David Niles, Roger Tory Peterson Institute program and events manager, is pictured with the large Christmas tree displayed in the lobby of the institute. P-J photos by Katrina Fuller

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is all decked out for the upcoming holidays, and they are ready to share it with the community.

In its first Holidays at the Lodge event series, the community will be invited to partake in various holiday-themed activities including a weekly art fair presented by the North Shore Arts Alliance; a Morning Flicker Coffee Tasting with Crown Street Coffee Roasting Company; bird ornament decorating; storytime with Mr. Berry Christmas; visits with Santa Claus; Ginger Bird cookie decorating; and hot chocolate and cider.

Beginning on Dec. 4, RTPI will host the coffee tasting and the first day of the art fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the coffee tasting scheduled for 1 p.m. All family-themed events will be held on Dec. 11 and 18 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The institute is also holding an event as part of the Art After 5 series on Dec. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

David Niles, program and events manager, said RTPI is thrilled to open its doors and share the holidays with the community.

“We have so many amazing activities,” Niles said. “They are free of charge in the art and nature labs for families and members of our community. We wanted to give back to the community and offer them something to welcome them with hospitality and with thankfulness. We love being a part of the fabric of this community, and we just wanted to say thank you to everyone and invite them to come in and participate in holiday activities.”

Niles said the institute is aiming to make Holidays at the Lodge an annual tradition. He said the idea came to him because as a child, he grew up in this area, and fondly remembers doing activities such as these with his parents. Niles said he wanted to offer that same opportunity to community members and their families through this event.

“We think everybody needs it, especially as we’re still going through a lot in the world,” he said. “But, we can just take a moment to reflect on our thankfulness for the season and respect all the members of our community and come together to celebrate in a safe way.”

Nile said the institute is following CDC guidelines and is asking all visitors to wear masks in indoor areas.

Chautauqua County is also readying for the holidays, with various holiday-themed events in the coming weeks. They include:

¯ The Jamestown Holiday Artisan Bazaar, every Saturday from Dec. 4 to Dec. 18. Each event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event, organized by Diana Scott, will offer various vendors and activities all across the downtown area with the Wintergarden Plaza serving as the hub. Live music will be available in the plaza, as well as visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

¯ The Audubon Community Nature Center is hosting various holiday camps throughout the coming months, as well as a Christmas with the Critters event which will be held both in-person and virtually on Dec. 29 from 10- – 11:30 a.m. Visitors will be able to meet the live animals at the Audubon, including Liberty, the bald eagle, and will have the opportunity to explore animal specimens and artifacts, craft a special holiday gift for the wild critters and enjoy mini-presentations about live animals every half hour. The center will also host a year-end hike on Dec. 31 at 10:30 a.m.

¯ The Chautauqua Safety Village is hosting a Christmas in Whoville event on Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. The event includes various activities including pictures with Santa, Christmas cookie decoration with Mrs. Claus, visits to the Grinch’s lair, crafts, a stationary Christmas parade and more.

¯ The JHS Symphonic & Chamber Orchestras will present a free Holiday Concert on Thursday, December 9th at 7 p.m. in the JHS Auditorium. The concert will feature music from A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Nutcracker and classic holiday songs. Masks are required in all Jamestown school buildings, including during concerts.