For four decades, the Christmas Walk in Geneseo has been a busy, fun filled event. Sponsored by the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, it was originally called the Victorian Walk. In 2008, the event was changed to its current name to emphasize the Christmas holidays.
This year’s theme is “Windows of Hope.” On Saturday, Dec. 13, stores in the downtown area will feature their annual “living windows” that emphasize the optimism and hope the season brings. The Chamber’s list of activities includes around 75 various events, including several warming stations, food sites and musical performances.
Zach Sullivan, Chamber of Commerce executive director, feels a special connection to the celebration.
“As a child, I was part of the Living Windows display many times and recall the excitement of that day,” he said. “From the 5 K run through the lighting of the tree and concert, it’s a special holiday tradition for Geneseo.”
Explaining that it takes lots of volunteers, many working behind the scenes to put it all together, he estimates over 70 individuals make it happen.
“The many organizations and Geneseo residents who work for weeks to arrange it all deserve tremendous thanks,” said Sullivan.
A 5K run kicks off the celebration at 8 a.m., with activities for all ages available throughout the rest of the day. Churches will act as meal sites, offering cookies and food items such as chili, hot dogs, pasta dishes, chicken dinners and a baked potato bar for purchase. Free hot chocolate will also be offered at several locations.
Arts and crafts will be available for children, as well as pony rides, a jingle bell obstacle course at the Community Center, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and face painting sessions. Trolley rides will operate between the Moose Lodge and downtown Geneseo. A contest for decorating a gingerbread house is also scheduled (register by Friday, Dec. 12).
Madrigal singers, a live DJ, the Geneseo kitchen band, numerous folk and rock musicians and school choirs will entertain throughout the day. Even a professional Frank Sinatra tribute singer will croon out some tunes for visitors.
Civil War reenactors will perform, and the Geneseo police department will be holding its annual toy drive. Ice sculptures will also be on display.
Luminaries will line the city park, with a lighted parade and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree near the end of the festivities. The candles and colorful lights will brighten up the town with a special glow at the end of the day.
“With this being our 40th year, the nostalgia of a hometown Victorian Christmas is growing in Geneseo as we near this favorite Chamber event,” said Stephanie DeMay, Geneseo Chamber of Commerce board member and member of the Christmas Walk planning committee. “Thousands of people come from far and wide to soak up the spirit that is uniquely Geneseo.”
In her younger days, DeMay traveled to Geneseo to take in the Living Windows. “The carolers in full regalia, shopping in all the beautifully decorated stores, sipping hot chocolate, taking in the aroma of the roasted chestnuts and that glorious, gorgeous tree are some of her favorite memories.
“Now that I’ve gotten the chance to make Geneseo my home, I’ve come to realize that I’m not the only one who loves this traditional Christmas Walk,” she said.
The day, said DeMay, is a part of Geneseo’s heritage and that everyone there takes pride in the city and its people. “The success of this Christmas Walk is a hometown, ‘feel-good’ spectacle not to be missed.”
Information on the entire day’s activities can be found on the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or on the following site: www.geneseo.org.
