The annual Celebration of Lights Festival will light up the Batavia Riverwalk from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. in downtown Batavia.
Presented by the Batavia Park District, this free event celebrates the magic of the season with festive and fun holiday activities, song and ceremony, culminating in Santa’s arrival and a welcome by Batavia mayor Jeff Schielke, followed by the ceremonial tree lighting.
There will hayrides, a family photo opportunity, a performance by the Batavia Community Band, a peek at live reindeer, a seasonal exhibit at the Batavia Depot Museum, a stroll on Christmas Tree Lane and a holiday craft activity at city hall.
Explore the colorful lights and festive decorations along Christmas Tree Lane, a stretch of Riverwalk path featuring trees decorated by 35 community organizations.
To prepare for Santa’s arrival, Craig Foltos of Foltos Tonsorial Parlor will lead a community sing-along at 5:15 p.m., and encourage all to sing a few beloved holiday tunes. Santa will arrive at 5:30 p.m., just in time for the ceremonial tree-lighting.
At 5:45 p.m., the Peg Bond Center becomes Santa’s Warming House, open for visits and photos with jolly ol’ St. Nick.
Across the pond, the Batavia Depot Museum will host “Hometown Holidays,” an exhibit featuring holiday traditions, and a story time presented by the Batavia Public Library from 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Special guest readers will share their favorite holiday tales.
—Batavia Park District