The association currently has five events planned for around the village, with other additional possibilities being considered at the moment. The first event is planned for Dec. 12, and will be a movie night at PersNikkity Pies. The event will be playing How The Grinch Stole Christmas, by Jim Carrey. There will be treats such as popcorn and other goodies, and refreshments like juice and water. The movie will begin at 5:30 p.m. and only has room for 40 people, so those interested can RSVP to guarantee a spot.

There is also a planned gingerbread house decorating contest, which participants must submit their best decorated gingerbread house to by Dec. 13, at 12 p.m. Gingerbread houses must be dropped off to West Main Mercantile, located at 17-19 West Main Street. Gingerbread houses will be judged by the customers of the restaurant throughout the month, before being returned on Dec. 26. A winner of the competition will be chosen on Dec. 24. The contest is only open to one entry per individual, family, or group at the association’s request. There is also the cookie decorating contest, which has the same submission deadline and winner announcement date as the gingerbread house competition. Cookies can be submitted to PersNikkity Pies, located at 9 Main Street in the village. Cookies will be judged by customers throughout the month, similarly to the gingerbread house contest as well.

On Dec. 19 there will be the opportunity to carol around the village, open to anybody interested in spreading some holiday spirit. Those interested in participating should gather at the Falconer High School near the tennis courts. Participants can gather at about 5:30 p.m., with the event running from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

The final event is the Christmas light contest, which is being held by the association in partnership with the Falconer N.Y. Neighborhood Watch. The competition is looking for residents to submit a photo, or two, of a home with festive lights, garlands, and various decorations. Photos can be submitted to the association’s Facebook page, where votes will be tallied based on the number of likes the house receives from village residents. Photos submissions begin on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. and are welcomed until Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. The winner of the competition will be declared on Dec. 24, and will receive a trophy that can be kept until a new winner is declared the next year.

Cookies available for judging at PersNikkity Pies in the 2024 Falconer Christmas Association’s cookie contest.

Ron Caldwell, creator of the association, began this effort just one year ago. Due to Caldwell’s notorious love for the holiday, Kandis LeBaron reached out to him and noted her wish to transform the village into a Hallmark-style wonderland. Caldwell discussed plans initially with the Falconer Rotary Club, who manages many Christmas events within the village already. But, due to the rotary club already having a significant number of events and projects, Caldwell stated that he decided to form, and largely fund, an association to bring additional holiday events and joy.

“I just want that hometown Christmas-y feel, and to just get people out and going to the shops in the village,” said Caldwell. “I want the kids to be excited year after year, I want to create family traditions.”

Caldwell also noted that there is the possibility of more events being added to the schedule going forward. Caldwell stated that in 2024, the association members attempted to coordinate a trivia night at the Belle-View East restaurant and lounge. While this plan fell through initially due to having too few teams, Caldwell stated that he is considering the event for the list in 2026. There may also be the possibility of another event coming to this year’s schedule. Caldwell noted that the organization is working on coordinating a Christmas library book reading at the Falconer Library. Confirmation of this event is not yet available, but any updates will be posted on the association’s Facebook page, said Caldwell.

For any additional information about events contact 716-485-6163.

Individuals that participated in the 2024 Christmas caroling. Submitted photos