By Kate Bartlett
The Lakewood Community Development (LCD) is proud to announce its second annual holiday festival in the village of Lakewood. Events begin Wednesday, December 3 at 5pm, running through Saturday, December 5. The event is free and open to the public, and aims to gather the community in celebration of the holiday season.
The celebration kicks off with the tree lighting ceremony on Chautauqua Avenue in Lakewood at 5pm, Wednesday, December 3. “We’re very excited for this year’s event,” says Michelle Turner, event organizer and LCD member. “We are making the tree lighting even bigger than last year.” Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance, along with visits from The Grinch and Elf. A memory tree will also be featured at the four corners of Lakewood, where visitors are invited to adorn it with an ornament in memory of a loved one.
On Friday, December 5 from 5-8pm, guests can enjoy horse drawn sleigh rides, caroling and photos with Santa along Chautauqua Avenue. “It’s a great way to get everyone in the holiday spirit,” says Michelle. “There’s something magical about being on a horse drawn sleigh ride through our village streets.”
Saturday, December 6, brings a full-day of fun, starting at 10am with a buffet breakfast with Santa. For only $6 (kids under 10 eat free), guests can enjoy a fun morning with Santa at the Lakewood Legion. Local vendors will be set up from 10am-4pm, throughout the legion, showcasing handcrafted gifts and decorations. “Our vendor market is a great place to get in the holiday spirit and check a few things off your list. Our local vendors offer a wide variety of gifts, and it’s a great opportunity to support local.” 
The Lakewood Library will host holiday crafts and letters to Santa from 10am-2pm in their Santa’s Corner. Sleigh Rides will take place on Saturday from 11am-2pm through the village and the shops along Chautauqua Avenue will be open for business. “We have many new, boutique shops along Chautauqua Avenue that are great for browsing and holiday shopping,” says Michelle.
In the spirit of giving, toy drop off boxes will be available at participating businesses throughout the village during the month on December. “We are hoping to make a big impact with our toy drive this year,” remarks Michelle. “We encourage everyone to bring a toy or two of any size; everything makes a difference.”
A Holiday Shop Around Giveaway will run as part of Christmas in the Village from Wednesday, December 3 through Monday, December 22. Visitors can pick up a giveaway card at any participating business, and obtain stamps when visiting each location on the card. Once completed, the card can be returned for a chance to win a grand holiday prize package featuring gift certificates, and other merchandise from local Lakewood businesses. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, December 23.
Michelle encourages everyone to stop down and get in the holiday spirit during Lakewood Christmas in the Village. “We are making this event a little better every year,” says Michelle. “It’s a great event for families of all ages, and it’s free and open to everyone. We hope to see you there!”
The Lakewood Community Development would like to thank their sponsors for making this event possible. “We couldn’t do it without them,” remarks Michelle. Sponsors include Brigiotta’s Farmland Produce & Garden Center, Dylix Corporation, Krenzer Family Tree Farm, JMP, Century 21 Turner Brokers, Fredonia Ford, Shults Auto Group. Lakewood Memorial Library, and Jamestown Area Community Federal Credit Union.
For full schedule and list of participating shops for the toy drive, visit lcdny.com, and follow on social media for event updates.