A parade will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22.

Westfield begins the magical holiday season with its annual “Christmas in the Village” event.

This decades-long tradition takes place on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Beginning on Friday through Sunday, Nov. 23, Christmas in the Village brings the historic downtown alive with family friendly activities and events.

— Friday, Nov. 21 (4 to 6 p.m.), is Children’s night at the Patterson Library, 40 S. Portage St., showing a movie “The Grinch,” with popcorn and cocoa. The fun continues at the Library on Saturday, (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) with make and take crafts, cookie decorating, stories and music. Enjoy the “Hall of Trees!”

— Saturday’s activities begin at Eason Hall with the Hall of Christmas Holiday Artisan Market (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), free horse-drawn carriage rides (11 a,m. to 4 p.m.) and a “Holiday Tea,” hosted by Wanderlust, with sittings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (reservations required, 716-232-4069). The Presbyterian Church hosts: Breakfast with Santa (8 to 10 a.m.) and musical entertainment (11 a.m.). The McClurg Museum is open for tours (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

Hot Toddy Crawl locations for Westfield’s Christmas in the Village on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. include: Peaceful Designs Gift Shop, Waste Not, Concord Quilting Studio, Triple Crown, Tap Room, Betts Insurance, Butter Cream Babe, Suzanne’s, Lena’s Pizza, T.W. Biggins, Mumpsimus Books, Full Strength Coffee Company, Blue June Blooms, Main Street Saloon, CJ’s, Westfield Optical Studio, Tim Horton’s, Living Glass Gallery, Eason Hall, Lake Shore Center for the Arts, Patterson Library, Custom Cuts, Grace & Abe’s, Dave Warren Golf Carts & Powersports (E. Main Street), The Grape Discovery Center (W. Main Street), Five & Twenty Spirits & Brewing (W. Main St.), Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue (7540 N. Gale St.).

Patrons may meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers and Christmas characters while enjoying special holiday fare at our fabulous restaurants, visiting our art galleries, shops, wineries, library, theater and The Grape Discovery Center (8305 W. Route 20). Be sure not to miss seeing the Christmas Tree Fantasy Land at Blue June Blooms on Main!

The “Let There Be Light” Christmas-themed parade, a “moving festival of lights,” hosted this year by Lake Shore Center for the Arts, has grown in size and popularity since it began in 2018. Beginning from the Westfield Family Physicians parking lot on Main at 5:30 p.m. and ending at Moore Park; floats, tractors, cars, municipal vehicles, dancers, musicians and even walkers will dazzle spectators with lights. Prizes! You must apply to be judged. Applications and details are available on Facebook, at Eason Hall, or contact Sue Poster (248) 830-6058 or Marilyn Hemmer (716) 753-6043.

After the parade Santa will light the beautiful tree in the park. The celebration continues in the Gazebo as the children can visit, take pictures with Santa, and munch on delicious Christmas cookies, courtesy of the YWCA.

With sincere appreciation to Tracy Bennett, CPA, Westfield Ag & Turf, Westfield Optical Studio, North East Welch Credit Union, Weed Ross Insurance, B & C Tax & Bookkeeping, LLC, Betts Insurance Agency, Community Bank, Bob Ducato & Associates Insurance, and Community Bank of Westfield for sponsoring the parade.

— Continuing on Sunday, Nov. 23 are: the Hall of Christmas at Eason Hall, 23 Elm St. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and carriage rides (12 to 4 p.m.). New this year is the opportunity to “Decorate A Gingerbread Man” with Santa and Mrs. Claus at St. Peter’s, 12 Elm St., and “Caroling with Miss. Ko!” 1 p.m. at Eason Hall. The McClurg Museum is open for tours (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). The highlight of the day (2 p.m. matinee) will be a live performance of “It’s A Wonderful Life” at Lake Shore Center for the Arts, 49 S. Portage St.. Free admission!

“We are pleased to hold this fun-filled event, created to offer “something for everyone” once again,” said Marilyn Hemmer, Chairperson. “I am overwhelmed and truly grateful for the support of our local businesses, churches and organizations. As always, Christmas in the Village serves to showcase all that our charming and quaint community has to offer, while uniquely ushering in the magical and joyous holiday season in Westfield!”

Westfield has ample free parking in conveniently located lots around downtown.

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