Bestor Plaza at Chautauqua Institution will host the Winter Village at Chautauqua beginning today from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Submitted photo

Chautauqua Institution, a world-renown summer enrichment center, will transform into a winter wonderland for the next few weeks starting today.

Offering extended hours today for the opening day, the Winter Village at Chautauqua will offer a variety of family oriented, holiday centered events on the grounds of Chautauqua. Bestor Plaza will act as the center stage for the activities throughout the weekends from today through Dec. 31.

Today, the winter village will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a “Light The Plaza” event kicking off the festival at 5 p.m. Santa will arrive and smores and holiday beverages will be available by the fireside during the event.

Chautauqua Institution President Michael Hill said the Winter Village is one way the institution is tackling a question he and his administration have been working on since he took office: What is the best way to utilize the grounds and facilities longer than the summer season?

“The goal is to get the institution open nine to 10 months out of the year,” he said. “We know that will lift up the economic viability of the county if we can do that.”

Hill said the goal is to “turn the gates into gateways” and facilitate a connection between the institution and the surrounding community.

“The institution should not feel like it is walled off from the rest of the county,” he said.

Hill said the institution is not charging a gate fee for the winter events. He said the hope is that area residents and other visitors will enjoy the season on the grounds in a new way.

“What I hope (the winter village) feels like to our county residents is a love letter to them,” Hill said. “I love that there is no barrier, and if you want to come somewhere beautiful, be thankful and celebrate with your friends and family, you can. I hope that’s the gift you receive.”

Likewise, Chautauquans that visit during the summer come back to celebrate the holidays from time to time, and the winter village will make the holidays that much more enjoyable for them, Hill said. Another benefit of hosting the events at Chautauqua is that it creates alternative revenue streams for the small businesses and vendors that will be involved in them.

Hill said he is most excited to see snow and crowds on the grounds at the same time.

“I live on the grounds year round,” he said. “When our traditional season ends, this robust town turns into a kind of ghost town. I’m looking forward to having people on the campus again.”

Hill said between the twinkle lights, cookie decorating, writing letters to Santa via the Owl Post and other activities, the Winter Village is supposed to encompass a “vintage holiday” feeling.

“What we are attempting to create is everyone’s favorite holiday scene from their favorite movies,” he said.

Bestor Plaza activities will include visits with Santa, holiday beverages and snacks around outdoor fire pits, horse-drawn carriage or wagon rides today through Sunday, Dec. 23-24 and Dec. 30-31 with tickets available at the Chautauqua Bookstore, a holiday story time at the Smith Memorial Library at 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and Wizarding Letters to Santa at the Colonnade lobby.

There will also be junior cupcake decorating classes with Full Moon Rising Bakery; Winter Village Wine Tastes and Small Plates events; Men’s Shopping Nights; and Breakfasts with Santa. For more information on the upcoming events, visit chq.org/winter or call 357-6306.