The holiday season officially began in Lewiston with the annual holiday market at the Brickyard Brewing Company on Thursday; the tree-lighting Friday at Academy Park; Santa’s arrival on Saturday, plus a flurry of family activities in the business district; and the Lights Parade Sunday evening.

As has become an unwanted tradition, wet, winter weather posed a challenge to the festivities, but organizers were able to pivot, make adjustments, and mostly keep to the planned schedule of events. Even on the final night, amidst rain, the procession found a dry window in which to entertain onlookers.

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Holiday market at the BBC, presented by Willow Consulting

Photos courtesy of the Orange Cat Coffee Co.

 

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Christmas tree lighting at the Alphonso I. DiMino Memorial Band Shell, presented by the Lewiston Council on the Arts and the Lewiston Beautification Commission

Here, holiday performances were courtesy of Harmonia Chamber Singers, Greater Niagara Ballet Company, Lewiston Dance Center, Janet Dunstan Dance Academy and St. Peter R.C. School choir. Guests participated on community sing-along, and were visited by the Grinch and Mrs. Claus.

 

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Christmas Walk weekend, with Santa's arrival, costumed characters and the North Pole mailbox, courtesy of the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Though Santa couldn’t hop a ride in his “Santa-copter,” he did make a grand entrance into Lewiston. After an appearance at Academy Park, he was escorted down Center Street to the foot of the International Peace Garden. He met with children and took Christmas wishes.

Parents and family were greeted by costumed characters and enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage and Hennepin Park petting zoo.

Santa’s float was courtesy of J&J Strassburg Trucking and Deal Realty.

Deal Realty offered crafts and refreshments.

Mini-golf was available outside Gallo Coal Fire Kitchen.

A look inside the All Dolled Up beauty bus, where “Frozen” friends lent a hand.

The Grinch visited the Brickyard Brewing Company.

Viva Nostalgia was a popular spot to shop.

The line to see Santa.

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Christmas Lights Parade, with imaginative floats along Center Street

Coordinated by the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce, with assistance from the Kiwanis Club of Lewiston

Preshow rain didn’t keep people from attending the weekend’s final event, which boasted 30 minutes’ worth of floats, dancers, elected leaders and first responders.

 

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Happy holidays!