It's A Wonderful Life Festival
Experience the magic of 'It's a Wonderful Life' in Seneca Falls, the town that inspired Bedford Falls, during its 80th Anniversary Celebration. This multi-day festival brings the beloved film to life with screenings accompanied by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, appearances by original cast members like Karolyn Grimes and Jimmy Hawkins, and interactive exhibits. Explore the museum, enjoy themed dinners, and immerse yourself in the timeless message of hope and community.
What to Expect
80th Anniversary celebration of 'It's a Wonderful Life' in its 'real' Bedford Falls.
Event Details
Duration
5 days
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Seneca Falls
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
- Karolyn Grimes
- Jimmy Hawkins
- Don Collins
- Monica Capra Hodges
- John Kuri
- Elizabeth Kuri Clark
- Sarah Robinson
- +9 more
Organizer
The Seneca Falls It's A Wonderful Life Museum
Food & Drink
Food and beverages available at various events, including dinners and a European Christmas Market. Some dinners are sold out.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Fans of 'it's a wonderful life', families, history buffs
Vibe
Festive, nostalgic, community-oriented
Energy Level
Moderate to high
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $5 – Get tickets
- Parking: Parking available on Fall Street.
- Pets: No pets allowed
Tips & Advice
- Book accommodations and special dinner tickets well in advance, as many hotels and events sell out quickly.
- Utilize the shuttle services provided from Friday evening through Sunday night to easily navigate between venues.
- Arrive a day early (December 8th) and stay a day late (December 14th) to fully experience the five days of activities.
- Follow parking instructions carefully and park on Fall Street, avoiding GPS directions that may lead to the wrong entrance.
- Check the event schedule for specific times and locations, as some events have limited capacity or require separate tickets.
Special Events & Promotions
- 80th Anniversary Celebration of 'It's a Wonderful Life'
- Special screening with Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and choir
- Appearances by original cast members and film family members
- Themed dinners (some sold out)
- European Christmas Market
- Christmas Card Making Workshop (sold out)
- It's a Wonderful Run 5K
- Live Radio Play performances
- Bus transportation to Rochester concert
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main attraction of the festival?
The main attraction is the 80th Anniversary Celebration of the classic film 'It's a Wonderful Life,' held in Seneca Falls, NY, which is considered the inspiration for the movie's Bedford Falls.
Are there opportunities to meet the cast?
Yes, several cast members from the film, including Karolyn Grimes ('Zuzu Bailey') and Jimmy Hawkins ('Tommy Bailey'), are scheduled to attend for autographs and presentations.
What are the admission prices?
General museum admission is a suggested $5 per adult. Specific events, dinners, and the concert with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra have separate ticket prices, some of which are already sold out.
Where is the museum located?
The museum is temporarily located at 76 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, NY, 13148, across from the Seneca Falls Visitor Center. It is housed in a portion of the original Seneca Theater building.
Is transportation provided?
Yes, shuttle services will be available from Friday evening through Sunday night from select hotels to various venues. Buses will also run from Seneca Falls to Rochester for the orchestral concert.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.