Lewiston Council on the Arts, Beautification team for tree-lighting

Submitted by the Lewiston Council on the Arts

Once again, the Village of Lewiston Beautification Committee and the Lewiston Council on the Arts are teaming up to bring the annual tree lighting to the Alphonso I. DiMino Memorial Bandshell in Academy Park. The event is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6.

“We’re so excited that the Christmas tree arrives this weekend,” said Tasia Fitzpatrick of Village Beautification. “Festive Christmas decorations are going up all along Center Street, and our volunteers are transforming it into a magical Christmas scene for all to enjoy!”

Other volunteers and sponsors include Lower River Moose Heart of the Community, Stanek Electricity, Be Ok Studio, The Village Bake Shoppe, Tim Hortons, DiMino’s Lewiston Tops and Modern Disposal.

“It is going to be a wonderful celebration and a fantastic way to ring in the holiday season,” said Lewiston Council on the Arts Executive Director, Maria Fortuna Dean. “We are looking forward to sparkling performances by our community partners Janet Dunstan Dance Academy, Lewiston Dance Center, Greater Niagara Ballet Company, St. Peter's R.C. School choir and Teal’s Niagara Theatre Vocal Dynamites. Delicious hot cocoa and cider will be served, and we are expecting some very special guests.

“Come ready to sing along to your favorite carols!”

2023 Lewiston tree-lighting photo by Chelsea Sears/Chelsea Modern Images

>> PHOTOS: Tree-lighting ceremony kicks off Christmas in Lewiston

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Lewiston Christmas Walk and Lights Parade

Lewiston Christmas Walk & Parade brings joy to all!

Information Courtesy of the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce

The annual Lewiston Christmas Walk weekend will take place Dec. 6-8 in the historic Village of Lewiston. Center Street will be full of holiday spirit, as many of the stores will offer special activities, treats, promotions and great shopping sales.

The weekend activities start at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, with the village tree lighting at Academy Park, and will conclude with the Lewiston Christmas Lights Parade at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.

Key events are as follows:

•Friday, Dec 6 – Shops are open! The tree lighting begins at 7 p.m. at the Alphonso I. DiMino Memorial Band Shell at Academy Park. This ceremony, presented by the Lewiston Council on the Arts, includes holiday performances from local dancers and singers, a community sing-along, and a visit from some very special guests!

•Saturday, Dec 7 – Shop local! Santa and his Elves arrive with Skydive the Falls and Rainbow Air at Academy Park beginning at 11:15 a.m. (weather permitting). Santa will then travel down Center Street to the International Peace Garden. He will greet families and children from noon to 4 p.m. Additional activities will take place throughout the village until 4 p.m. Free carriage rides will be offered from noon to 3 p.m., and a petting zoo will take place from noon to 4 p.m. inside Hennepin Park.

•Sunday, Dec 8 – Shop small! Free carriage rides will be presented from noon to 3 p.m., and the petting zoo at Hennepin Park is back from noon to 4 p.m. Center Street will close at 3:30 p.m. to accommodate setup for the Lewiston Christmas Lights Parade. The colorful procession begins at 5:30 p.m.!

“The holiday season in Lewiston wouldn’t be complete without the sights and sounds of the annual Lewiston Christmas Walk,” said Suzanne Raby, director of finance at the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce. “Lewiston is truly a magical place during the holiday season and brings joy to all who visit. Rain or shine, the weekend continues to be a highlight of the year for many. We are grateful for all the volunteers and sponsors who help make the weekend possible.”

Find the most updated list of events online at www.UpwardNiagara.com.

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 Apple Granny Restaurant (433 Center St). Any letters addressed to Santa 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 located at Northwest Bank (500 Center St.). The 7-foot wreath is decorated with fresh greens!

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 one 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 one can redeem the certificate. A complete list of participants is available at www.UpwardNiagara.com. Gift certificates are available at the Chamber office (895 Center St.) during business hours, or online.

Mark your calendars

Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Matt Villnave said, “The Lewiston Christmas Walk has truly become something magical. Beyond its economic impact, the village seems to shine brighter each year. Few places go all out like this – with amazing tree lights, an unforgettable welcome for Santa, and a parade that’s pure holiday magic and already a beloved tradition.

“Clearly, Santa loves Lewiston.”

Click to enlarge (PDF) and find great shopping deals!

>> PHOTOS: Santa arrives in Lewiston!

>> PHOTOS: Santa Claus kicks off holiday season in River Region