TUESDAY
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
“There’s a Moon Out Tonight”
Special Pre-80th Anniversary Dinner. Tickets: $60.
More information available - The Seneca Falls It's A Wonderful Life Museum
Bee’s Cafe, 107 Fall St
WEDNESDAY
10:00 am
“80th ANNIVERSARY WELCOME RECEPTION
CASE RESEARCH LAB - THE BIRTHPLACE OF SOUND FILM”
Auburn, NY - Part of the Finger Lakes Film Trail.
An opportunity to learn about and see some of the earliest sound films ever created including Gus Visser and his singing duck. See the actual machine first used to create sound on film.
More information available - The Seneca Falls It's A Wonderful Life Museum
Auburn, NY is also reportedly where Frank Capra’s aunt lived.
1:00 pm
Press Conference with the Actors from “It’s a Wonderful Life” and Launch of New Exhibits
It’s a Wonderful Life Museum Original Location, 32 Fall St
3:00 pm
“Presentation by Diana Riesman”
Co-founder and Executive Director of the Wharton Studio Museum in Ithaca, NY.
The Wharton Studio was a thriving motion picture studio in Ithaca from 1915-1920. It produced hundreds of silent films and serials starring some of the best-known actors of the day, including Lionel Barrymore and 19-year-old Oliver Hardy.
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
” ZuZu’s Petals”
Special Dinner hosted by Bee’s Cafe.
More information available - The Seneca Falls It's A Wonderful Life Museum
SOLD OUT
7:00pm - 8:30pm
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play 80th Anniversary Edition.”
Presented by Seneca Community Players.
Tickets: www.senecacommunityplayers.org
Bijou Theater, First Presbyterian Church, Front Entrance, 23 Cayuga St
8:00 pm
“Evening Event”
To be Announced
THURSDAY
10:00 am
“The Real Bedford Falls: “It’s a Wonderful Life”. The Town, The Movie, The Legend.”
Documentary by Francis De Clemente and Stu Lisson featuring actors from the film, historians and Seneca Falls’ residents.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall St
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
WOMEN'S RIGHTS NHP VISITOR CENTER
Women's Rights National Historical Park, 136 Fall St
10:30:
Locations in California where “It’s a Wonderful Life” was filmed.
Video Tour by actor Brian Rohan (“George Bailey/Jimmy Stewart”).
Trinity Church, 27 Fall St
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Autograph Signing
by Karolyn Grimes (ZuZu Bailey), Jimmy Hawkins (Tommy Bailey) and Don Collins (Young Pete Bailey).
Autograph free with purchase, $30 fee for items you bring yourself.
The Gould, 108 Fall St
11:00 am
Presentation by Amy Fornesi King
Great-granddaughter of Charles Fornesi, the first Italian to permanently settle in Seneca Falls. He built the first movie theater in town (the permanent location of the “It’s a Wonderful Life” Museum) and was responsible for many Italians coming to Seneca Falls. Includes recollections by her father, Tom Fornesi, of his family members who operated the first movie theater in town.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall St
NOON
Presentation by Elizabeth Kress
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Autograph Signing
by Karolyn Grimes (ZuZu Bailey), Jimmy Hawkins (Tommy Bailey) and Don Collins (Young Pete Bailey).
Autograph free with purchase, $30 fee for items you bring yourself.
The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
It’s a Wonderful Christmas Card Workshop.
Create five hand-made cards that you can take to the Post Office for the Special Bedford Falls Postal Cancellation. $30 includes all materials and refreshments (cookies, brownies, bars, ginger snaps, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, iced tea and punch). Advance reservations required.
More information available - The Seneca Falls It's A Wonderful Life Museum
Bee’s Cafe, 107 Fall St
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Luminarias of Seneca Falls
80th Anniversary Ice Sculpture Unveiling,
Festival Information Center, VENUE, LOCATION TBD
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
PLAY IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE-OPOLY
Play IAWL-Opoly for fun and prizes. One hour speed version played with other IAWL enthusiasts! Players and spectators’ welcome.
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Frank Capra’s Preview Dinner.
MC: Monica Capra Hodges (Frank Capra’s Granddaughter). Special Guests: Sarah Robinson and Perrine Robinson-Geller (Granddaughters of author Philip Van Doren Stern who wrote “The Greatest Gift.”
Tickets: Preferred seating (with an actor)– $200; Regular Seating — $150.
More information available - The Seneca Falls It's A Wonderful Life Museum
Del Lago Hotel and Resort.
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play 80th Anniversary Edition.”
Presented by Seneca Community Players.
Tickets: www.senecacommunityplayers.org
Bijou Theater, First Presbyterian Church, Front Entrance, 23 Cayuga St
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
CANDLELIGHT CABARET
The Pottersville Palladium, XXX Street
FRIDAY
9:00 am - Noon
Bedford Falls Station Postal Cancellation.
Seneca Falls Post Office, 38 State Street.
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
FESTIVAL INFORMATION CENTER
Festival information, merchandise, souvenirs. Lost & Found, First Aid.
Festival Information Center, VENUE, LOCATION TBD
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
“ALL THINGS WONDERFUL”
It’s a Wonderful Life Museum Gift Shop and Photo Opportunity with Bedford Falls Mural and “You Are Now in Bedford Falls” sign. Zu Zu’s Gingersnaps for sale.
80 Fall St
9:30 am - 8:00 pm
ANNIE’S PITSTOP
“Come sit for a spell!!” Enjoy a hot drink, light snack
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
10:00 am
OFFICIAL FESTIVAL OPENING
Ribbon cutting and presentation of 2026 Festival Grand Marshal.
Festival Information Center, VENUE, LOCATION TBD
10:00 am - 12:15 pm
A WONDERFUL MOVIE SPECIAL
Screening of “It’s a Wonderful life” Original B/W version – 2hr:10min
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
WOMEN'S RIGHTS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK VISITOR CENTER
Women's Rights National Historical Park, 136 Fall St
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
SENECA FALLS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Experience the Victorian Christmas grandeur and wonder in the magnificent Becker Mansion. Hourly tours available, last tour 3:00pm.
55 Cayuga St
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
WARM UP!!!
Stop in for a snack while you enjoy a warm beverage!
While you are there, ENTER to WIN a $100 Visa Gift Card.
The Summit Federal Credit Union, 123 Fall St
12:15 pm - 12:40 pm
IAWL SHORTS
A Wonderful Wrap - 8 min.
Restoring a Beloved Classic - a look behind the scenes of IAWL - 12 min.
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Autograph Signing
by Karolyn Grimes (ZuZu Bailey), Jimmy Hawkins (Tommy Bailey) and Don Collins (Young Pete Bailey).
Autograph free with purchase, $30 fee for items you bring yourself.
The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St
1:00 pm - 3:15 pm
A WONDERFUL MOVIE SPECIAL
Screening of “It’s A Wonderful Life” Colorized version – 2hr:10min
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
PLAY IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE-OPOLY
Play IAWL-Opoly for fun and prizes. One hour speed version played with other IAWL enthusiasts! Players and spectators’ welcome.
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
It’s a Wonderful Christmas Card Workshop.
Create five hand-made cards that you can take to the Post Office for the Special Bedford Falls Postal Cancellation. $30 includes all materials and refreshments (cookies, brownies, bars, ginger snaps, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, iced tea and punch). Advance reservations required.
More information available - The Seneca Falls It's A Wonderful Life Museum
Bee’s Cafe, 107 Fall St
3:15 pm - 3:40 pm
IAWL SHORTS
Secrets Of The Vault - The tricks & secrets of making rain, snow, sound and more… - 22 min.
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
4:00 pm - 6:15 pm
A WONDERFUL MOVIE SPECIAL
Screening of “It’s A Wonderful Life” original B/W version – 2hr:10min
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
4:30pm
SHUTTLES START LEAVING THE GOULD HOTEL FOR THE FRANK CAPRA PREVIEW DINNER.
108 Fall St
4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
MRS. MARTINI’S PASTA DINNER AND MOVIE TRIVIA
Join Mrs. Martini for a homestyle meal while playing along with the fun trivia game.
American Legion, 48 State St
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
IT’S A WONDERFUL BONFIRE
Caroling, Santa. Music by Calvary Chapel Worship Band.
Harry’s Hots and concessions.
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
6:15 pm - 6:40 pm
IAWL SHORTS
It’s A Wonderful Wrap - 8 min.
Restoring a Beloved Classic - a look Behind the scenes of IAWL - 12 min.
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play 80th Anniversary Edition.”
Presented by Seneca Community Players.
Tickets: www.senecacommunityplayers.org
Bijou Theater, First Presbyterian Church, Front Entrance, 23 Cayuga St
7:30 pm
Historic 80th Anniversary Event
“It’s a Wonderful Life” will be shown on a large screen accompanied by the Rochester
More information available - The Seneca Falls It's A Wonderful Life Museum
Philharmonic Orchestra and a choir. West Herr Auditorium, Rochester, NY.
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
CANDLELIGHT CABARET
The Pottersville Palladium, XXX Street
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm
“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” PARTICIPATION MOVIE
Experience “It’s A Wonderful Life” like never before. Join fellow fans of this classic holiday film for an unforgettable time filled with singing, dancing, laughing, and even a little screaming!
The Little Theater, VENUE, LOCATION TBD
SATURDAY
9:00 am - Noon
BEDFORD FALLS STATION POSTAL CANCELLATION
Seneca Falls PO, 38 State St
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE MUSEUM
76 Fall St
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
FESTIVAL INFORMATION CENTER
Festival information, merchandise, souvenirs. Lost & Found, First Aid.
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
9:00am - 6:00pm
“ALL THINGS WONDERFUL”
It’s a Wonderful Life Museum Gift Shop and Photo Opportunity with Bedford Falls Mural and “You Are Now in Bedford Falls” sign. Zu Zu’s Gingersnaps for sale.
80 Fall St
9:30am
FREE ROASTED CHESTNUTS
Provided by the Knights of Columbus (for as long as they last).
Corner of State and Fall Sts.
9:30am - 8:00pm
ANNIE’S PITSTOP
“Come sit for a spell!!”, Enjoy a hot drink, light snack, and browse Festival merchandise before the movie.
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
10:00 am
22nd Annual George Bailey Award.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall St
10:00 am - 12:15 pm
A WONDERFUL MOVIE SPECIAL
Screening of “It’s A Wonderful Life” Colorized version – 2hr:10min
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE CHARACTERS ON FALL STREET
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
FREE HORSE-DRAWN WAGON RIDES
Fall St
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
SENECA FALLS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Experience the Victorian Christmas grandeur and wonder in the magnificent Becker Mansion. Hourly tours available, last tour 3:00pm.
55 Cayuga St
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
SAM WAINWRIGHTS’ OUTDOOR VENDOR VILLAGE
Visit vendors for arts and crafts merchants.
Santa 9 am – noon and 2 pm – 4 pm
Sam Wainwrights Vendor Village, VENUE, LOCATION TBD
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
WOMEN'S RIGHTS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK VISITOR CENTER
Women's Rights National Historical Park, 136 Fall St
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Presentation by Monica Capra Hodges, granddaughter of Frank Capra.
Trinity Church, 27 Fall St
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
PLAY IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE-OPOLY
Play IAWL-Opoly for fun and prizes. One hour speed version played with other IAWL enthusiasts! Players and spectators welcome.
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
11:30 am - 12:45 pm
Presentation to be Announced
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Autograph Signing
by Karolyn Grimes (ZuZu Bailey), Jimmy Hawkins (Tommy Bailey) and Don Collins (Young Pete Bailey).
Autograph free with purchase, $30 fee for items you bring yourself.
The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
To be announced.
Noon
GIANT CINNAMON BUN EATING CONTEST
$5.00 entry fee.
Café XIX, 20 East Bayard St
Noon - 9:00 pm
“NICK’S PLACE”
Temperance FLX, 31 Fall St
12:15 pm - 12:40 pm
IAWL SHORTS
Secrets Of The Vault - The tricks & secrets of making rain, snow, sound and more… in It’s a Wonderful Life - 22 min.
The Little Theater,
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
1:00 pm
IT’S A WONDERFUL PARADE
Sponsored by the It’s a Wonderful Life Festival Committee.
Fall Street.
1:00 pm - 3:15 pm
A WONDERFUL MOVIE SPECIAL
Screening of “It’s A Wonderful Life” Original B/W version – 2hr:10min
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Autograph Signing
by Karolyn Grimes (ZuZu Bailey), Jimmy Hawkins (Tommy Bailey) and Don Collins (Young Pete Bailey).
Autograph free with purchase, $30 fee for items you bring yourself.
The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St
2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
PLAY IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE-OPOLY
Play IAWL-Opoly for fun and prizes. One hour speed version played with other IAWL enthusiasts! Players and spectators’ welcome.
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
3:15 pm - 3:40 pm
IAWL SHORTS
A Wonderful Wrap - Footage from the It’s a Wonderful Life wrap picnic - 8 min.
Restoring a Beloved Classic - a look Behind the scenes of IAWL - 12 min.
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
4:00 pm - 6:15 pm
A WONDERFUL MOVIE SPECIAL
Screening of “It’s A Wonderful Life” Colorized version – 2hr:10min
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
BERT & ERNIE’S FAMOUS CHICKEN BARBEQUE
Tickets available at Festival Information Center, Online or at the door while they last
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
4:40 pm
IT’S A WONDERFUL RUN 5K
Started by Karolyn Grimes (“Zuzu Bailey”).
Bayard St & Bridge St
6:15 pm - 6:40 pm
IAWL SHORTS
Secrets Of The Vault - The tricks & secrets of making rain, snow, sound and more… in It’s a Wonderful Life - 22 min.
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Dance Lesson by Groove Juice Swing (from Rochester).
Mynderse Academy Gymnasium, 105 Troy St
7:00 pm - 9:15 pm
Special Screening of It’s a Wonderful Life.
Free Admission.
Douglas Avery Performing Arts Center, Mynderse Academy, 105 Troy St
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play 80th Anniversary Edition.”
Presented by Seneca Community Players.
Tickets: www.senecacommunityplayers.org
Bijou Theater, First Presbyterian Church, Front Entrance, 23 Cayuga St
7:30 - 10:30 pm
“Dance by the Light of the Moon.”
Music by Andy Stobie and the Greater Finger Lakes Jazz Orchestra (18-piece swing band). Free Admission.
Mynderse Academy Gymnasium, 105 Troy St
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
CANDLELIGHT CABARET
The Pottersville Palladium, XXX Street
8:00 pm - 10:00pm
“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” PARTICIPATION MOVIE
Experience “It’s A Wonderful Life” like never before. Join fellow fans of this classic holiday film for an unforgettable time filled with singing, dancing, laughing, and even a little screaming! Perfect for “It's A Wonderful Life” aficionados with a sense of humor. Tickets can be purchased from the Festival Information Center – XX Fall Street or at the door.
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
SUNDAY
8:30 am - 10:30 am
“A Toast to Karolyn . . .”
Karolyn Grimes’ 22nd Anniversary Celebration Breakfast
Arrive by 8:45 to secure your seat. Tickets: $60.
More information available - The Seneca Falls It's A Wonderful Life Museum
Seneca Falls Country Club, 2790 Route 89, Seneca Falls.
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
FESTIVAL INFORMATION CENTER
Festival information, merchandise, souvenirs. Lost & Found, First Aid.
Festival Information Center,VENUE, LOCATION TBD
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
THE IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE MUSEUM
76 Fall St
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
“ALL THINGS WONDERFUL”
It’s a Wonderful Life Museum Gift Shop and Photo Opportunity with Bedford Falls Mural and “You Are Now in Bedford Falls” sign. Zu Zu’s Gingersnaps will be on sale.
80 Fall St
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
WOMEN'S RIGHTS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK VISITOR CENTER
136 Fall St
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
ANNIE’S PITSTOP
“Come sit for a spell!!” Enjoy a hot drink, light snack, and browse Festival merchandise before the movie.
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
A WONDERFUL MOVIE
Screening of “It’s Happened One Christmas” The female version of IAWL starring Marlo Thomas, Wayne Rogers, Orson Welles, and Cloris Leachman as the angel.
Based on “It’s a Wonderful Life” 1hr:50min
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Autograph Signing
by Karolyn Grimes (ZuZu Bailey), Jimmy Hawkins (Tommy Bailey) and Don Collins (Young Pete Bailey).
Autograph free with purchase, $30 fee for items you bring yourself.
The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
PLAY IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE-OPOLY
Play IAWL-Opoly for fun and prizes. One hour speed version played with other IAWL enthusiasts! Players and spectators’ welcome.
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play 80th Anniversary Edition.”
Presented by Seneca Community Players.
Tickets: www.senecacommunityplayers.org
Bijou Theater, First Presbyterian Church, Front Entrance, 23 Cayuga St
1:00 pm - 3:15 pm
A WONDERFUL MOVIE SPECIAL
Screening of “It’s A Wonderful Life” Original B/W version – 2hr:10min
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Presentation by Donald Collins (“Young Pete Bailey”).
Trinity Church, 27 Fall St
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
CANDLELIGHT CABARET
The Pottersville Palladium, XXX Street
2:30 pm
SCAVENGER HUNT PRIZES AWARDED
Festival Information Center, VENUE, LOCATION TBD
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Presentation by Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”).
Trinity Church, 27 Fall St
3:15 pm - 3:40 pm
IAWL SHORTS
It’s A Wonderful Wrap Party - Footage from the It’s a Wonderful Life wrap picnic - 8 min.
Restoring a Beloved Classic - a look Behind the scenes of IAWL - 12 min.
VENUE, LOCATION TBD
3:30 - 4:00 pm
Presentation by Karolyn Grimes (“Zuzu Bailey”).
Trinity Church, 27 Fall St
4:15 pm
The Ringing of the Bells of the Real Bedford Falls.
Gather outside Trinity Church and 32 Fall St
5:00 pm
Seneca Singers Annual Holiday Concert.
First Presbyterian Church, 23 Cayuga St
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
CANDLELIGHT CABARET
The Pottersville Palladium, XXX Street
6:00pm - 9:00 pm
“For Auld Lang Syne – The Final Scene Dinner.”
Tickets: Preferred seating (with an actor) $125; Regular Seating — $85.
More information available - The Seneca Falls It's A Wonderful Life Museum
Seneca Falls Country Club, 2790 Route 89, Seneca Falls.