It's A Wonderful Life Festival

The It’s a Wonderful Life Festival began in 1996 in Seneca Falls, inspired by the community’s believed connection to Bedford Falls, the fictional town in Frank Capra’s beloved holiday classic. Local residents started with a simple movie screening, discussion, and downtown holiday promotions. Over the years, the event grew into a beloved annual tradition, celebrating the film’s enduring message of kindness, generosity, and the importance of community. Today, the festival brings visitors from near and far to experience the holiday magic of Seneca Falls, often called the real-life Bedford Falls.

Tuesday, December 8, 2026:

5:30 — 7:30 pm:  “There’s a Moon Out Tonight” — Special Pre-80th Anniversary Dinner.  Tickets:  $60.  Bee’s Cafe, 107 Fall St. SOLD OUT

Wednesday, December 9, 2026: The Evolution of Film

8:30 am – 5:30 pm: Special 80th Anniversary Bedford Falls postal cancellation. Seneca Falls Post Office, 38 State St.

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. Auburn, NY is also reportedly where Frank Capra’s aunt lived.  

10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Visit the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum — Temporary Location. More than 35 Exhibits, including “Violet’s Earrings” and items from personal collections of cast members. It’s a Wonderful Quilt Raffle.  76 Fall St.

10:00 am — at least 6:00 pm: Shop for unique items at the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum Gift Shop. Photo Opportunity with “You Are Now in Bedford Falls” sign. 80 Fall St.

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.

1:30 – 4:00 pm:  It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, Original Location — 32 Fall Street. See George Bailey’s Car and what are possibly the chairs from the Bailey Dining Room. Also on display will be paintings by Todd Karns (“Harry Bailey”). Information on Suicide Prevention, and exhibits related to the Museum’s expansion. 32 Fall St. 

3:00 — 4:00 pm: Romance, Exploits & Peril: When Movies Were Made in Ithaca. 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. Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

4:00 – 5:00 pm: Becoming Frank Capra: The Road to Bedford Falls and It’s a Wonderful Life. Presentation by Harold Buchholz. Discover the fascinating and inspirational story of how director/screenwriter Frank Capra grew from being a silent-film novice to creating the greatest film of all time. Harold Buccholz is an Executive Producer and Writer of the Netflix TV series Mystery Science Theater 3000. Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

5:30 — 7:30 pm: ” ZuZu’s Petals” — Special Dinner hosted by Bee’s Cafe.  Tickets: $60.  SOLD OUT

7:00 pm — “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play 80th Anniversary Edition.” Bijou Theater, First Presbyterian Church, 23 Cayuga St.  Tickets:  https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/seneca-community-players/6941514e8db2562ad9245aa7

7:45 — 10:00 pm:  “Frank Capra’s American Dream”.  Shown with the permission of Tom Capra (Frank Capra’s son).

Monica Capra Hodges (Frank Capra’s granddaughter) introduces a Special Screening of “Frank Capra’s American Dream” narrated by Ron Howard. This biography of the life and career of Frank Capra includes interviews with Frank Capra, Jr., Tom Capra, Oliver Stone, Martin Scorsese, Richard Dreyfuss, Peter Falk, Angela Lansbury, Michael Keaton, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Stewart and historian Jeanine Basinger.  

Thursday, December 10, 2026: Why Seneca Falls?

8:30 am – 5:30 pm: Special 80th Anniversary Bedford Falls postal cancellation. Seneca Falls Post Office, 38 State St.

10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Visit the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum — Temporary Location. More than 35 Exhibits, including “Violet’s Earrings” and items from personal collections of cast members. It’s a Wonderful Quilt Raffle.  76 Fall St.

10:00 am — 4:00 pm:  It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, Original Location — 32 Fall Street. See George Bailey’s Car and what are possibly the chairs from the Bailey Dining Room. Also on display will be paintings by Todd Karns (“Harry Bailey”) and Paul Abate, Information on Suicide Prevention, and exhibits related to the Museum’s expansion. 32 Fall St. 

10:00 am — at least 6:00 pm: Shop for exclusive items at the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum Gift Shop. Photo Opportunity with “You Are Now in Bedford Falls” sign. 80 Fall St.

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.

10:30-10:45  am: 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.

10:45 — 11: 45 am: “Bedford Falls: From a Capra Dream to Reality, its Co-Starring Role.” Presentation by John Kuri, filmmaker and son of Emile Kuri (Set Decorator for “It’s a Wonderful Life” who created Bedford Falls). 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.

11:45 — 12:45 pm: “It’s a Great Cast: Spotlight on Some of It’s a Wonderful Life’s Lesser Known Characters and the Actors Behind Them.  Presentation by Author Michael Willian. Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

12:00 — 8:00 pm: European Christmas Market, 24 Cayuga St.

12:45 — 1:45  pm: 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.

1:45 — 2:15 pm: Remembering Tom Bellissima — the Barber Who Cut Frank Capra’s Hair in November, 1945, and Became a Key Witness to the History of “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

2:00 — 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

2:00 — 4:00 pm (Note new time): It’s a Wonderful Christmas Card Workshop.  Bee’s Cafe.  Refreshments.  $30/person.  A few additional seats have opened up.

2:15 — 3:00 pm:  Presentation by Elizabeth Kress, grand-niece of Antonio Varacalli, the soul of the connection between Seneca Falls and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

3:00 — 4:00 pm:  The Premiere of “The Varacalli Spirit” with Producer Brad Forenza. In this “Slice of Life” profile, Italian-American Author Richard Vetere reflects on Italian-born director, Frank Capra, and the local/global influences (the plight of  Antonio Varacalli) that may have inspired/restricted (respectively) Capra’s cinematic masterpiece. Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

6:00 – 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.” Del Lago Hotel and Resort. 

7:00 – 8:15 pm — “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play 80th Anniversary Edition.” Bijou Theater, First Presbyterian Church, 23 Cayuga St.

Friday. December 11, 2026: The Message of “It’s a Wonderful Life”

8:30 am – 5:30 pm: Special 80th Anniversary Bedford Falls postal cancellation. Seneca Falls Post Office, 38 State St.

10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Visit the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum — Temporary Location. More than 35 Exhibits, including “Violet’s Earrings” and items from personal collections of cast members. It’s a Wonderful Quilt Raffle.  76 Fall St.

10:00 am — 4:00 pm:  It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, Original Location — 32 Fall Street. See George Bailey’s Car and what are possibly the chairs from the Bailey Dining Room. Also on display will be paintings by Todd Karns (“Harry Bailey”) and Paul Abate, the Bedford Falls LEGO Display by the Middaugh Family, Information on Suicide Prevention, and exhibits related to the Museum’s expansion. 32 Fall St. 

10:00 am — at least 6:00 pm: Shop for exclusive items at the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum Gift Shop. Photo Opportunity with “You Are Now in Bedford Falls” sign. 80 Fall St.

10:00 am: “Never Again Will There Be Anyone Like You.” — A reading of Frank Capra’s message.

10:15 am:  “A Conversation with George Bailey about the value of each individual.”  Featuring Brian Rohan as George Bailey and Govan Martin, CEO, Suicide Prevention Alliance, Harrisburg.

11:00 – 11:30 am:  Presentation by Cheryl DeGregory — “My mother was a George Bailey. We are all called to be the ‘Clarence’ for all the George Baileys out there that think they failed.” 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 Hotel, 108 Fall St.

11:30 am — 12: 15 pm: “A Very Merry Christmas” — Classic Episode of the “Donna Reed Show” featuring Buster Keaton. Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

12:00 — 8:00 pm: European Christmas Market, 24 Cayuga St.

12:15 — 1:15 pm:  “It’s a Wonderful Life: When Hope Feels Lost.” Presentation by Govan Martin, Executive Director, Suicide Prevention Alliance, Harrisburg, PA. Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

1:15-2:15 pm:  Presentation by Paul Abate, Artist. “I Want to Live Again! Reflections and Lessons From George Bailey”. Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

2:15 — 3:15 pm: “You’ve Had a Wonderful Impact.” Presentation by Victoria Weijko, Mrs. New York 2024.  Trinity Church, 27 Fall St. 

3:15 — 4:00 pm:  Presentation by Author Michael Willian on Dimitri Tiomkin, who composed the score for “It’s a Wonderful Life” that will be played by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra at Friday night’s showing of the film in Rochester. Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

2:00 — 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.

2:00 — 4:00 pm (Note new time):  It’s a Wonderful Christmas Card Workshop.  Bee’s Cafe.  Refreshments.  $30/person.  A few additional seats have opened up.

3:00-4:00 pm:  Special Reading by Seth Kennedy of “The Greatest Gift”, written by Philip Van Doren Stern. Free Admission. First Presbyterian Church, 23 Cayuga St.

6:30 pm:  Pre-Concert Chat with Karolyn Grimes, Jimmy Hawkins, and Don Collins. Moderated by Monica Capra Hodges. West Herr Auditorium, Rochester, NY.

7:30 pm: Historic 80th Anniversary Event — “It’s a Wonderful Life” will be shown on a large screen accompanied by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and a choir. West Herr Auditorium, Rochester, NY.  

For tickets, go to — https://rpo.org/event/its-a-wonderful-life-in-concert/  Use Promo Code FULL for a 15% discount.

Buses from Seneca Falls To Rochester will be available. Email us if you would like to take the bus and we will then send you more information when it is available.

 7:00 pm — “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play 80th Anniversary Edition.” Bijou Theater, First Presbyterian Church, 23 Cayuga St.

Saturday, December 12, 2026: The Timeless Message of “It’s a Wonderful Life”

7:30 — 11:00 am:  It’s a Wonderful Breakfast. Tickets at the Door, $12. Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

8:30 am — Noon: Special 80th Anniversary Bedford Falls postal cancellation. Seneca Falls Post Office, 38 State St.

9:30 am — Free Roasted Chestnuts.  Provided by the Knights of Columbus — for as long as they last.  Corner of State and Fall Streets.

10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Visit the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum — Temporary Location. More than 35 Exhibits, including “Violet’s Earrings” and items from personal collections of cast members. It’s a Wonderful Quilt Raffle.  76 Fall St.

10:00 am — 4:00 pm:  It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, Original Location — 32 Fall Street. See George Bailey’s Car and what are possibly the chairs from the Bailey Dining Room. Also on display will be paintings by Todd Karns (“Harry Bailey”) and Paul Abate, the Bedford Falls LEGO Display by the Middaugh Family, Information on Suicide Prevention, and exhibits related to the Museum’s expansion. 32 Fall St. 

10:00 am — at least 6:00 pm: Shop for exclusive items at the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum Gift Shop. Photo Opportunity with “You Are Now in Bedford Falls” sign. 80 Fall St.

10:00 am:  22nd Annual George Bailey Award Presented by the IDEA Center for the Voices of Humanity. Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

10:30 — 11:30 am:  Presentation by Monica Capra Hodges, granddaughter of Frank Capra. 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 Hotel, 108 Fall St.

11:30 am — 12:45 pm: “The Story the Film Was Based On: The Greatest Gift and Philip Van Doren Stern” — Presentation by Sarah Robinson and Perrine Robinson-Geller, granddaughters of author Philip Van Doren Stern. Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

Noon: Giant Cinnamon Bun Eating Contest. $5.00 entry fee. Cafe XIX, 20 East Bayard St.

12:00 — 8:00 pm: European Christmas Market, 24 Cayuga St.

1:00 pm: It’s a Wonderful Parade. Fall Street. 

1:30 — 2:30 pm:  Book Signing by Michael Willian, “The Essential It’s a Wonderful Life”. Seneca Falls Visitor Center, 89 Fall Street.

2:00 — 2:45 pm: “Just a Housewife” — Classic Episode of The Donna Reed Show. Guntzel Theater, Women’s Rights National Historical Park, 136 Fall St.

2:00 — 3:00 pm: Clarence Award and Panel Presentation by the Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

2:00 — 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:  “Jimmy Stewart on the Front of Life.”  One-man play written and performed by actor Brian Rohan.  Tickets $15 can be purchased at the door. Douglas Avery Performing Arts Center, Mynderse Academy, 105 Troy St.

3:00 — 4:00:  “George Bailey’s True North.” Presentation by John Kuri, Filmmaker, Composer, Author, Son of Emile Kuri (Set Decorator for “It’s a Wonderful Life”). Trinity Chury, 27 Fall St.

3:00 – 4:00 pm:  Special Reading by Seth Kennedy of “The Greatest Gift” written by Philip Van Doren Stern. Free Admission. First Presbyterian Church, 23 Cayuga St.

4:40 pm:  It’s a Wonderful Run 5K. To register, go to www.itsawonderfulrun5K.com (Registration starts April 12).

6:00 pm:  “Jimmy Stewart on the Front of Life.”  One-man play written and performed by  actor Brian Rohan.  Tickets $15 can be purchased at the door. Douglas Avery Performing Arts Center, Mynderse Academy, 105 Troy St.

 7:15 – 9:30 pm:  Special Screening of It’s a Wonderful Life.  Free Admission. Douglas Avery Performing Arts Center, Mynderse Academy, 105 Troy St.

7:00 pm — “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play 80th Anniversary Edition.” Bijou Theater, First Presbyterian Church, 23 Cayuga St.

6:30 — 7:30 pm:  Dance Lesson by Groove Juice Swing (from Rochester).  Mynderse Academy Gymnasium, 105 Troy 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.

Sunday, December 13, 2026: The Stars of “It’s a Wonderful Life”

8:30 — 10:30 am:  “A Toast to Karolyn . . .” — Karolyn Grimes’ 22nd Anniversary Celebration Breakfast.  Arrive by 8:45 to secure your seat. Tickets:  $60.  Seneca Falls Country Club. SOLD OUT

10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Visit the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum — Temporary Location. More than 35 Exhibits, including “Violet’s Earrings” and items from personal collections of cast members. It’s a Wonderful Quilt Raffle.  76 Fall St.

10:00 am — 4:00 pm:  It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, Original Location — 32 Fall Street. See George Bailey’s Car and what are possibly the chairs from the Bailey Dining Room. Also on display will be paintings by Todd Karns (“Harry Bailey”), Information on Suicide Prevention, and exhibits related to the Museum’s expansion. 32 Fall St. 

10:00 am — 6:00 pm: Shop for exclusive items at the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum Gift Shop. Photo Opportunity with “You Are Now in Bedford Falls” sign. 80 Fall St.

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

11:15 – 11:45 am:  Classic Episode of The Donna Reed Show: “Change Partners and Dance” — from Season 1 with Jimmy Hawkins and Shelley Fabares. “Johnny Angel” from The Donna Reed Show — Remembering Shelley Fabares. Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

11:45 am – 12:45 pm: “It’s a Great Cast: Spotlight on Some of It’s a Wonderful Life’s Lesser Known Characters and the Actors Behind Them.  Presentation by Author Michael Willian.

12:00 — 6:00 pm: European Christmas Market, 24 Cayuga St.

12:45 – 1:15 pm:  “It Was Me” — Presentation by Don Collins (Young Pete Bailey). Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

1:00 – 2:00 pm — Special Reading by Seth Kennedy of “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern. First Presbyterian Church, 23 Cayuga St.

2:00 — 3:15 pm — “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play 80th Anniversary Edition.” Bijou Theater, First Presbyterian Church, 23 Cayuga St.

1:15 — 2:30 pm: Video Interviews with Jeanine Roose (“Young Violet”), Virginia Patton (“Ruth Dakin Bailey”) and Carol Coombs (“Janie Bailey”) accompanied by personal insights into their mothers by Joe Auger and Carol Moss Loop.  

2:30 — 3:30 pm:  “Jimmy Hawkins — A Life in Pictures” — Presentation by Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”) on his career including roles in “Annie Oakley”, “The Donna Reed Show”, “Ozzie and Harriet”, and two movies with Elvis. Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.

3:30 — 4:00 pm:  Presentation by Karolyn Grimes (“Zuzu Bailey”) — The 80th Anniversary of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Trinity Church, 27 

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 — 9:00 pm:  “For Auld Lang Syne – The Final Scene Dinner.”  Seneca Falls Country Club, 2790 Route 89, Seneca Falls.  SOLD OUT