Watkins Glen Village Christmas
Celebrate the holiday season along Franklin Street with twinkling lights, festive community traditions, and local vendors offering holiday shopping. The event features photos at Santa’s Workshop, seasonal stories, a village scavenger hunt, and the annual tree lighting. Festivities culminate with an energetic community parade and a fireworks display.
What to Expect
Holiday festival featuring a community parade, tree lighting, and fireworks display.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Watkins Glen
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Watkins Glen Promotions
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and communal
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Admission is free and open to everyone.
- Hours: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Tips & Advice
- Bundle up for the evening along Franklin Street, since the parade, tree lighting and fireworks all take place downtown.
- Enter the Christmas Parade if your group has a festive idea, because it's free to sign up and entries can win cash prizes.
- Register early if you want a vendor booth, since spaces are first come, first served and location requests aren't guaranteed.
- Vendors should send insurance, any needed health permit, a tax certificate and payment along with the form, because booths with missing items are not accepted.
- Bring the kids for photos with Santa at Santa's Workshop, then join the seasonal stories and scavenger hunt around the village.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at Village Christmas?
There are photos with Santa at Santa's Workshop, the Village Tree Lighting, and seasonal stories with a scavenger hunt. You'll also find local vendors for holiday shopping, a community parade and a fireworks display.
Is it good for families?
Yes. It's a free family event that's open to everyone.
How can my group be in the Christmas Parade?
Signing up is free. Register online and read the rules and regulations. Local businesses, organizations, schools and groups of friends are all welcome. You can decorate a float, dress in Christmas costumes or create a holiday-themed display, and entries can win cash prizes.
How do I become a vendor?
Spaces are first come, first served, and location requests aren't guaranteed. Along with the form, you need to send insurance, a health permit if applicable, a tax certificate and payment. Booths missing any of these are not accepted.
What should I wear?
Bundle up, because it's an evening celebration in downtown Watkins Glen.
More Christmas Events Near Watkins Glen
More Christmas Events near Ithaca
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.