Geneva's Christmas Walk Weekends set to debut Dec. 4

GENEVA – Geneva's annual Christmas Walk won't be happening in its traditional fashion this year because of the pandemic, but the Geneva Chamber of Commerce will still bring holiday cheer with three Christmas Walk Weekends, which begin Dec. 4.

According to a news release, the events, which are scheduled for the first three weekends in December, will each offer a different holiday-related theme and holiday activities.

The first weekend's theme will be "Traditions, Old & New," which will feature the lighting of the Christmas tree and courthouse lawn. A time will not be released for the tree lighting, so crowds cannot gather, the release stated. Shops and restaurants will be open all weekend. Dec. 4 is also Geneva's "First Fridays" event, so shops will be open late.

"Carols & Music" is the theme of the second weekend. Families can sing and sip hot cocoa in the outside caroling tent. Families up to five people had been able reserve a table for $15, but reservations have sold out. Call the Chamber to reserve a spot on the waiting list. Strolling musicians will be meandering around the downtown. Shops and restaurants will be open, the release stated.

The final weekend of the event brings a Cocoa Crawl to the downtown. Tickets are available on genevachamber.com.

Santa will be moved to a temporary downtown Geneva location this year. Children will be able to speak to him from outside the location from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and registration will be required. The cost is $10 a family. Register for a time to visit with Santa at genevachamber.com.

Children can write letters to Santa and drop them in one of two mailboxes – at the corner of James and Third streets or in front of the Geneva Visitors Center, 10 S. Third St. Children should include a return address to receive a reply from Santa.

Santa will be riding in a horse-drawn carriage from 10 to 10:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 5-20. Santa will ride from James Street to Crescent Place and back to James Street.

Horse-drawn carriage rides begins at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 5 and will continue until 1:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 20. Pick-up is on the corner of James and Third streets. Reservations are not necessary.

Following state regulations, shops are open with a capacity cap and restaurants will be available for carry-out and dining outside.

“We know holidays in Geneva are very popular and looked forward to, not only by the locals, but visitors to Geneva as well. This event has become a tradition for families and we look forward to seeing everyone for our annual Christmas Walk in 2021,” stated Paula Schmidt, president of Geneva Chamber of Commerce, in the news release. “Continue to follow our Facebook and Instagram and check our website for updates.”

Details, updates and registration information are available on genevachamber.com. Due to COVID-19, the Geneva Chamber may have to alter or cancel these events. Refunds will be issued for activities that require payment.