Geneva’s 77th Christmas Walk kicks off holiday season

GENEVA – Geneva is nothing if not traditional when it comes to the annual Christmas Walk.

Hosted by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, the annual holiday event kicked off at 6 p.m. Friday.

“The first Christmas Walk was in 1946,” said chamber spokeswoman Laura Rush. “This one is our 77th because we’re not counting 2020.”

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Families gather around the tree at the Geneva Christmas Walk on Friday, Dec.1 2023 in Geneva. (Karen Naess for Shaw Local News Network)

Tradition is the key for the Christmas Walk, Rush said, as this is what residents and visitors are looking for.

“This is one we don’t mess with – it’s tradition,” Rush said.

Santa visit tickets sold out, and the Chamber sold out its House Tour tickets as well, she said. “Everybody wants to come this year.”

The popular self-guided Holiday House Tour featured five professionally decorated houses from local designers and and green-scape experts.

The Geneva Holiday House Tour was held Friday and Saturday at 406 S. River Lane; 216 Campbell St.; 585 S. Eighth St.; and two homes located in the Mill Creek subdivision at 0N633 Sounders Drive; and 39W915 Catlin Square.

In addition to the Holiday House Tour, Friends of the Geneva Library hosted a used book sale this past weekend.

The Geneva History Museum, 113 S. Third St., displayed its 18th century Neapolitan nativity set.

Geneva Hearing Services, 637 W. State St., hosted a Toys for Tots drive-thru toy drive.

Other attractions included:

• Dancer’s Dream, 322 W. State St., Suite 104, offered complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.

• The 40th Annual Cookie Walk was held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 102 S. Second St.

• Peaceful Parlour, 212 South Third St., lower level, offered seasonal hot tea samples and cookies in partnership with Inglenook Pantry.

• State Street Jewelers. 230 W. State St. and Preservation, 513 S. Third St., offered roasted Chestnuts.

• St. Mark’s Church, 320 Franklin St., offered carols in the chapel.

• Elements Massage, 507 S. Third St., offered free 10-minute chair massages.