Bills fans spread Christmas cheer at Hofbrauhaus

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- It was another Buffalo Bills Sunday with fans packing bars and restaurants to watch the game. That included Hofbrauhaus Buffalo -- where outside people felt the holiday spirit before heading inside for a watch party.

Before Sunday's showdown with the Detroit Lions, Hofbrauhaus was spreading Christmas cheer, working with a local organization to hand out bags of Christmas presents to hundreds of local families.

"We had a really all-out Christmas Market weekend and then around 3 p.m. it started raining so it kind of died down after that," said Ed Arnold, a co-owner of Hofbrauhaus.

But that calmness didn't last long, as Bills fans showed up hungry for a win.

"When we have a full house for a Bills game, it is so exciting, everyone singing after every touchdown. Everyone is celebrating together," Arnold said.

Together watching the Bills game is where the Ball family wanted to be. They have their kids home for the holidays.

"It's always great to have the kids home from college and nothing brings the community together like the Bills," said Mike Ball. "Last week was a tough game. The Bills usually come back stronger from those experiences."

And that was the case yet again with the Bills knocking off one of the best teams in the league.

Bills fans at Hofbrauhaus said they are getting excited about the upcoming playoffs -- and a possible trip to the Super Bowl.

"I'm very excited, especially after last week," said Lauren O'Rourke, a UB student. "So just looking forward to the big win, getting ready for the playoff season."