The community that embraces its identity as the inspiration for Bedford Falls is ready to welcome thousands for the 79th anniversary celebration of It’s a Wonderful Life, a sprawling three-day festival featuring cast members, special presentations, live performances, film screenings, workshops and one of the most iconic 5Ks in the country.
The festival runs through Sunday and organizers say visitors should expect packed venues, expanded shuttle service, and a schedule deeper than at any point in the event’s long history. This year’s celebration also marks the beginning of the one-year countdown to the film’s 80th anniversary, which will be commemorated with an enlarged five-day festival in 2026.
A festival built around the legacy of the film and its stars
The weekend brings together three generations of the It’s a Wonderful Life family. Special guests include Karolyn Grimes (“Zuzu Bailey”), Jimmy Hawkins (“Tommy Bailey”), Don Collins (“Young Pete Bailey”), and relatives of several figures who shaped the film: Mary Owen, daughter of Donna Reed; Monica Capra Hodges, granddaughter of director Frank Capra; and John Kuri, son of Oscar-winning set decorator Emile Kuri.
Visitors can also view George Bailey’s car — a 1919 Dodge Brothers Touring Car — on display throughout the festival at James Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
Expanded presentations, art exhibits and behind-the-scenes history
The festival schedule is loaded with talks, screenings and performances that dig into the film’s legacy from every angle.
Among the highlights:
- “The Real Bedford Falls” documentary screening by Francis DeClemente and Stu Lisson.
- Film location presentation by Brian Rohan, who will also star in the one-man play Jimmy Stewart on the Front of Life, honoring Stewart’s WWII service.
- Talks from Capra and Reed family members, including Monica Capra Hodges and Mary Owen, reflecting on their families’ work and the film’s cultural impact.
- Presentations from author Michael Willian, who examines the film’s wartime montage sequences and Bailey family arc.
- A series of art exhibits hosted at the original museum location at 32 Fall St., including Todd Karns’ paintings (“From Paris to Mexico”), Paul Abate’s I Want to Live Again series, and a LEGO holiday village inspired by the movie created by CNY Bricks.
- Panels and mental-health programming, including Govan Martin’s suicide-prevention presentation and the Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition’s youth-focused forum.
Signature events anchor a packed weekend
Every day includes autograph sessions with cast members at The Gould Hotel, with autographs free with purchase or available for a fee for items brought by fans.
Workshops and hands-on experiences fill the schedule as well, including:
- The Wonderful Christmas Card Workshop at Bee’s Cafe.
- The Bedford Falls postal cancellation, a festival tradition at the Seneca Falls Post Office.
- Special museum hours across both the main location (76 Fall St.) and the original site at 32 Fall St.
The festival’s major evening events include the Frank Capra Preview Dinner at del Lago Resort on Friday, screenings of the film at Mynderse Academy on Saturday night, and the popular Dance by the Light of the Moon swing event featuring the Greater Finger Lakes Jazz Orchestra.
Saturday highlights include parade, presentations and the beloved 5K
Saturday is the densest day of the festival, beginning with the “It’s a Wonderful Breakfast” at Trinity Church and full breakfast service at Bee’s Café.
Key events include:
- The George Bailey Award ceremony at 10 a.m.
- The festival parade down Fall Street at 1 p.m.
- A series of presentations from Owen, Capra Hodges, Abate and others throughout the day.
- A cinnamon bun eating contest at Café XIX at noon.
The day culminates in the It’s a Wonderful Run 5K, one of the biggest and most atmospheric races in the region.
It’s a Wonderful Run 5K: a twilight race through Bedford Falls
The 5K steps off at 4:40 p.m. on Saturday drawing thousands of costumed runners and spectators who line the snow-covered streets of Seneca Falls. The race is known nationally for its night-run aesthetic, holiday soundtrack, cheering crowds and finish line lights that turn Fall Street into a scene pulled straight from the film.
The race has a virtual option. However, the in-person 5K kicks off at 4:40 p.m.
Packet pickup will be held at the Seneca Falls Community Center on Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
Organizers note that hotels in and around Seneca Falls are at capacity, with shuttles operating throughout the weekend between major lodging sites and downtown.
Sunday closes with cast tributes and the ringing of the bells
Sunday features another full day of museum hours, exhibits and presentations, including the festival’s emotional traditions:
- Karolyn Grimes’ annual breakfast, celebrating her decades-long connection to the community.
- A series of talks from cast members, including Hawkins, Collins and Grimes.
- A presentation from Govan Martin on suicide prevention through the lens of the film’s themes.
- Another performance of the Seneca Community Players’ radio-play adaptation of the movie.
At 4:15 p.m., the community gathers outside Trinity Church and the museum’s original site for The Ringing of the Bells of the Real Bedford Falls, one of the festival’s defining moments.
A holiday concert by the Seneca Singers follows at 5 p.m., before the closing “For Auld Lang Syne” dinner at the Seneca Falls Country Club caps the weekend.
Thursday and Monday events round out an extended celebration
Visitors arriving early can see George Bailey’s car beginning Thursday morning and attend the sold-out Thursday night dinner featuring the film’s actors.
On Monday, the car exhibit continues for one final day at James Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
Momentum builds heading into the 80th anniversary
Organizers expect this year’s turnout to be among the strongest ever, with the 80th anniversary milestone approaching in 2026. Next year’s festival will expand to a five-day celebration running Dec. 9–13.
Detailed schedule of events in Seneca Falls
Thursday
- 9 a.m.–7 p.m. — George Bailey’s Car on display (1919 Dodge Brothers Touring Car), James Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 1429 State Route 414
- 7–9 p.m. — “Zu Zu, My Little Gingersnap” dinner with actors from It’s a Wonderful Life, Bee’s Cafe, 107 Fall St. (Sold out)
Friday
- 8 a.m.–2 p.m. — Breakfast service at Bee’s Cafe, Zu Zu’s Gingersnaps for sale, 107 Fall St.
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m. — Bedford Falls Postal Cancellation, Seneca Falls Post Office, 38 State St.
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m. — Make a Deposit at the Bailey Brothers Building and Loan fundraiser; George Bailey appearance, Chemung Canal Trust Company, 54 Fall St.
- 9 a.m.–6 p.m. — “All Things Wonderful” museum gift shop, Bedford Falls mural photo opportunity, Zu Zu’s Gingersnaps, 80 Fall St.
- 9 a.m.–7 p.m. — George Bailey’s Car on display, 1429 State Route 414
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m. — Visit original museum location; see expansion plans, 32 Fall St.
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m. — “From Paris to Mexico” paintings by Todd Karns, 32 Fall St.
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m. — “I Want to Live Again!” paintings by Paul Abate, 32 Fall St.
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m. — A Wonderful Winter in LEGO exhibit by CNY Bricks, 32 Fall St.
- 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. — Visit the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum (home of Violet’s Earrings), 76 Fall St.
- 10:30 a.m. — Documentary screening: The Real Bedford Falls: The Town, The Movie, The Legend, Trinity Church, 27 Fall St.
- 11 a.m. — Film locations presentation: Locations in California Where It’s a Wonderful Life Was Filmed, Trinity Church
- 11 a.m.–1 p.m. — Autograph signing with cast members, free with purchase; $30 for items brought; Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St.
- 11:15 a.m.–noon — Presentation: It’s a Wonderful Film! How Frank Capra Created the Most Popular Message Movie of All Time, Harold Buchholz; Trinity Church
- Noon–1 p.m. — Presentation by filmmaker John Kuri (son of Emile Kuri), Trinity Church
- 1–2 p.m. — Presentation by Mary Owen: Donna Stone and the Real Housewives of Hilldale with screening of Just a Housewife, Trinity Church
- 2–4 p.m. — Cast autograph signing, Gould Hotel
- 2–3 p.m. — Bedford Falls 1934–1945 presentation by author Michael Willian, Trinity Church
- 3–5 p.m. — It’s a Wonderful Christmas Card Workshop, Bee’s Cafe (advance registration required)
- 3:15–4:15 p.m. — Jimmy Stewart on the Front of Life one-man play by Brian Rohan, First Presbyterian Church
- 4:30 p.m. — Shuttles depart from Gould Hotel for Capra Preview Dinner
- 6–9 p.m. — Frank Capra Preview Dinner, emceed by Monica Capra Hodges, Del Lago Resort (advance tickets required)
- 7–8:30 p.m. — It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play by Seneca Community Players, First Presbyterian Church (tickets online)
Saturday
- 7:30–11 a.m. — It’s a Wonderful Breakfast, Trinity Church
- 8 a.m.–4 p.m. — Breakfast service at Bee’s Cafe, Zu Zu’s Gingersnaps for sale
- 9 a.m.–noon — Bedford Falls Station Postal Cancellation, Seneca Falls Post Office
- 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. — Visit the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 76 Fall St.
- 9 a.m.–6 p.m. — “All Things Wonderful” gift shop & photo site, 80 Fall St.
- 9 a.m.–7 p.m. — George Bailey’s Car on display, 1429 State Route 414
- 9:30 a.m. — Free roasted chestnuts, Knights of Columbus, corner of State and Fall Streets
- 10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Wonderful Spice Coffee by Café 19, samples and bags for sale; museum and Gabbard’s Barber Shop, 76–78 Fall St.
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m. — Visit original museum location, 32 Fall St.
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m. — “From Paris to Mexico” paintings by Todd Karns, 32 Fall St.
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m. — A Wonderful Winter in LEGO exhibit, 32 Fall St.
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m. — “I Want to Live Again!” paintings by Paul Abate, 32 Fall St.
- 10 a.m. — 21st Annual George Bailey Award, Trinity Church
- 10:30–11:30 a.m. — Presentation by Monica Capra Hodges, Trinity Church
- 11 a.m.–1 p.m. — Cast autograph signing, Gould Hotel
- 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. — Presentation by Mary Owen, Trinity Church
- Noon — Cinnamon Bun Eating Contest, Café XIX, $5 entry
- 12:15–1 p.m. — Presentation by artist Paul Abate, Trinity Church
- 1 p.m. — It’s a Wonderful Parade, Fall Street
- 2–3 p.m. — “Wonderful Wings” youth empowerment panel, Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition/United Way
- 2–4 p.m. — Cast autograph signing, Gould Hotel
- 3–4 p.m. — Presentation: Every Time a Bell Rings, Victoria Wejko (Mrs. New York American 2024), Trinity Church
- 3–4 p.m. — Jimmy Stewart on the Front of Life one-man play, First Presbyterian Church
- 4:40 p.m. — It’s a Wonderful Run 5K (live race start), register at itsawonderfulrun5k.com
- 6:30–7:30 p.m. — Swing dance lesson by Groove Juice Swing, Mynderse Academy gym
- 7–9:15 p.m. — Special screening of It’s a Wonderful Life, Douglas Avery Performing Arts Center, Mynderse Academy
- 7–8:15 p.m. — It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play, Seneca Community Players, First Presbyterian Church
- 7:30–10:30 p.m. — “Dance by the Light of the Moon,” 18-piece swing band, Mynderse Academy gym (free)
Sunday
- 8 a.m.–2 p.m. — Breakfast service at Bee’s Cafe, Zu Zu’s Gingersnaps for sale
- 8:30–10:30 a.m. — “A Toast to Karolyn…” 22nd Anniversary Celebration Breakfast, Seneca Falls Country Club (arrive by 8:45)
- 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. — Visit the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, 76 Fall St.
- 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. — “All Things Wonderful” gift shop & photo site, 80 Fall St.
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m. — Visit original museum location, 32 Fall St.
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m. — A Wonderful Winter in LEGO exhibit, 32 Fall St.
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m. — “From Paris to Mexico” paintings by Todd Karns, 32 Fall St.
- 11 a.m.–2 p.m. — Cast autograph signing, Gould Hotel
- 11:15 a.m. — The Shop Around the Corner radio play featuring Brian Rohan as Jimmy Stewart, Trinity Church
- Noon–1 p.m. — Suicide-prevention presentation by Govan Martin, Trinity Church
- 1–2 p.m. — Presentation by filmmaker John Kuri, Trinity Church
- 1–2:15 p.m. — It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play, Seneca Community Players, First Presbyterian Church
- 2–2:30 p.m. — Presentation by Donald Collins (“Young Pete Bailey”), Trinity Church
- 2:30–3:30 p.m. — Presentation by Jimmy Hawkins: A Books Tale, Trinity Church
- 3:30–4 p.m. — Presentation by Karolyn Grimes (“Zuzu Bailey”)
- 4:15 p.m. — Ringing of the Bells of the Real Bedford Falls, outside Trinity Church and 32 Fall St.
- 5 p.m. — Seneca Singers Annual Holiday Concert, First Presbyterian Church
- 6–9 p.m. — “For Auld Lang Syne – The Final Scene Dinner,” Seneca Falls Country Club (sold out)
Monday
- 9 a.m.–7 p.m. — George Bailey’s Car on display, 1429 State Route 414
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