Wappingers Hosts Annual Festival of Lights

Wappingers Falls, NY — Hundreds gathered on Sunday to see parade floats, Christmas lights, and Santa Claus. Wappingers Falls held its 8th annual Festival of Lights Parade and tree lighting ceremony at Mesier Park.

The parade, on its rain date, lasted under an hour and the tree was lit before a portion of the attendees had actually arrived. Many local people registered to drive a float or set up a vendor stand in the park, where they could sell products later on.

Following the parade, the Christmas tree was lit to signify the beginning of the holiday season. An enormous amount of the crowd waited in a dark, muddy line so their child could sit on Santa’s lap and receive a gift. As children’s eyes lit up at the thought of talking to Santa, parents patiently waited.

“The conditions are not ideal but we do what we got to do for our kids,” said Linda of Wappingers, a mother of 3. Linda and most of the other parents and guardians shared a similar expression while waiting in line in front of the historic Mesier Homestead.

The early history of European settlement in the area dates back to 1741 when Nicolas and Adolphus Brewer first bought land in what is now Wappingers Falls. Later on, Peter Mesier of New York City arrived and opened a shop within the homestead. Mesier and his family are the namesake to the park that hosts the tree lighting festival each year.

The lighting ceremony in Wappingers falls is, according to Dutchess Tourism, one of 20 tree lighting and festival of lights ceremonies in Dutchess County. All of these events are within the next few weeks, leaving locals with no shortage of options. Every single event is free and highlights the county’s values. They want to provide their people with family oriented, fun, and affordable events that benefit all ages.