Christmas in July serves as the first major public celebration leading up to the 80th Anniversary Festival of It’s a Wonderful Life, taking place December 9–13, 2026, in Seneca Falls. Sponsored by the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum and the Seneca Community Players, this weeklong celebration will bring together fans, residents, and visitors for special appearances, historic programs, film screenings, literary presentations, and live theater honoring the enduring message of hope, kindness, and community found in the film.
Throughout the week, guests will have the opportunity to meet Karolyn Grimes, who captured hearts around the world as George Bailey’s youngest daughter, ZuZu Bailey. Grimes will participate in daily autograph sessions at the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum Gift Shop, 80 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 2:00–4:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 28 through Saturday, August 1.
Autographs are free with the purchase of merchandise from the museum gift shop. Personal items brought by guests may also be signed for a $30 fee.
The week’s events will include special programming throughout Seneca Falls, highlighting the community’s connection to It’s a Wonderful Life and its message that every life matters.
Featured events include:
Friday, July 31
Special Screening of It’s a Wonderful Life
Women’s Rights National Historical Park Theater
136 Fall Street, Seneca Falls
12:30 p.m. — Introduction by Karolyn Grimes
1:00–3:15 p.m. — Special screening of It’s a Wonderful Life
Saturday, August 1
10:00 a.m. — First Mary Bailey Award Presentation
Presented by the IDEA Center for the Voices of Humanity
National Women’s Hall of Fame
1 Canal Street, Seneca Falls
2:00 p.m. — Reading of The Greatest Gift
Written by Philip Van Doren Stern
Presented by Seth Kennedy, Seneca Community Players
First Presbyterian Church
23 Cayuga Street, Seneca Falls
3:00–4:00 p.m. — It’s a Wonderful Life Live Radio Play
Presented by the Seneca Community Players
First Presbyterian Church
23 Cayuga Street, Seneca Falls
The museum is also pleased to welcome Jacqueline Siegel, philanthropist, television personality, and co-founder of Victoria’s Voice Foundation, on Thursday, July 30. Known worldwide as the “Queen of Versailles,” Siegel has dedicated her life to advocacy, education, and raising awareness about youth substance abuse prevention following the loss of her daughter, Victoria, and her sister to drug overdoses.
Jacqueline will participate in a special afternoon reception before joining guests for the opening of the evening’s “Auld Lang Syne” Final Scene Christmas Dinner.
Additional featured dining experiences include:
Thursday, July 30
“Auld Lang Syne” Final Scene Christmas Dinner
5:30–8:30 p.m. | Seneca Falls Country Club
Enjoy dinner with Karolyn Grimes (“ZuZu Bailey”) and experience a special screening of the iconic final scene of It’s a Wonderful Life. Jacqueline Siegel will also participate in the evening’s opening program.
Tickets: $85
Friday, July 31
“ZuZu, My Little Gingersnap” Dinner with ZuZu
5:30–7:30 p.m. | Bee’s Café
Spend an intimate evening with Karolyn Grimes featuring dinner and the signature treat, “ZuZu’s Gingersnaps.”
Tickets: $60
