It's a Wonderful Life in Seneca Falls

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the release of the classic holiday film "It's a Wonderful Life." But did you know this movie has a connection to the Finger Lakes area? The fictional town of Bedford Falls, where the story is set, is said to have been inspired by the quaint New York town of Seneca Falls. You can learn about the connection between the real-life town and its movie counterpart at the It's a Wonderful Life Museum, open year round for movie fans.

Each year, during the second weekend of December, the town of Seneca Falls celebrates its connection to the sentimental film with an It's a Wonderful Life Festival. And with this year being the 75th anniversary of the film's release, it's the perfect time to visit for special anniversary events and guest appearances.

The celebration will be held Dec. 8-12, at venues throughout Seneca Falls. Cast members from the film, including Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu Bailey) and Jimmy Hawkins (Tommy Bailey), will interact with fans at meet-and-greet and autograph sessions, and will offer insightful presentations about their work on the film.

Other fun events include an It's a Wonderful Bonfire, tree lighting, caroling and visit from Santa on Friday evening. On Saturday at 1 p.m., don't miss the It's a Wonderful Parade as it marches down Fall Street. On Sunday, take a ride on the Bedford Falls Express train. All festival long, there will be dinner events, exhibits, block parties, movie screenings and reflections on the movie's legacy.

While the movie was filmed entirely in California, it's still fun to learn about the connections and similarities between the fictional Bedford Falls and New York's Seneca Falls. Screenwriter Frank Capra visited Seneca Falls while writing the script and has family in the area. Much of the architecture is strikingly similar, from the railroad station to the steel truss bridges. The town even has a real-life story about a man who jumped from a bridge to save someone from drowning, similar to the movie plot.

Yale Manor is located a quick 20-minute drive from Bedford Falls... ummm, we mean Seneca Falls. Join us in December when the town will be decked out for the holidays and reminiscent of its movie counterpart. As you visit each festival venue and stroll throughout town, you'll have the opportunity to meet film characters in costume, take a free horse-drawn carriage ride and enjoy roasted chestnuts. Make it a "wonderful" holiday tradition!

"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings."