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Village Christmas returns to Watkins Friday

Dec 01, 2023 at 10:35 am by Observer-Review


watkins glen village christmas
BY Samantha Lape-Kesel
WATKINS GLEN-Embrace the magic of the holiday season as the 30th annual Watkins Glen Village Christmas lights up Franklin Street Friday, Dec. 1. This tradition promises an evening of festive fun and enchantment for the entire family.
As the sun sets, Franklin Street will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with the road closed to traffic and filled with vendors offering seasonal treats and unique gift items. Many local downtown businesses will extend their hours, providing ample opportunities for holiday shopping.
The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. when Mayor Laurie DeNardo will officially commence the holiday season at Gifford Park with the illumination of the Christmas tree. The fun continues throughout the evening with a variety of family-friendly activities, including free face painting and balloon creations. Children of all ages will be delighted by the creative talents of the artists, adding a touch of whimsy to this festive event.
Don’t miss the highlight of the evening, the Village Christmas Parade, starting at 6:30 p.m. Watch as elaborately decorated floats, costumed characters, and local organizations wind their way down Franklin Street, with a holiday procession.
At 7:30 p.m., look to the skies for a fireworks display launched from the Seneca Harbor Pier. For animal lovers, the Community Bank will host a free petting zoo.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating our 30th year of this community event,” said Michaela Christensen, director of Watkins Glen Promotions. “This is our village’s kick-off to the holiday season, and we have been able to provide more free entertainment this year due to our generous sponsors. We can’t wait to see everyone!”
Visit watkinsglen.com for more information or contact Watkins Glen Promotions at 607-535-3003.
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