2021 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE FESTIVAL
CALENDAR OF EVENTS DECEMBER 8 - 12
Wednesday, December 8
10:00am–Close Gingerbread House Contest. Come see the great gingerbread houses and vote for your favorites! See the “It’s A Wonderful LEGO Life” set including old Granville house, the famous truss bridge, George’s 1919 car, and the “You Are Now In Bedford Falls” sign. Santa Letter Writing activity for kids, and new exhibits.
Heritage and Tourism Center, 89 Fall Street. MASK
10:00am-2:00pm Pastor Greg Asimakoupoulos will be selling and signing copies of his books – Finding God in It’s a Wonderful Life & Zuzu’s Wonderful Life.Seneca Falls Heritage and Tourism Center, 89 Fall Street. MASK
10:30am Launch of the 75th Anniversary Celebration of It’s a Wonderful Life with cast.
BonaDent, 2495 Bonadent Dr. Registration closed. VAX
Noon-5:00pm Festival Welcome Center. Information, Festival Merchandise, Tickets, IAWL Trivia Show, Lost & Found, First Aid.
Festival Welcome Center, 76 Fall Street. MASK
– Festival of Wreaths Fundraiser Raffle. Plus the $500 Money Tree Raffle provided by Generations Bank, benefitting Seneca County House of Concern.
Festival Welcome Center, 76 Fall Street. MASK
12:30pm Screening of “It’s a Wonderful life” the original version. This event is FREE! Concessions available for purchase.
The Little Theater, 103 Fall Street. MASK
12:30pm-8:00pm George Bailey’s 1919 Dodge Touring Car with owners, Keith and Marilyn Smith.
James Chrysler Dodge Jeep & Ram 1429 NY-414
2:00pm-7:00pm The Ultimate It’s a Wonderful Life Christmas Tree (from California) and Artist Yakovetic.
The Shop Around the Corner, 60 Fall Street. MASK
2:00pm “Notes from Little Pete.” Presentation by Donald & Ronald Collins, the twins who played “Pete Bailey” as a baby.
Trinity Episcopal Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
2:00pm-4:30pm Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life Sign Autographs. (Autographs FREE with purchase; $30 fee for items you bring).
The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St. VAX
2:15pm Video tour by Brian Rohan of Los Angeles County locations where It’s a Wonderful Life was filmed including: The Martini House; Stage 14/Culver City Studios; Site of the RKO Ranch; and Beverly Hills High School.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
2:30pm Michael Willian, Author: “It’s a Wonderful Life Uncovered: Everything You Need to Know and Have Been Missing All These Years.”
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
3:00pm Screening of “It’s a Wonderful life” colorized version – This event is FREE! Concessions available for purchase.
The Little Theater, 103 Fall Street. MASK
3:30pm Michael Willian, Author. “Wonderful Life Scene Sightings: Speed Rounds on Animals, Toys, US Presidents & More Spied in Your Favorite Scenes.”
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
6:00pm “There’s a Moon Out Tonight.” Meet and Greet with Cast Members from It’s a Wonderful Life. Ticketed event.
The National Women’s Hall of Fame, 1 Canal Street. VAX
6:00pm-9:00pm Seneca Falls/Bedford Falls Community Block Party. Come help us celebrate the opening of the Festival. FREE event, everybody welcome! Music, Dancing, Food, Friends! Ice Sculpture
Corner of State & Fall Streets.
7:00pm Festival Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Meet the people who helped to make the Festival happen, plus our Grand Marshal – Susan Souhan.
Corner of State & Fall Streets.
Thursday, December 9
9:00am “Zuzu, My Little Gingersnap.” Presentation by Karolyn “Zuzu” Grimes. Ma Bailey’s Kitchen. Ticketed event. VAX
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street.
9:00am-6:00pm Festival Welcome Center. Information, Festival Merch, Tickets, IAWL Trivia Show, Lost & Found, First Aid.
Festival Welcome Center, 76 Fall MASK
– Festival of Wreaths Fundraiser Raffle. Plus the $500 Money Tree Raffle provided by Generations Bank, benefitting Seneca County House of Concern.
Festival Welcome Center, 76 Fall MASK
9:00PM-7:00pm The Ultimate It’s a Wonderful Life Christmas Tree (from California) and Artist Yakovetic.
The Shop Around the Corner, 60 Fall Street. MASK
9:00am-8:00pm Visit George Bailey’s Car
James Chrysler Dodge Jeep & Ram 1429 NY-414
10:00am-Close Gingerbread House Contest. Come see the great gingerbread houses and vote for your favorites! See the “It’s A Wonderful LEGO Life” set including old Granville house, the famous truss bridge, George’s 1919 car, and the “You Are Now In Bedford Falls” sign. Santa Letter Writing activity for kids, and new exhibits.
Heritage and Tourism Center, 89 Fall Street. MASK
10:00am-2:00pm Pastor Greg Asimakoupoulos will be selling and signing copies of his books – Finding God in It’s a Wonderful Life & Zuzu’s Wonderful Life.
Seneca Falls Heritage and Tourism Center, 89 Fall Street. MASK
10:30am Videotaped interview with Carol Coombs (“Janie Bailey”) from the 65th Anniversary Celebration in 2011.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
11:00am: Michael Willian, book signing.
It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall Street. MASK
11:15am: “Bread, Salt & Wine” Housewarming in association with Habitat for Humanity featuring actors from It’s a Wonderful Life,
27 Tyler Avenue, Seneca Falls.
11:30am Screening of “It’s a Wonderful life” the original version. This event is FREE! Concessions available for purchase.
The Little Theater, 103 Fall Street. MASK
12:00-2:00pm Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life Sign Autographs. (Autographs FREE with purchase; $30 fee for items you bring).
The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St. VAX
12:00 Noon Video tour by Brian Rohan of Los Angeles County locations where It’s a Wonderful Life was filmed including: The Martini House; Stage 14/Culver City Studios; Site of the RKO Ranch; and Beverly Hills High School.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
12:15pm “The Shop Around the Corner” – Radio Play featuring Brian Rohan as Jimmy Stewart.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
1:00pm “My Dad, His Remarkable Life.” Presentation by John Kuri, producer, director, author and son of Emile Kuri, Set Decorator for It’s a Wonderful Life
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
2:00pm Video about the making of the snow for It’s a Wonderful Life featuring Bob Lawless, Special Effects Team,
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
– Screening of “It’s a Wonderful life” colorized version –This event is FREE! Concessions available for purchase
The Little Theater, 103 Fall Street. MASK
2:05pm “It was a Wonderful Decade.” Presentation by Michael Chapin (“Young George’s Friend”) on his career as a young actor.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
2:30pm–4:30pm Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life Sign Autographs. (Autographs FREE with purchase; $30 fee for items you bring).
The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St. VAX
3:00pm “Jimmy Stewart’s Wonderful Life.” Presentation by Janie McKirgan, Executive Director, The Jimmy Stewart Museum. Includes a short biography on Jimmy Stewart narrated by his daughter Kelly.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
4:00pm Special Announcement: It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, Donna Reed Center & Heritage Museum & The Jimmy Stewart Museum. Featuring Mary Owen (Donna Reed’s daughter), Janie McKirgan (The Jimmy Stewart Museum) and the Advisors and Board of Trustees of the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
4:00pm-5:30pm “I want to live again! Reflections and lessons from George Bailey.” Paintings by Paul Abate. First Presbyterian Church 23 Cayuga Street. MASK
4:15pm “Tommy Bailey and More: It Wasn’t Just It’s a Wonderful Life.” Presentation by Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”).
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
4:30pm Screening of “It’s a Wonderful life” the original version. This event is FREE! Concessions available for purchase.
The Little Theater, 103 Fall Street. MASK
5:00pm-8:00pm It’s a Wonderful Night for Kids – Family Block Party, Crafts and activities for kids, Games, Musical performances, Storytelling, Food concessions. FREE event, everybody welcome! Ice Sculpture.
Lower Fall St.
5:00pm Classic episode of The Donna Reed Show featuring Jimmy Hawkins and Shelley Fabares: “Mary’s Driving Lesson.”
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
6:00pm Santa visits the North Pole
31 Fall Street MASK
7:00pm Merry Christmas, George Bailey! – by the Seneca Community Players. — Advance tickets available at Festival Welcome Center or at therealbedfordfalls.com
The Bijou Theater, 95 Fall St MASK
7:00pm-9:30pm Special Screening of Frank Capra’s American Dream. Introduction by Monica Capra Hodges (Frank Capra’s granddaughter). Biography of the life and career of Frank Capra. Includes archival footage and interviews with family members, directors, actors and friends including: “Bedford Falls Productions” Directors Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovicz.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
9:00 pm Live Cabaret Show “I’LL BE SEEING YOU… A 1940’s Musical Revue” –Advance tickets available at Festival Welcome Center or at therealbedfordfalls.com
Pottersville Palladium 107 Fall Street .MASK
Friday, December 10
9:00am-4:00pm Bedford Falls Station Holiday Postal Cancellation.
Seneca Falls Post Office, 38 State St.
9:00am-5:00pm Celebrating the Legacy of Frank Capra. New exhibits; sign the petition for a Department of Peace and a Secretary of Peace that was promoted by Donna Reed.
It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall Street. MASK
9:00am-6:00pm Festival Welcome Center. Information, Festival Merch, Tickets, IAWL Trivia Show, Lost & Found, First Aid.
Festival Welcome Center, 76 Fall Street MASK
– Festival of Wreaths Fundraiser Raffle. Plus the $500 Money Tree Raffle provided by Generations Bank, benefitting Seneca County House of Concern.
Festival Welcome Center, 76 Fall Street MASK
9:00am-8:00pm The Ultimate It’s a Wonderful Life Christmas Tree (from California) and Artist Yakovetic.
The Shop Around the Corner, 60 Fall Street. MASK
9:00am-8:00pm Visit George Bailey’s Car
James Chrysler Dodge Jeep & Ram 1429 NY-414
10:00am Presentation by Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”): “Frank Capra and Me — Untold Stories.”
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK.
10:00am-2:00pm Pastor Greg Asimakoupoulos will be selling and signing copies of his books – Finding God in It’s a Wonderful Life & Zuzu’s Wonderful Life.
Seneca Falls Heritage and Tourism Center, 89 Fall Street. MASK
– “I want to live again! Reflections and lessons from George Bailey.” Paintings by Paul Abate.
First Presbyterian Church 23 Cayuga Street. MASK
10:00am-Close Gingerbread House Contest. Come see the great gingerbread houses and vote for your favorites! See the “It’s A Wonderful LEGO Life” set including old Granville house, the famous truss bridge, George’s 1919 car, and the “You Are Now In Bedford Falls” sign. Santa Letter Writing activity for kids, and new exhibits.
Heritage and Tourism Center, 89 Fall Street. MASK
10:45am Video tour by Brian Rohan of Los Angeles County locations where It’s a Wonderful Life was filmed including: The Martini House; Stage 14/Culver City Studios; Site of the RKO Ranch; and Beverly Hills High School.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
11:00am-1:00pm Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life Sign Autographs. (Autographs FREE with purchase; $30 fee for items you bring).
The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St. VAX
11:00am “Touring Bedford Falls: An Immersive Look at the Film’s Downtown and Residential Streets.” Presentation by Author Michael Willian.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
11:30am Screening of “It’s a Wonderful life” the original version. This event is FREE! Concessions available for purchase.
The Little Theater, 103 Fall Street. MASK
12:00 noon “I want to live again! Reflections and lessons from George Bailey.” Paintings by Paul Abate.
First Presbyterian Church 23 Cayuga Street. MASK
12pm-5:00pm It’s a Wonderful Life Characters on Fall Street
12:30pm “A.P. Giannini: The American Tale of the Italian Banker.” Presentation by Miles Ryan Fisher, Editor-in-Chief, Italian America Magazine, on Frank Capra and A.P. Giannini, believed to be the model for George Bailey.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
1:00pm “How IAWL shaped my acting career and life.” Presentation by actor Jody Thompson: A small town boy who shook the dust off this crummy little town to star in some of Hollywood’s biggest films. FREE!
The Little Theater, 103 Fall Street. MASK
1:30pm “Frank Capra: What America Was to Him.” Presentation by John Kuri, filmmaker, son of Emile Kuri, Set Decorator for It’s a Wonderful Life.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
2:00pm Reading of the Greatest Gift, the original story that inspired Frank Capra & Jimmy Stewart to make It’s A Wonderful Life. FREE!
The Little Theater, 103 Fall Street. MASK
2:00pm-4:00pm Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life Sign Autographs. (Autographs FREE with purchase; $30 fee for items you bring).
The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St. VAX
2:30pm “Ruth Bailey’s Life Philosophy.” Presentation by Carol Moss Loop, daughter of Virginia Patton Moss (“Ruth Dakin Bailey”).
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
3:00pm Interesting Facts About George Bailey’s Car. Presentation by Keith Smith, owner of George Bailey’s car, one of only four known props remaining from the film.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
3:30pm “A Hollywood Producer’s Guide to George Bailey: Frank Capra’s Most Wonderful Hero.” Presentation by Harold Buchholz, an Executive Producer and Writer, Mystery Science Theater 3000 (Netflix). Mr. Buchholz has taught college film classes, was a Senior Vice President at Archie Comics, and writes and draws the comic strip Sweetest Beasts on Instagram.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
3:30pm Screening of “It’s a Wonderful life” colorized version –This event is FREE! Concessions available for purchase.
The Little Theater, 103 Fall Street. MASK
4:00pm-5:30pm “I want to live again! Reflections and lessons from George Bailey.” Paintings by Paul Abate.
First Presbyterian Church 23 Cayuga Street. MASK
4:30pm Mrs. Martini’s Pasta Dinner and Movie Trivia – Join Mrs. Martini for a homestyle meal while playing along with the fun IAWL Trivia game. Advance tickets available at Festival Welcome Center or at therealbedfordfalls.com
American Legion 48 State Street MASK
6:00pm Frank Capra’s Preview Dinner. MC: Monica Capra Hodges (Frank Capra’s granddaughter). Shuttles start departing The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall Street, at 4:30 pm.
Del Lago Resort & Casino, 1133 NY- 414. VAX
6pm-8:30pm It’s a Wonderful Bonfire, Tree Lighting, Caroling, Holiday Lights Contest winners announced & Santa,Music by Calvary Chapel Worship Band. Harry’s Hots & Concessions available throughout.
People’s Park on Water Street.
6:00pm Merry Christmas, George Bailey! – by the Seneca Community Players. — Advance tickets available at Festival Welcome Center or at therealbedfordfalls.com
The Bijou Theater, 95 Fall St. MASK
7:20pm Fireworks on the Canal Harbor — Celebrate the 75th Anniversary with a spectacular fireworks display. Best viewing along the Canal Harbor north promenade,
People’s Park, Ovid Street Bridge & Bailey’s Bridge Street Bridge.
7:30pm Mrs. Martini’s Pasta Dinner and Movie Trivia – Join Mrs. Martini for a homestyle meal while playing along with the fun IAWL Trivia game. Advance tickets available at Festival Welcome Center or at therealbedfordfalls.com
American Legion 48 State Street. MASK
8:00pm IAWL Participation Movie – [SEE DESCRIPTION IN EDITED 2019 PROGRAM #2] #2 – Advance tickets available at Festival Welcome Center or at therealbedfordfalls.com
The Bijou Theater, 95 Fall Street.MASK
8:00pm Live Cabaret Show “I’LL BE SEEING YOU… A 1940’s Musical Revue” –Advance tickets available at Festival Welcome Center or at therealbedfordfalls.com
Pottersville Palladium 107 Fall Street. MASK
Saturday, December 11
8:00am It’s a Wonderful Breakfast. Tickets at the door.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
9:00am Groundbreaking of the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum Expansion and Unveiling of the 75th Anniversary Bell.
It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall Street. MASK
9:00am-12:00noon Bedford Falls Station Holiday Postal Cancellation.
Seneca Falls Post Office, 38 State St.
9:00am-6:00pm Festival Welcome Center. Information, Festival Merch, Tickets, IAWL Trivia Show, Lost & Found, First Aid.
Festival Welcome Center, 76 Fall Street. MASK
9:00am-6:00pm Festival of Wreaths Fundraiser Raffle. Plus the $500 Money Tree Raffle provided by Generations Bank, benefitting Seneca County House of Concern.
Festival Welcome Center, 76 Fall Street MASK
9:00am-7:00pm Visit George Bailey’s Car
James Chrysler Dodge Jeep & Ram 1429 NY-414
9:00PM-8:00pm The Ultimate It’s a Wonderful Life Christmas Tree (from California) and Artist Yakovetic. The Shop Around the Corner, 60 Fall Street. MASK
9:30am-1:00pm Roasted chestnuts by the Knights of Columbus. (or until gone) FREE.
Corner of State and Fall Streets.
10:00am-Close Gingerbread House Contest. Come see the great gingerbread houses and vote for your favorites! See the “It’s A Wonderful LEGO Life” set including old Granville house, the famous truss bridge, George’s 1919 car, and the “You Are Now In Bedford Falls” sign. Santa Letter Writing activity for kids, and new exhibits.
Heritage and Tourism Center, 89 Fall Street. MASK
10:00am Pastor Greg Asimakoupoulos will be selling and signing copies of his books – Finding God in It’s a Wonderful Life & Zuzu’s Wonderful Life.
Seneca Falls Heritage and Tourism Center, 89 Fall Street. MASK
– “How IAWL shaped my acting career and life.” Presentation by actor Jody Thompson: A small town boy who shook the dust off this crummy little town to star in some of Hollywood’s biggest films. FREE!
Little Theater, 103 Fall Street. MASK
– 18th Annual George Bailey Award Presented by Karolyn Grimes.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
10:00am-2:00pm “I want to live again! Reflections and lessons from George Bailey.” Paintings by Paul Abate.
First Presbyterian Church 23 Cayuga Street. MASK
10:00am-3:00pm FREE Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides – Pick up and drop off at
Festival Welcome Center, 76 Fall Street
10:00am-4:00pm It’s a Wonderful Life Characters on Fall Street
10:00am-12:00pm Santa visits the North Pole
31 Fall Street
10:45am “Frank Capra in His Own Words.” Presentation by Monica Capra Hodges (Frank Capra’s granddaughter).
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
11:00am Reading of the Greatest Gift, the original story that inspired Frank Capra & Jimmy Stewart to make It’s A Wonderful Life. FREE!
The Little Theater, 103 Fall Street. MASK
11:00am-1:00pm Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life Sign Autographs. (Autographs FREE with purchase; $30 fee for items you bring).
The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St. VAX
11:45am “Liberty Films: The Essential Partners and How Their Voices Affected America and the World Through Cinema.” Presentation by John Kuri, filmmaker, son of Emile Kuri (Set Decorator for It’s a Wonderful Life).
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
1:00pm Don’t miss the It’s a Wonderful Parade on Fall Street
1:30pm “The Real Bedford Falls: It’s a Wonderful Life.” Emmy-winning documentary co-produced and co-directed by Francis DiClemente and Stu Lisson on the history of the connections between Seneca Falls and Bedford Falls.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
2:00pm-4:00pm Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life Sign Autographs. (Autographs FREE with purchase; $30 fee for items you bring). The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St. VAX
2:15pm Mary Owen (Donna Reed’s daughter): Introduction to The Donna Reed Show and Thoughts on It’s a Wonderful Life. A classic episode of The Donna Reed Show that challenges gender stereotypes will be shown.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
2:00pm Screening of “It’s a Wonderful life” original version.. This event is FREE! Concessions available for purchase.
The Little Theater, 103 Fall Street MASK
– Giant Cinnamon Bun Eating Contest
Cafe 19, 20 E Bayard St
3:00pm Violet Bick’s Beauty Tips
Violet Bick’s Beauty Shop, 31 Fall St.
3:15pm Screening: Two Hours in the Dark – based on the life of Frank Capra. Introduction by Chip Hackler (Writer, Director) and Joseph D’Alessandro (Cinematographer). “Convinced his next film would fail, he deteriorated to the brink of death — until the day a mysterious stranger appeared, changing Capra’s life, and films, forever.” Awards include: Best California Short (California Film Awards) and Jury Award — Best Short (Charleston International Film Festival).
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK.
4:00pm-8:00pm Bert & Ernie’s Famous Chicken BBQ. Before, during or after the Race! Advance tickets available at Festival Welcome Center or at therealbedfordfalls.com
American Legion, 48 State Street. MASK
4:40pm The 13th Annual IT’S A WONDERFUL RUN 5K! It begins at the infamous Bailey Bridge, courses through the holiday-decorated neighborhoods of Seneca Falls, and concludes back at the Bridge where it all started! Open to Runners and Walkers. Register online at http://itsawonderfulrun5k.com.
6:00pm Merry Christmas, George Bailey! – by the Seneca Community Players. — Advance tickets available at Festival Welcome Center or at therealbedfordfalls.com
The Bijou Theater, 95 Fall St. MASK
6:00pm Screening of “It’s a Wonderful life” colorized version –This event is FREE! Concessions available for purchase.
The Little Theater, 103 Fall Street. MASK
7:30pm Special Screening of It’s a Wonderful Life. Introduced by Karolyn “Zuzu “ Grimes and Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”).
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
8:00pm IAWL Participation Movie – Advance tickets available at Festival Welcome Center or at therealbedfordfalls.com
The Bijou Theater, 95 Fall Street. MASK
8:00pm Live Cabaret Show “I’LL BE SEEING YOU… A 1940’s Musical Revue” –Advance tickets available at Festival Welcome Center or at therealbedfordfalls.com
Pottersville Palladium 107 Fall Street. MASK
Sunday, December 12
All Day – St. George Living History Productions will broadcast via Zoom.
It’s a Wonderful Life Museum 32 Fall Street. MASK
8:00am-11:30am Pancake Breakfast by the United Way. Tickets at the door.
Seneca Falls Community Center, 35 Water Street. MASK
8:00am – Noon Visit George Bailey’s Car
James Chrysler Dodge Jeep & Ram 1429 NY-414
8:30am – 10:30am: Karolyn Grimes 19th Anniversary Breakfast Celebration. Ballroom,
The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall Street. VAX
9:00am-6:00pm Festival Welcome Center. Information, Festival Merch, Tickets, IAWL Trivia Show, Lost & Found, First Aid.
Festival Welcome Center, 76 Fall Street MASK
– Festival of Wreaths Fundraiser Raffle. Plus the $500 Money Tree Raffle provided by Generations Bank, benefitting Seneca County House of Concern.
Festival Welcome Center, 76 Fall Street MASK
9:30am Bedford Falls Express Train Ride leaves Academy Square promptly at 9:30 am. Take a moment to go back in time. Enjoy this 90-minute train ride while you sip a hot beverage and take in the view. Santa may even make an appearance!
Academy Square, 12 North Park St./Cayuga Street
10:00am-Close Gingerbread House Contest. Come see the great gingerbread houses and vote for your favorites! See the “It’s A Wonderful LEGO Life” set including old Granville house, the famous truss bridge, George’s 1919 car, and the “You Are Now In Bedford Falls” sign. Santa Letter Writing activity for kids, and new exhibits.
Heritage and Tourism Center, 89 Fall Street. MASK
10:00am-2:00pm Pastor Greg Asimakoupoulos will be selling and signing copies of his books – Finding God in It’s a Wonderful Life & Zuzu’s Wonderful Life.
Seneca Falls Heritage and Tourism Center, 89 Fall Street. MASK
– You’ll want to participate in this year’s Uncle Billy’s Wonderful Scavenger Hunt. Test your observation skill! So much fun!
Festival Welcome Center at 76 Fall Street. MASK
10:00am-3:00pm It’s a Wonderful Life Characters on Fall Street
– FREE Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides – Pick up and drop off at
Festival Welcome Center, 76 Fall Street
11:00am Reading of the Greatest Gift, the original story that inspired Frank Capra & Jimmy Stewart to make It’s A Wonderful Life. FREE!
The Little Theater, 103 Fall Street. MASK
– Greg Asimakoupoulos: “Finding God in It’s a Wonderful Life.”
The First Presbyterian Church of Seneca Falls, 23 Cayuga Street. MASK
– Trinity Episcopal Church members discuss how what they have learned from studying It’s a Wonderful Life can be applied to any community, maybe even the country. Facilitated by the Rev. J. Brad Benson, parish priest.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
– Book signing, Michael Willian.
It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall Street. MASK
– FREE Roasted chestnuts by the Knights of Columbus or until gone.
Corner of State and Fall Streets.
11:00am-12:30pm Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life Sign Autographs. (Autographs FREE with purchase; $30 fee for items you bring).
The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St. VAX
11:30am Bedford Falls Express Train Ride leaves Academy Square promptly at 9:30 am. Take a moment to go back in time. Enjoy this 90-minute train ride while you sip a hot beverage and take in the view. Santa may even make an appearance!
Academy Square, 12 North Park St./Cayuga Street
11:30am “Notes from Little Pete.” Presentation by Donald & Ronald Collins, the twins who played “Pete Bailey” as a baby.
Trinity Episcopal Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
11:45am Presentation by Author Michael Willian: “RSVPs for The Bailey Christmas Eve Gathering: Who’s There, Who’s Not & Everyone’s Back Story.”
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
12:00 Noon Wonderful Music Brass Ensemble
Seneca Falls Heritage and Tourism Center, 89 Fall Street.
12:30pm Screening of “It’s a Wonderful life” original version.
The Little Theater, 103 Fall Street. MASK
– “It was a Wonderful Decade.” Presentation by Michael Chapin (“Young George’s Friend”) on his career as a child actor. Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
1:00pm Merry Christmas, George Bailey! – by the Seneca Community Players. — Advance tickets available at Festival Welcome Center or at therealbedfordfalls.com
The Bijou Theater, 95 Fall St. MASK
1:00pm-2:30pm Actors from It’s a Wonderful Life Sign Autographs. (Autographs FREE with purchase; $30 fee for items you bring).
The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St. VAX
1:30pm “The Backstory of Mr. Potter, Uncle Billy and the Other Jimmy.” Presentation by Sal St. George, writer, director, producer, St. George Living History Productions.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
– Bedford Falls Express Train Ride leaves Academy Square promptly at 9:30 am. Take a moment to go back in time. Enjoy this 90-minute train ride while you sip a hot beverage and take in the view. Santa may even make an appearance!
Academy Square, 12 North Park St./Cayuga Street
2:30pm Scavenger Hunt prizes awarded
Festival Welcome Center, 76 Fall Street. MASK
– Videotaped interview with Carol Coombs (“Janie Bailey”) from the 65th Anniversary Celebration in 2011.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
3:00pm Festival of Wreaths Winners announced –
Festival Welcome Center, 76 Fall Street. MASK
3:00pm Live Cabaret Show “I’LL BE SEEING YOU… A 1940’s Musical Revue” – Advance tickets available at Festival Welcome Center or at therealbedfordfalls.com
Pottersville Palladium 107 Fall Street. MASK
3:00pm “Look Where It’s a Wonderful Life Has Taken Us!” Presentation by Karolyn “Zuzu” Grimes and Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”).
Trinity Church, 27 Fall Street. MASK
3:30pm Bedford Falls Express Train Ride leaves Academy Square promptly at 9:30 am. Take a moment to go back in time. Enjoy this 90-minute train ride while you sip a hot beverage and take in the view. Santa may even make an appearance!
Academy Square, 12 North Park St./Cayuga Street
– Screening of “It’s a Wonderful life” colorized version –This event is FREE! Concessions available for purchase.
The Little Theater, 103 Fall Street. MASK
4:00pm “The Bells of The Real Bedford Falls.” Gather in front of the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum to hear the bells throughout town ring in honor of those who have impacted our lives.
It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 32 Fall Street.
6:00pm “We’ll Raise a Cup of Kindness: the Final Scene Dinner.” Shuttles start leaving The Gould Hotel at 5:00 pm.
Seneca Falls Country Club, 2790 NY-89. VAX