CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- Corning's Gaffer District is gearing up for the magical holiday season. The season kicks off right after Thanksgiving and celebrations are endless leading up to Christmas. 

The festivities start on Friday, November 29th with an event in Centerway Square at the Crystal House. Everyone, regardless of age, is invited to visit Santa and share what is on your wishlist. 

"{Following Friday, Saturday will continue the celebratory holiday events with} Small Business Saturday," says Executive Director of Corning's Gaffer District Coleen Fabrizi. "So our partners at M&T Bank have made it possible to hand out gift cards in their shopping bags. That will be right there at M&T Bank next to Centerway Square."

Also on Saturday, the Parade of Lights will return to Crystal City. The event is free to the public, and streets will start closing at 5:15 p.m. until 11 p.m. Fabrizzi says parade participants treat this event like their Super Bowl, and some start preparing in April. 

Just a week later, Sparkle will return and celebrate its 50th anniversary.

"Our big big one after the parade is Sparkle. On December 7th, and it is our 50th Sparkle Major anniversary. Yes, and this year at 5 o'clock in Centerway Square we're going to do an opening ceremony because we have the daughter of the woman who actually named Sparkle 50 years ago, and so she'll join me and I think it's appropriate that we do a little welcome and opening ceremony and then it's going to be fabulous," says Fabrizi. 

The surrounding area will be filled with free activities and entertainment. Fabrizzi shared there will be many free activities, and entertainment, plus, business and vendors, ready to offer a magical night. 

A schedule including all of the upcoming events with dates and times can be found below.

Event: Visit Santa in His Crystal House

Location: Crystal House in Centerway Square

• Fri, 11/29: 3 PM – 7 PM

• Sat, 11/30: (Before Parade of Lights) 2 PM – 6:30 PM

• Sun, 12/1: 12 PM – 5 PM

• Fri, 12/6: 4 PM – 7 PM

• Sat, 12/7: (Sparkle) 5 PM – 9 PM

• Sun, 12/8: 12 PM – 5 PM

• Fri, 12/13: 4 PM – 7 PM

• Sat, 12/14: 12 PM – 5 PM

• Sun, 12/15: 12 PM – 5 PM (presented by Pawsitive Strides, bring your pet day)

• Fri, 12/20: 4 PM – 7 PM

• Sat, 12/21: 12 PM – 5 PM

• Sun, 12/22: 12 PM – 5 PM (presented by The Dog Wash Co., bring your pet day)

• Mon, 12/23: 12 PM – 5 PM

Pictures with Santa are always FREE.

 

Ongoing Event: Holiday Horse & Wagon Rides with Hemlock Hidden

Tickets: Sold at the time of boarding wagon; no pre-sale tickets. $5 for kids, $10 for adults.

Location: In front of Old World Café, during Sparkle at the intersection of Walnut St. and Aurene Ln. (next to Corning Glass Archway).

• Sat, 11/30: 2 PM – 6 PM (Before Parade of Lights, last ride at 5:45 PM) (load at Old World Café, 1 W Market)

• Sat, 12/7: 4 PM – 8:30 PM (During Sparkle, last ride at 8:15 PM) (load at the intersection of Walnut St and Aurene Ln/Alley)

• Sat, 12/14: 1 PM – 5 PM (last ride at 4:45 PM) (load at Old World Café, 1 W Market)

• Sun, 12/15: 1 PM – 5 PM (last ride at 4:45 PM) (load at Old World Café, 1 W Market)

• Sat, 12/21: 1 PM – 5 PM (last ride at 4:45 PM) (load at Old World Café, 1 W Market)

• Sun, 12/22: 1 PM – 5 PM (last ride at 4:45 PM) (load at Old World Café, 1 W Market)

 

Event: Small Business Saturday

Location: Market Street

Date & Time: Saturday, November 30, from 10 AM to 3 PM (before parade)

 

Jingle & Mingle Brunch

Location: The Quincy Exchange (2 E Market St.)

Date & Time: Saturday, November 30, from 11 AM to 1 PM

 

Event: The Parade of Lights

Location: Market Street

Date & Time: Saturday, November 30, from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Details:

• Streets begin closing at 5:15 PM and are closed until 11:00 PM.

 

Event: 50th Annual Sparkle

Location: Market Street

Date & Time: Saturday, December 7, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

 

Event: Gaffer Gives Back

Location: Carey’s Brewhouse

Date & Time: Tuesday, December 10, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM