Lewiston Christmas Walk & Christmas Lights Parade return Dec. 1-3

Submitted by the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce

The annual Lewiston Christmas Walk weekend will take place Dec. 1-3 in the historic Village of Lewiston, hosted by the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce. Events include Santa, special store promotions and free children's events, and will conclude with an evening lights parade.

Many of the storefronts will offer special activities, treats, promotions and great shopping sales. The weekend activities start on Friday evening with the lighting of the village Christmas tree; followed by Skydive the Falls elves, as well as Santa’s arrival by helicopter (courtesy of Rainbow Air) on Saturday, Dec. 2, beginning at 11:15 a.m.; and will conclude with the Lewiston Christmas Lights Parade on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 5:30 p.m. on Center Street.

Key events are as follows with a full schedule of events below.

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UPDATE: Due to the unfavorable weather conditions, Santa will not arrive by helicopter. However, he will still begin his Saturday at Academy Park, entering by the Alphonso I. DiMino Memorial Band Shell at 11:30 a.m. From there, he will parade down Center Street and into the International Peace Garden.

Weekend Highlights:

Tree lighting

Friday, Dec. 1 – Tree lighting at Academy Park 7 p.m. Holiday performances from Harmonia Chamber Singers, Greater Niagara Ballet Company, Lewiston Dance Center, Janet Dunstan Dance Academy, St. Peter R.C. School choir, community sing-along, and a visit from very special guests! Store hours vary.

 

It's Santa!

Saturday, Dec. 2 – Santa and Elves arrive! Santa and Elves arrive with Skydive the Falls at Academy Park at 11:15 a.m. (weather-permitting), alongside Santa’s arrival by helicopter, provided by Rainbow Air at 11:30 a.m. (weather-permitting).

••••••••

UPDATE: Due to the unfavorable weather conditions, Santa will not arrive by helicopter. However, he will still begin his Saturday at Academy Park, entering by the Alphonso I. DiMino Memorial Band Shell at 11:30 a.m. From there, he will parade down Center Street and into the International Peace Garden.

Follow Santa for his promenade down Center Street after his arrival at Academy Park. He will greet children at the International Peace Garden from noon to 4 p.m. Activities in the village continue through 4 p.m.: Free carriage rides (until 3 p.m.); a petting zoo at Hennepin Park; and free mini-golf at Gallo Coal Fire Kitchen (also noon to 3 p.m. Sunday). Shops are open – hours vary by location.

 

Christmas Lights Parade

Sunday, Dec. 3 – Holiday events and Christmas Lights Parade! Shops are open! Free carriage rides from noon to 3 p.m. and a petting zoo at Hennepin Park from noon to 4 p.m. Center Street will close at 3:30 p.m. to accommodate the Lewiston Christmas Lights Parade, which begins at 5:30 p.m.

Dear Santa

Send your Letter to Santa – Get your letters written and delivered to Santa, right here in Lewiston! The red, regulation-sized mailbox on Center Street will deliver your letter directly to the North Pole! The mailbox can be found outside of the Lewiston Peace Garden (476 Center St.) Any letters addressed to Santa that are placed in the box by Dec. 17 will receive a response before Christmas!

Note: This is not a U.S. Postal Service mailbox. Letters will go to the North Pole only!

Lewiston Wreath – Take your family photo at the Lewiston Wreath in Hennepin Park. The 7-foot wreath is decorated with fresh greens!

 

Shop Small

•Antique to Chic – 536 Center St.: Saturday & Sunday: Old-fashioned Christmas shopping experience with a unique variety of gifts, vintage holiday décor and handcrafted items. From jewelry to purses to vintage LPs to collectibles, there is something for everyone on your list! Join us for sweet treats, super Santa sale items, and enter to win a gift basket while you’re here.

•Apple Granny Restaurant – 433 Center St., Lewiston: Live music with Dave Stayner from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2!

•Brewed & Bottled Craft Beer Shop – 444 Center St., Suite 1, Lewiston: Opening early at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, for holiday shopping and celebrations! Join us as we tap specialty and Christmas beers. Win a chance for a gift prize with the purchase of a six-pack to go!

•Brickyard Brewing Company – 436 Center St., Lewiston: Visit the Holiday Market on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 4-9 p.m. Listen to the sounds of Teal’s Vocal Performance Team “TNT Vocal Dynamites” as they sing your holiday favorites at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2!

•Center of Renewal at Stella Niagara – 4421 Lower River Road, Stella Niagara: Friday-Sunday Advent 2023 silent retreat weekend. Preregistration required. Call 716-754-7376, ext. 1 or ext. 2. The cost ($220 per person) includes lodging and meals.

•Chéri Amour – 522 Center St., Lewiston: Saturday and Sunday merchandise specials, and gifts with purchase all weekend!

•Deal Realty – 451 Center St., Lewiston: From 1-4 p.m., join us for complimentary refreshments, giveaways and a free holiday craft for the children on Saturday, Dec. 2.

•DeGiulio’s Pharmacy – 220 Portage Road, Lewiston: Take 15% off all items on the “gift side” of the pharmacy on Saturday, Dec. 2.

•DiCamillo Baking Co. Inc. – 535 Center St., Lewiston: Incipio Ensemble will sing Christmas carols in the DiCamillo Courtyard from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Incipio Ensemble is a semi-professional choir based in Buffalo.

•Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls – 1900 Military Road, Niagara Falls: On Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9-11 a.m., support the Niagara Falls Firefighters Toy Drive! Get a selfie with the “Big Guy from Up North” and a Dunkin’ doughnut in the food court. A $5 donation per person goes directly to the toy drive. Limited to 100 guests. Visit https://www.fashionoutletsniagara.com/Events/Doughnuts23.

•Gallo Coal Fire Kitchen – 402 Center St., Lewiston: Holiday outdoor miniature golf provided by the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce and other activities provided by Gallo! Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.

•The Griffon Gastropub – 115 S. Water St., Lewiston: Holiday cocktails – chocolate peppermint Martino, Christmas punch, boozy hot chocolate, Irish Coffee, Christmas cookie cocktail and more! N/A options available!

•Just Desserts by Aimee – 476 Center St., Lewiston: Open for Christmas Walk weekend (3-6 p.m. Thursday, 2-6 p.m. Friday, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

•Kin Loch Farmstead – 4299 Ridge Road, Lockport: Join us on Dec. 2, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., to make a holiday wreath with fresh local pines and decorations. Also, Kin Loch lavender products will be available for shopping. Cost is $42 per person. Preregister online at https://www.kinlochfarmstead.com/.

•Lewiston Animal Hospital – 165 Portage Road, Lewiston: Join us for holiday photos with your pet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2! Donate to the pet emergency fund and receive a digital photo of your pet!

•Orange Cat Coffee Co. – 703 Center St., Lewiston: On Saturday and Sunday, take 10% off all bulk coffee and tea! Enter to win an Orange Cat goodies basket!

•The Point Church – 409 Plain St., Lewiston: From 1-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, enjoy the Christmas Karaoke Café. Join us for some free fun and holiday music! Coffee, cocoa and Cookies available for purchase.

•Queen B’s Cottage – 475 Ridge St., Lewiston: On Saturday and Sunday, it’s “Sweets & Prosecco in the Garden!” (weather-permitting). Discounts throughout! Raffle for a $25 gift certificate (first prize) and a fragrant candle (second prize). Drawing on Dec. 4.

•Sgt. Peppers Hot Sauces, Etc. – 444 Center St., Side Unit 4, Lewiston: On Saturday and Sunday, enter to win a $50 gift certificate with any purchase of $10 or more. Drawing is Dec. 19.

•St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church – 620 Center St., Lewiston: On Saturday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m., enjoy the Lewiston Choraleers holiday concert. Open to the public; $5 general admission fee. Children 12 and under admitted free.

•Stuart Sports – 486 Center St., Lewiston: Stop by Stuart Sports on Saturday, Dec. 2, during the Christmas Walk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and purchase your special holiday-inspired shirt! Check out the local high school apparel selection – perfect for holiday gifts!

•Find a list of participating merchants online at www.upwardniagara.com.

Additional Holiday Season Events

•Nov. 25 – Celebrate Wilson Tree Lighting – Martin Park, behind Wilson Town Hall, 375 Lake St., 7-8:30 p.m. Celebrate Wilson will light up Martin Park. Along with the tree lighting, we’ll be serving hot chocolate as we wait for the “Big Guy in the Red Suit” to arrive.

•Nov. 26 – Ransomville Festival of Wreaths – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout Ransomville. Enjoy a pancake breakfast at the American Legion; pictures with Santa at the firehall; a craft/vendor fair and cookie decorating at Jill’s Play Yard; basket, quilt and woodcarving raffles; a parade, which begins at 3 p.m.; and the lighting of the wreath at 5 p.m.

•Nov. 30 – Holiday Market – The annual event returns to the Brickyard Brewing Company, 436 Center St., Lewiston, with vendors from 4-9 p.m.

•Dec. 1-31 – Festival of Trees at the New York Power Authority Power Vista – NYPA will feature a dazzling display of artificial evergreen trees, adorned with energy-efficient lights as part of the annual Festival of Trees event. Additional exhibits are also open to the public. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 5777 Lewiston Road, Lewiston.

•Dec. 3 – Christmas concert by the Sanborn Band – Wilson Historical Society, 641 Lake St. The concert is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

√ Lewiston Choraleers holiday concert – 2 p.m. at St. John de LaSalle Church, 8477 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls. Open to the public, with a $5 general admission fee. Children 12 and under admitted free.

•Dec. 9 – Christmas in the Village of Youngstown – Stop by the Village of Youngstown Red Brick Hall, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for vendors, music and more. The event will be held at 240 Lockport St.

√ Lewiston Choraleers holiday concert – 2 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 4671 Townline Road, Ransomville. Open to the public, with a $5 general admission fee. Children 12 and under admitted free.

√ “Muppet Christmas Carol” movie – 6 p.m. at the Lewiston Opera Hall, 732 Center St. Bring your own sleeping bag and pillow and spread out on the floor. Admission: Donations gladly accepted.

√ Town of Lewiston Recreation Department gingerbread house contest – Starting at 1 p.m. at 4361 River Road. There is limited space, so registration is required. Visit www.lewportsports.com.

•Dec. 9-10 – Christmas at the Farm – Sanborn Farm Museum, 2660 Saunders Settlement Road. Presented by the Sanborn Area Historical Association, Sanborn Business & Professional Association and the Town of Lewiston. Activities for kids ages 5-8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., including frost a cookie, Santa & Santa Store, and a basket auction. Lunch will be available for purchase beginning at 11:30 a.m.

•Dec. 9 & 16 – Old Fort Niagara “Christmas by Candlelight” – At 6:30 p.m., tour the Great Lakes' oldest building, lit entirely by candles and decorated for the holidays by the Youngstown Garden Club. Meet characters from the fort's past and watch the firing of the grand feu de joie. Tickets are required as capacity is limited to 250 people per night.

•Dec. 9-17 – Ontario House holiday tours – Winter décor and Christmas galore! Seven holiday-themed rooms will immerse you in history, fantasy, and the magic of the season. Free and open to the public. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 10-17; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, through Saturday, Dec. 16. Presented by the Youngstown Garden Club.

•Dec. 10 – Lewiston Choraleers holiday concert – 2 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 915 Oneida St., Lewiston. Open to the public, with a $5 general admission fee. Children 12 and under admitted free.

√ Wilson Country Christmas – The First Baptist Church in the Village of Wilson will present a country Christmas with lots of treats, crafts and fun! The event is free and open to the public.

•Dec. 16 – Breakfast with Santa – Stop by from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Lewiston No. 2 Firehall, 1705 Saunders Settlement Road, Niagara Falls. A full breakfast buffet will be offered for $20 per person (children ages 12 and under are $15). Registration is required due to limited seating. Register at www.lewportsports.com.

•Dec. 17 – Light Up Sanborn and Caroling at the Farm – Sanborn Farm Museum, 2660 Saunders Settlement Road. Starting at 6:30 p.m., let’s be merry! Lights, music, cookies, snacks, coffee and tea.

Gift Certificates

Looking for the perfect gift to give this holiday season? Give the gift of “local” this year with an Upward Niagara gift certificate. Purchase a gift certificate in any amount and redeem it at over 65 businesses! Each gift certificate comes in a personalized envelope accompanied by a listing of businesses where they can redeem the certificate. A complete list of participants is available online at www.UpwardNiagara.com. Gift certificates are available at the Chamber of Commerce office (895 Center St., Lewiston) during office hours, or online.

The Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, convener for leaders and influencers, and champion for stronger communities. The mission is to unify the surrounding communities and to promote it as a premiere place to live, work and play while promoting tourism, business development, quality of life and the history and culture of the region. For more information, visit www.UpwardNiagara.com.

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