WESTFIELD — A decades long tradition is back and better than ever. On the weekend before Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 18 through the Sunday, Nov. 20 as Christmas in the village will bring the historic downtown alive with dozens of family friendly activities and events. On Friday night, from 5 to 6 there will be stories and crafts at the Patterson Library. Carolers sing in the Gazebo at 6:15. Then at 6:30, Santa Claus comes to town to throw the switch that turns on the gigantic Christmas tree in Moore Park. There will be treats and hot chocolate for the kids.

“We are so pleased to hold this popular event once again,” said Marilyn Hemmer, chairperson of the planning committee. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support and commitment of our local businesses and organizations. As always, the goal of our event is to provide a weekend of fun and family friendly activities, as well as those that adults will also enjoy. Christmas in the Village always serves to uniquely usher in the magical and joyous holiday season in Westfield.”

Activities on Saturday start at 10 a.m. including Holiday Artisan Market in Eason Hall; Hot Toddy Crawl begins at 11 a.m. in downtown; free Horse Drawn Carriage rides that tour Westfield, begin at Eason Hall; The Hall of Christmas Trees; Make and take crafts workshop at the Patterson Library; Holiday Art Gallery Exhibits; Roaming carolers; “Hope for the Holidays,” a pause for reflection, inspiration, and encouragement at Eason Hall; Holiday specials on Westfield’s Restaurant Row.

New this year, O Holy Night, a collection of over 70 manger scenes created using household items. View at the YWCA all weekend.

The “Let There Be Light” Parade is a moving festival of Christmas lights and floats traveling from the Westfield School through downtown at 5:00 pm. The parade of lights was started in 2018 and has grown each year. “This year is expected to be huge with many colorful and lighted floats, farm equipment, fire trucks, groups walking and everything in between,” said Kevin Daughrity, the proprietor of Grace & Abe’s. Brew House. “We’re excited to be the official sponsor of the parade again this year.”

There are cash prizes at stake, and everyone is pulling out the stops.

Programming continues through Sunday with the addition of a movie marathon at Lake Shore Center for the Arts featuring traditional Christmas movies.

We are pleased to announce the return of the Westfield Women’s Organization’s Holy Tour on Sunday, Nov. 20. Tickets are available at Eason Hall on Saturday and Sunday, and Full Strength Coffee on Main street.

Westfield’s Grape Discovery Center is open all weekend. They will be offering crafts for children, treats for everyone, wine tasting, displays of the grape industry and a lovely Gift Shop.

Detail maps and schedules are available in shops and on-line at www.WestfieldNY.com.

Westfield has ample free parking in conveniently located lots around downtown. All of Westfield’s many restaurants and shops will be decorated for Christmas and have specials making this weekend a great time to start your holiday shopping.

Call Marilyn Hemmer for more information or questions at (716) 753- 6043 or email @ jm–hemmer@hotmail.com.

Sponsored by the Village of Westfield, CCHS, WBCC, Grace and Abe’s, Patterson Library, LSCFTA, WWO and Rosie’s Workshop.