Annual Holiday Tradition Continues In Westfield
This decades-long tradition takes place on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Beginning on Saturday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Nov. 24, Christmas in the Village brings the historic downtown alive with family friendly activities and events.
Saturday’s activities begin at Eason Hall as the Hall of Christmas Holiday Artisan Market opens at 10 a.m., and “Queen Victoria’s Tea Room” serving from noon to 3 p.m. with reservations required. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free Horse Drawn Carriage Rides that tour Westfield’s historic district, loads at Eason Hall. Enjoy the Hot Toddy Crawl throughout the village from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Look for the Hot Toddy sign in the window of participating shops and businesses. A village map and Tour of Westfield Cards will be available at all Hot Toddy locations Turn in cards at Rosie’s Workshop, Peaceful Designs or Blue June Blooms for be eligible for prizes.
Patrons will meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, Carolers and Christmas Characters on Main, as they enjoy special holiday fare at our fabulous restaurants, visit our art galleries, shops and the Christmas Tree Fantasy Land at Blue June Blooms!
Saturday’s children’s activities at the Patterson Library offers Make and Take Crafts, Cookie Decorating, Christmas Stories, Treats, Cocoa, Vocal Music and a Visit from Pygmy Goats.
The “Let There Be Light” Christmas themed “moving festival of lights” 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 the Christmas in the Village Facebook Page, on the bulletin board at Eason Hall, or contact Sue Poster (248) 830-6058 or Marilyn Hemmer (716) 753-6043. We are grateful to Grace & Abe’s Brew Pub for sponsoring the parade.
New this year, Santa will light the beautiful tree in Moore Park after the parade on Saturday. The celebration continues in the Gazebo with cookies, courtesy of the YWCA, visits and pictures with Santa.
Continuing Sunday are the Hall of Christmas artisan craft fair, carriage rides from noon to 4 p.m., music and reflections from 1 to 4 p.m. at Eason Hall, a Christmas Movie at Lakeshore Center for the Arts from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the beloved WWO’s Holly Tour noon to 5 p.m.
“We are excited to bring this family friendly event with fun new additions. This has been a decades long tradition in Westfield to kick off the holidays with cheer and joy,” said Marilyn Hemmer, Chairperson. “I am so grateful to have the support of our village, town, local businesses and organizations. Everyone has been enthusiastic about this year’s event.”
Westfield has ample free parking in conveniently located lots around downtown.
Call Hemmer for more information or questions at (716) 753- 6043 or email jm_hemmer@hotmail.com.