The community and visitors look forward to Geneva festivals year after year. Knowing that the first thought, during these uncertain times, is the health and safety of those who may attend a festival, the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Geneva Chamber of Commerce Board has made the difficult decision to cancel the traditional 2020 Christmas Walk, as it has been held in the past. The Walk, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4, is being modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to avoid crowds and gatherings of that size.
Christmas Walk Weekends will be Friday to Sunday, Dec. 4-6; Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12-13; and Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 19-20. Each weekend will feature something joyful related to the holidays. Under the unique challenges of these unparalleled times, the Chamber felt it was important to continue this cherished holiday tradition. While it will certainly look different in execution, this year's holiday will bring smiles.
Dec. 4-6: Traditions, Old & New.
A favorite, chestnuts roasting, will commence on Dec. 4. The tree and courthouse lawn will be lit that evening. So as not to encourage crowds, a time will not be released. Shops and restaurants will be open to welcome visitors all weekend. Dec. 4 is also December’s First Friday in Geneva, where shops are open late.
Dec. 12: Carols & Music
Carol with the family while sipping cocoa and coffee in the Chamber's outside caroling tent. Families, up to five people, can reserve a table for $10. Reservations are required; the Chamber cannot allow walk-ins. Each reservation receives a goodie bag as well. Enjoy strolling musicians and carols the whole weekend. Again, shops and restaurants will be open.
Dec. 19-20
The final weekend brings a Cocoa Crawl to Geneva, and local shops and restaurants will be open to grab that last-minute gift. Tickets will be on sale mid-November.
Santa will be moved to a temporary Geneva downtown location this year. Children are able to speak to him from the outside, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the weekends. To encourage social distancing and discourage crowds, registration will be required to see Santa, no exceptions. The cost to sign up will be $10/family and times will fill up quickly. The Chamber encourages children to write a letter to Santa and drop it in one of three mailboxes, located at corner of James and Third streets; in front of the Geneva Visitor Center, 10 S. Third St.; or at the new Geneva Public Library at 227 S. Seventh St. Do not forget to include a return address so Santa can write back.
If you just want to catch a glimpse of Santa, he will ride in the horse-drawn carriage from 10-10:30 a.m. every Saturday & Sunday beginning Dec. 5 to Dec. 20 from James Street to Crescent Place and back to James Street.
The horse-drawn carriage begins at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 5 and will continue until 1:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 20. The pick-up is located on the corner of James & Third streets. Reservations not necessary.
“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,” said Paula Schmidt, President of Geneva Chamber of Commerce. “Continue to follow our Facebook and Instagram and check our website for updates.”
Details, updates and registration information will be available on the Chamber's website by mid-November. Due to COVID-19, the Geneva Chamber may have to alter these events.
Source: Geneva Chamber of Commerce News Release