Once a year, as temperatures drop and snow descends, the masses gather to celebrate tradition and festivity. In Buffalo, NY, one particular tradition has risen to become a staple of the music world: Blissmas, a holiday-themed show spearheaded by Better Lovers. Rising from the ashes of Every Time I Die’s own holiday event, Blissmas has grown into a festivity like no other in the area. But it has become about far more than filling the ETID-shaped hole in the world. Blissmas is now a fully immersive experience with two pre-shows, wrestling matches, tattoo flash, charity curling, exclusive merch, and so much more. I’ve been covering these shows for several years now, and each time I look forward to seeing how it levels up. This year did not disappoint.

After a wild round of wrestling matches, the stage was set, and Johnny Booth kicked things off. They delivered heavy riffs with technical precision, giving the crowd exactly what they wanted. Imagine if Incubus leaned into their heaviest impulses — that’s the territory they live in. Despite being the first act, they brought serious energy, with frontman Andrew Herman showing impressive crowd control. They blend the best elements of 2010s Risecore and mid-2000s metalcore. It’s always a treat starting the day with a band that energetic, and they made for fantastic photos.

Next up was Koyo, a hardcore-influenced pop-punk band that has been hustling nonstop this past year. I caught them earlier this year at a small venue in Syracuse, so seeing them on a big stage in this setting was exciting. Their set felt controlled yet powerful, packed with mosh-ready anthems and sing-along choruses straight out of the 2012 playbook. Frontman Joey Chiaramonte even commented on how special and refreshing a mixed lineup like this is for the scene. I agree — bring back more mixed bills. The energy built steadily throughout the set. It was catchy, emotional, and full of movement. A year of touring can take its toll, but the band showed no signs of slowing down. While I almost wished for a smaller room to accommodate more stage dives, it was still a great set from one of the most promising acts out there.

Teen Mortgage followed, entering the stage to an EDM-influenced remix of “Scatman” before launching into their heavy, punk-leaning sound. The two-piece from DC wear their influences on their sleeves, from the vocalist’s Rites of Spring shirt to their modern spin on classic hardcore punk. Their sound feels like garage rock that manages to be both nostalgic and contemporary, with tastefully worked-in samples. Despite being a duo, they achieved a surprisingly full sound and kept the crowd’s energy high. I wasn’t super familiar with them before, but their vibe won me over — imagine Cameron Winter fronting Queens of the Stone Age. They didn’t waste time with banter, opting instead for a relentless string of pounding punk tracks.

Haywire has been everywhere this year — from a massive coast-to-coast tour to their steadfast dedication to hardcore and DIY ethics. They were ready to prove why they’re one of the hardest-working bands in the scene. What better way to start than with a crowd-led sing-along of “Sweet Caroline”? It woke up the entire room. Crowd surfers matched the intensity onstage as the band tore into their set. Photographing them was a blast thanks to their powerful presence. Their songs are fast, raw, and true to hardcore’s roots. Their covers of Poison the Well and Title Fight united generations in a passionate sing-along. They shouted out the sober crowd, the party crowd, and advocated for mental health — all core hardcore values. I had been waiting all year to photograph this band, and they did not disappoint.

The vibe shifted with Onyx, the ’90s hip-hop duo, taking the stage. Their transition into the lineup felt seamless as they delivered booming, classic hip-hop energy. They fit right in — the crowd vibed, nodded, and shouted the call-and-response moments. The duo paid respects to the greats, name-dropped classic tracks, and showed the polish of seasoned pros. It was a fantastic and unexpected addition to the lineup.

Terror, hardcore heavyweights, and Blissmas veterans were next. Hometown hero Scott Vogel took the stage in a Sabres jersey, and the band picked up right where they left off. They wasted no time igniting the crowd into a frenzy of mosh pits and crowd surfing. It was the most animated the crowd had been all night so far. Promoting “positive aggression,” they delivered another masterclass in what true hardcore looks like. I had my head on a swivel in the photo pit, trying to keep up. Seeing a band like Terror in a setting that celebrates authentic hardcore is always special.

Another shift came with emo pioneers Saves The Day. Now, legacy icons in their scene, led by Chris Conley, they brought their classic emo-pop-punk blend to the Blissmas stage. Conley was animated, weaving melodies around poetic lyrics, while the band kept the emotional energy high. It was a welcome breather compared to the earlier intensity. They rolled through classics — “At Your Funeral” still hits just as hard — and their newer material delivered a vibey, riffy groove. This was a bucket-list band for me to photograph, and the set felt special for many in the room.

Then came a rare sighting of Glassjaw. Their influence on the scene cannot be overstated, and seeing them again for the first time in over a decade was a significant highlight of the night. With a minimalistic stage setup, they reminded everyone why their legacy endures. Daryl Palumbo’s voice remains shockingly powerful, cutting through their complex post-hardcore instrumentals. The band flowed effortlessly through “Tip Your Bartender,” “Ape Dos Mil,” and other classics, with minimal banter and maximum intensity. Their technical mastery is undeniable — Glassjaw still has it.

Finally, a black curtain dropped for the main event. Christmas music gave way to a radio-style intro before the lights blasted on and Better Lovers erupted into “A White Horse Covered in Blood.” The Blissmas headliners had arrived. The stage, designed like a chaotic gingerbread house with lollipops, snow, and candy decor, lit up with color. I don’t think a single band member stopped moving the entire set — and neither did the crowd. Despite the long day, the anticipation was electric. Flashing lights, beach balls, fake snow, mosh pits — it was a photographer’s dream. The ETID-style riffs were alive and well, while Greg Puciato delivered a powerhouse performance. The set felt massive, festive, and relentless. At the end, the gingerbread houses were toppled and torn apart by the crowd — a fitting finale to a wild night.

Blissmas has truly evolved over the years, and this iteration was the best yet. A mixed crowd of old and young came together to celebrate music in all its forms, from heavy to heartfelt. The activities, the community, and the nonstop lineup made for an unforgettable event. It has brought something incredibly special to Buffalo — a festivity like no other. And I’m already counting down the days until next year.