Sabres to host 4 uniquely themed 'WinterFest' games in December

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and it’s about to get more wonderful.

We’re celebrating Winterfest during the next four Sabres home games, each with its own seasonal theme. The games are as follows:

Tuesday, Dec. 19 vs. Columbus – Woo-ville

Thursday, Dec. 21 vs. Toronto – North Pole

Wednesday, Dec. 27 vs. Boston – Holiday Rewind

Saturday, Dec. 30 vs. Columbus – Winter Wonderland

The first 10,000 fans in attendance for each game will receive a unique holiday-themed poster. Come to all four games and collect all four posters, which combine to create one wintery Sabres scene.

All four games will also include a pregame outdoor market in Alumni Plaza, where you can …

• Listen to music from DJ Brei
• Stop by our Sabres Store pop-up to purchase your special merchandise including knit hats, scarves, holiday ornaments, and Tage Thompson action figures
• Warm up with a hot chocolate and specialty crepes which will be available for purchase
• Highmark will be on-site handing out complimentary winter gloves – make sure to grab yours on the way in!

Here’s what you can expect from each game.

Tuesday, Dec. 19: Woo-ville

Yes, this Grinch-themed game is a play on Alex Tuch’s signature celebration. 

• Secure your seats

The Grinch and his dog, Max (played by our team dog, Blue), will be roaming the concourse, where there will also be a “Woo-ville” photo backdrop and balloon display as well as carolers to spread holiday cheer (apologies to The Grinch). There will also be a take-home photo opportunity courtesy of Highmark.

The “Woo-ville Fizz” will be the first of four signature cocktails that will be available at The New Amsterdam Vodka Bar (located near Section 106), made with New Amsterdam Passionfruit Vodka, La Marca Prosecco, white grape juice, edible green glitter, and lemon.

Thursday, Dec. 21: North Pole

Write letters to Santa and meet the man himself as we bring the North Pole to Buffalo.

We’ll have Santa and Mrs. Claus in the concourse for photos, two reindeer outside in Alumni Plaza before the game, concourse music provided by Vibrant Strings, a station to write letters to the North Pole, and a holiday craft station in conjunction with the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. Highmark will once again provide a themed photo opportunity with take-home prints available.

• Secure your seats

The New Amsterdam Vodka Bar will be serving “The North Pole Mule,” made with New Amsterdam Citrus Vodka, cranberry, ginger beer, and lime.

Wednesday, Dec. 27: Holiday Rewind

We’re taking a look back at holiday-themed movies and pop culture throughout the game! The festivities include three photo stations inside the arena: a BFLO photobomb with the leg lamp from “A Christmas Story,” a winter scene with take-home photo prints courtesy of Highmark, plus a 360 Fan Cam.

• Secure your seats

One more nod to “A Christmas Story” – this night’s signature cocktail is “The Red Ryder Spritz,” made with New Amsterdam Vodka, La Marca Prosecco, loganberry citrus blend, and blackberries.

Saturday, Dec. 30: Winter Wonderland

It’s a winter wonderland for the final game of Winterfest! Activities for this game will include hair braiding from Braidbabes, an airbrush tattoo artist, a Plinko game to win fun prizes and a photo opportunity with take-home photo prints courtesy of Highmark.

• Secure your seats

The “Let It Snow Poinsettia” will be our final Winterfest cocktail, consisting of La Marca Prosecco, sparkling cranberry lime juice, and cranberry, garnished with thyme and served with a sugar rim.