at 4:45 pm; the stroll starts at 5:00 pm and wraps by twilight.
• Fri Jan 16 - Community Open Mic Night: Musicians, poets, and storytellers of all ages welcome. Family-friendly sets and warm beverages. 6:30-8:30 pm at the Community Center.
• Sat Jan 17 - Winter Farmers Market Downtown: Seasonal produce, baked goods, honey, and small-batch pantry staples from local makers. 9:00 am-noon.
• Sat Jan 17 - Guided Bird Walk at Lagoon Park: Spot winter ducks, chickadees, and red-tailed hawks with a local naturalist. Meet at the north lot at 8:30 am; easy pace for all levels.

Family Fun and Indoor Comforts

Short days call for bright plans. The library continues weekly puzzles and board game drop-ins for all ages; it is a great option when the weather turns gusty. New skaters can try Learn-to-Skate classes at the Civic Center, and families who prefer sideline cheering can enjoy youth hockey scrimmages most afternoons. If you are crafting at home, consider a DIY winter bird feeder build using pinecones and seed mix, a kid-friendly project that helps backyard visitors through the cold. Several Main Street studios host casual paint sessions this week too; call ahead for times and materials.

Get Outside, Stay Safe

Lake views are gorgeous in January, but remember that ice thickness can vary. Stay off uncertain ice, keep pets leashed near shorelines, and use traction cleats on packed paths. For a quick cardio boost, loop the paved perimeter at Baker Park after the plows pass, or snowshoe gentle sections of the upland trails west of town when conditions allow. Sledders should pick hills free of trees and fences, and finish runs well clear of roadways. After any snowfall, help out by clearing sidewalks and giving fire hydrants a wide, shoveled berth.

Arts and Culture This Week

Local galleries feature small-format winter exhibitions, perfect for a 30 minute art stroll before dinner. A lunchtime history chat midweek spotlights how canal-era commerce shaped early farms and storefronts; expect maps, photos, and a lively Q and A. Choir members from area schools will also share a short pop-up program downtown on Friday at 5:30 pm, bringing a little harmony to your errands.

Looking Ahead: Late January Dates

• Mon Jan 19 - MLK Day Service Project: Join neighbors to assemble care kits and write thank-you notes for community helpers. 10:00 am-noon.
• Thu Jan 22 - Community Theater Auditions: Readings for a February comedy; walk-ins welcome. 6:00-9:00 pm at the Academy auditorium.
• Sat Jan 24 - Moonlit Snowshoe at the county park: Guided 2 mile route with warm-up fire at the finish. 7:00-8:30 pm, weather permitting.
• Sat-Sun Jan 24-25 - Downtown Cocoa Crawl: Sample classic cocoa, spicy twists, and marshmallow artistry while you shop local.
• Sat Jan 31 - Winter Family Game Day at the library: Giant games, jigsaw swap table, and cozy reading nooks. 1:00-4:00 pm.

Have an event to share? Send details by Wednesday at noon for consideration in next week's bulletin. Until then, dress in layers, leave extra time for winter travel, and enjoy the sparkle of January around the lake.