Ellicottville Christmas Stroll Returns December 13 with Parades, Carols & a Living Nativity
Ellicottville Christmas Stroll Returns December 13 with Parades, Carols & a Living Nativity
Ellicottville’s beloved Christmas Stroll invites the community to slow down, connect, and celebrate the season with festive parades, music, and a Living Nativity.
Slow the holiday rush and savor the spirit of the season at Ellicottville’s annual Christmas Stroll, which will take place on Saturday, December 13th in the heart of the village. Each year, the Stroll brings the community together for a day of friendship and to remember the story behind this special time of year.
“Ellicottville is a wonderful place to slow down, enjoy the village, and take in the true spirit of the holiday season,” said Gwen Bush, organizer of the event. “Come out, walk the streets, and remind yourself what this time of year is really about.”
Holy Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church, located at the corner of Jefferson and Martha Streets, will once again showcase its beautiful display of Nativity figures and angels. Throughout the village, festive music will fill the air as carolers and costumed characters wander the sidewalks, while horse-drawn carriage rides and the arrival of Wisemen - with a real, live camel - add to the magic.
The festivities begin at 4:00pm when the elves ride into town, sharing candy and presents with all the good girls and boys. At 4:30pm, a spectacle like no other will take over the village, as many of our four-legged friends, dressed in their holiday best, will march alongside their owners down main street to the gazebo.
Barb Pump, Executive Director of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, noted that the Reindog Parade is always a standout of the season. “The sight of dogs dressed in their holiday outfits - everything from candy cane sweaters to jingling bells - brings out huge smiles and draws a great crowd along Washington Street,” she said. “The energy makes it an anticipated highlight every year.”
Those interested in participating in the Reindog Parade should meet at the post office parking lot a little before 4:15pm. There is no charge to participate and everyone with crowd-friendly pets are welcome. NEW THIS YEAR: Following the Reindog Parade, the Holiday Character Parade will march. Everyone in the community is invited to join the fun dressed as their favorite festive character. “Whether you come as Frosty, the Grinch, Santa, Cindy Lou Who, or someone entirely your own, the more creativity the better!” said Bush. “And keep an eye out - the Stroll elves just might have a special surprise for the standout costumes!”
Local businesses have been busy decorating their storefronts, showcasing beautiful holiday themes for your enjoyment as you window shop, and horse-drawn carriage rides will also be available, providing a magical, old-fashioned way to experience the village. Once those noses are good and chilled, bring the little ones over to Alpine Bistro for hot cocoa and cookies.
The evening will conclude at the gazebo beginning at 6:00pm with a Living Nativity scene featuring the local children of Ellicottville. Dressed the part to play the roles of angels and shepherds, these children will tell the story of that very first Christmas - the journey and the birth of Jesus. This year’s Holy family will be played by Alissa and Joseph Steger as Mary and Joseph, with Baby Suzi as Jesus, joined by big sister Savannah and brothers Paul and William. The ECS Chorus will sing during the procession and pageant.
“This pageant has become an iconic staple of the holiday season here in Ellicottville and is a great representation of the true meaning of Christmas,” said Bush. “Come share in the story. Come celebrate the season and our community.”
For more information on this year’s Christmas Stroll including a full schedule of the day, head over to ellicottvilleny.com or call 800-349-9099.
