by Barbara Arnstein
“Christmas in the Village”: Holiday celebration in Westfield, NY, features a parade, carriage rides, tree-lighting & more.
Traditional Christmas celebrating will be happening early in Westfield, NY, thanks to its decades-long tradition of putting together “Christmas in the Village”, which takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving. Next Friday, November 20th through Sunday, November 22nd, there will be numerous events including a Christmas-themed parade, Christmas window decorations, tree-lighting, caroling, carriage rides, a Hot Toddy Crawl, a Hall of Christmas Holiday Artisan Market and more.
On November 20th, during Children’s Night at the Patterson Library, kids will be able to see the movie “Elf”, while enjoying popcorn and cocoa. On November 21st, at the library, between 11am-2pm, there will be crafts and cookie decorating. This year, for the first time, the Makerspace will have activities for kids all day, on all three days. On Saturday, Eason Hall will transform into the Hall of Christmas Holiday Artisan Market, from 10am-4pm. There will be free Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides from 11am-4pm, and a Holiday Tea at the YWCA at 11am and 1pm. The Hot Toddy Crawl will be throughout the Village, and beyond, from 11am-4pm. Participating shops, businesses and wineries will be serving free drinks and treats, wherever Hot Toddy Crawl signs are displayed. After the Crawl, to enter a gift card drawing, visitors will need to fill out cards and enter them at Eason Hall, Peaceful Designs, Full Strength Coffee Co., or Blue June Blooms. They will be seeing Santa, Mrs. Santa and carolers at times throughout the village, whether they are dining on holiday dishes at restaurants, visiting art galleries, shops, the theater, wineries, or the Grape Discovery Center.
Artisan Market, from 10am-4pm. There will be free Horse-Drawn Carriage
Rides from 11am-4pm, and a Holiday Tea at the YWCA at 11am and 1pm. The
Hot Toddy Crawl will be throughout the Village, and beyond, from 11am-4pm.
The Christmas Tree Fantasy will be at Blue June Blooms on Main. The “Let There Be Light” Christmas-themed parade will be hosted this year by Lake Shore Center for the Arts. The parade will begin from the Westfield Family Physicians parking lot on Main at 5:30pm, and end at Moore Park. There will be floats, dancers, musicians, walkers, cars, tractors, and municipal vehicles that will dazzle onlookers with lights. There will be prizes for participants, who must submit applications in order to be judged. Applications, and details, are available on Facebook, or by contacting Marilyn Hemmer, by calling (716) 753-6043, or Sue Poster, by calling (248) 830-6058.
After the parade, Santa will be lighting the tree in Moore Park, and the celebration will continue in the Gazebo as children pose for photos with Santa and get Christmas cookies, courtesy of the YWCA. “We are pleased to hold this fun-filled event, created to offer something for everyone”, said the Chairperson, Marilyn Hemmer. “I am truly grateful for the support of our community. As always, Christmas in the Village serves to showcase all that our charming and quaint village has to offer, while uniquely ushering in the magical and joyous holiday season.” For more information, email jm_hemmer @hotmail.com or call the Chairperson at (716) 753-6043.