By Delainey Muscato
St. Bonaventure University
Chautauqua Institution is eager to reintroduce Winter Village this year after putting their programs on pause in 2020 and 2021. With COVID restrictions, Winter Village was limited to shopping only for the past two holiday seasons. But it is fully reopening this year, with something fun for everyone. The celebration starts on December 16th at Chautauqua Institution and ends on the 18th. Senior Vice President Emily Morris talked with me about the Village for this year. She said, “Winter Village is a wonderful opportunity to experience the winter beauty of Chautauqua Institution with family and friends, while finishing up last-minute holiday shopping and generally enjoying the season in a family friendly, safe and easy-paced environment”.
Speaking of grabbing some last-minute holiday gifts, you will not have a shortage of places to shop in Winter Village. “Everyone loves to shop the unique stores located only at Chautauqua” Morris said. Among these stores are Chautauqua Wearhouse, G.G. My Love, Chautauqua Bookstore, The Gallery Store, and St. Elmo Spa. As for food and drinks, The Afterwords Café, located on Bestor Plaza, will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8am-5pm. They will have a special holiday menu along with some classic coffee treats and holiday inspired beverages.
On Saturday the 17th, there will be two sessions of Breakfast with Santa. This event is always a favorite amongst the guests. The first seating begins at 9am and the second begins at 11am. Chautauqua Institution recommends registering in advance for one of these times to ensure your spot. There will also be a performance from a local choir. The Jamestown High School Madrigal singers will be performing at the Hurlbut Church Sanctuary on December 17th at 2:30pm. Though all the activities Winter Village has to offer are for everyone, there are a few activities that are mainly geared toward children. While parents are shopping, kids can write letters to Santa, make crafts, and more! There will also be a Poetry Makerspace at the Strohl Art Center from 12pm-5pm and a “Makey Makey” station in the Smith Memorial Library from 11-1pm. And if you’re looking for an activity you can bring your furry friends to, there is an event specifically designed for pets. Residents are encouraged to dress their dogs up for the holidays in the Reindog Parade. Those that adorn their dogs in festive attire have a chance to win some “pooch prizes”! This event has been held each year Winter Village has been running and it always brings a lot of joy. Make sure to showcase your dog in their best holiday costumes on Bestor Plaza the 17th from 1pm to2pm.
Winter Village originally kicked off in November of 2017. Since then, the date of the event has fluctuated. Morris says, “Each year, we plan the festival according to the rhythm of the calendar and resources, including staffing availability”. This year it is perfectly situated with the beginning of Hanukkah and the weekend before Christmas. The festivities will end with the Hanukkah Blessing and Lighting of the Menorah on Sunday, at 5pm. Winter Village has much to offer for anyone who would like to go. Since COVID regulations have been lifted, there is a lot more to do at Winter Village this year. Chautauqua Institution is excited to be open again to help everyone have a little more fun during the holiday season. Morris says, “From warm drinks around fire pits to a parade of pets decked in their holiday finery, there is no better place to spend the weekend before the Christmas holiday and the beginning of Hanukkah”.