Christmas Stroll
Christmas Stroll
Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas, Dec. 14th in Ellicottville
Photos / Ellicottville Chamber and Carla Kruszyński
ELLICOTTVILLE - Slow down the pace during the holiday rush and take some time to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas during Ellicottville’s annual Christmas Stroll. This year’s Stroll is set for this Saturday, Dec. 14th in the village of Ellicottville. The Christmas Stroll welcomes our community to a day of friendship as locals and visitors come together to remember the season and the story behind this special time of year.
“Ellicottville is a great place to come out and experience a relaxed pace and to take the time to enjoy a nice representation of the reason we celebrate during the holiday season,” said Gwen Bush, organizer of the event. “Come out and remind yourself what Christmas is all about.”
The Holy Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church, located on the corner of Jefferson and Martha Streets, will have their display of Nativity and Angels for all to see. The sidewalks of downtown will be filled with the sounds of the season as festive music permeates the air, coupled with the soft voices of sauntering carolers, horse drawn carriage rides, and the Wisemen (along with Santa’s Elves) strolling the village with a real live camel!
Local businesses have been busy decorating their storefronts, showcasing beautiful holiday themes for your enjoyment as you window shop throughout the afternoon. Once those noses are good and chilled, bring the little ones in from the cold for a hot chocolate break at Anzivino’s Sweets and Boutique. Or make a stop at the Ellicottville Bake Shop for a sweet treat and a hot cup of coffee before heading out for more of the day’s festivities.
The festivities begin at 4:00pm when the Elves ride into town singing carols. The Banq will also open their doors at 4:00pm, where you can indulge in some delightful cocktails or just snack on some Christmas cookies until 5:20pm.
At 4:15pm, 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 the main drag to the gazebo. “It’s one of the most anticipated events during the holiday season here in Ellicottville,” said Brian McFadden of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. “Just picture it: Dogs of all shapes and sizes, donning Christmas sweaters, antler headbands, sparkly bling and festive bells, parading down Washington Street, with crowds lining both sides of the street cheering them on … it’s magical entertainment at its best! It’s always a crowd pleaser!”
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 pups are welcome.
Wagon rides around the town will also begin at 4:15pm at the Ellicottville Gazebo and will run until 5:30pm. A lovely jaunt around the streets of Ellicottville is sure to put you in the Christmas mood.
The evening will conclude at the gazebo beginning at 5:20pm when the Ellicottville High School Band and Chorus perform Christmas carols, starting at the Gazebo and then traveling to various locations around the Village until 5:50pm, leading back to the Gazebo and into a Living Nativity scene at 6:00pm 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 Paige Wyatt and Jake Stone with baby Arielle Stone as Jesus, along with big sisters Allanna, Ivy and Oakley. The ECS High School Band and 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.