Seneca Falls is gearing up for its most heartwarming weekend of the year as the beloved It’s a Wonderful Life Festival returns December 12–14. The three-day celebration transforms the town into a festive winter wonderland with more than 100 events celebrating Frank Capra’s classic 1946 film.
Friday evening kicks off with Mrs. Martini’s Pasta Dinner and the It’s a Wonderful Bonfire on Lower Fall Street, where visitors can meet Santa. Saturday features the It’s a Wonderful Parade, including the first-ever Float Contest, the Bedford Falls Mediocre Marching Band, and the Witchy Women of the Finger Lakes. Runners can take part in the popular It’s a Wonderful Run 5K, drawing thousands to cheer along the parade route.
Sunday brings family-friendly fun with Uncle Billy’s Wonderful Scavenger Hunt, the Wonderful Music Brass Ensemble, and the new Sunday Fun Day at People’s Park, offering games, music, and outdoor activities.
Festival-goers can also participate in “Lights, Camera, Action!”—reenacting iconic movie moments around town for a chance to win $100. The weekend wraps with the cherished Bells of the Real Bedford Falls tradition, celebrating hope, community, and the spirit of George Bailey.
A special highlight this year is the debut of It’s a Wonderful Life-Opoly, a collectible board game inspired by the movie. Fans can compete throughout the weekend for prizes, including copies of the new game.
Several cast members from the original film will return to Seneca Falls for meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, and presentations, including Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu Bailey), Jimmy Hawkins (Tommy Bailey), and Don Collins (Young Pete Bailey). Other notable guests include Mary Owen, daughter of Donna Reed; Monica Capra Hodges, granddaughter of Frank Capra; and John Kuri, son of set decorator Emile Kuri. George Bailey’s Car will also be on display at James Chrysler Dodge Jeep & Ram.
The festival officially kicks off Thursday evening with the Candlelight Cabaret: Cheers to Broadway, Take Two!, starring the Pottersville Singers. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy screenings of the film in both black-and-white and colorized editions, warm drinks at Annie’s Pit Stop, and holiday shopping at Sam Wainwright’s Vendor Village. Free horse-drawn wagon rides are available, and the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum & Archives offers memorabilia, cast artifacts, and festive exhibits.
“The message of It’s a Wonderful Life holds profound meaning for people from all walks of life,” said Haidee Oropallo, President of the It’s a Wonderful Life Festival. “Every year people travel from across the country to share their stories and their excitement. It makes this weekend electric.”
Volunteers are needed to help make the festival magic come alive. Interested participants can sign up at therealbedfordfalls.com.
Seneca Falls, located between Rochester and Syracuse, is steeped in history as part of the New York State Canal System and a key site in the women’s suffrage movement. Visitors can explore the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and the National Women’s Hall of Fame while enjoying the festival.
For more information, tickets, or volunteer opportunities, visit www.therealbedfordfalls.com, email [email protected], or call 315-215-1610.
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