A Winter Wonkaland: Whoville 2025

The Village of Washingtonville Winter Wonkaland was humming on Saturday Dec. 6, bringing many out-of-towners from places like Warwick, Wallkill, New York City, Rockland, Sullivan County, and even all the way from Syracuse.  Many raved and said what a Wonderful Event it was, and how they wished their town did something like this. One of the favorite details was how The Grinch and Cindi Lou (Danielle Amatulli and her daughter Daughter Alexandra) were bringing laughter and giggles to almost every shop in the Village Center. And the "Grinch" ...well, he was perfectly "Grinchy looking". Between the Christmas Market space at the Municipal Lot and the workshops throughout the Village there were about 40 vendors helping to set the mood for a Merry Christmas, with a huge variety of crafts and Holiday Gifts. 

Boy Scouts Troop 316 were adorned as Christmas Trees (sometimes dancing) and covered with ornaments. They sold wreaths as a fundraiser and of course there were food trucks right at the Market for hungry shoppers.

Donna Argenzio brought her beautiful collection of resin art which included custom designed serving trays and beautiful ornaments.

PPB Offered a selection attractively wrapped “Perfectly Prepared Bites” snack collection.

Fizzy Lifting Water (Girl Scouts Troop #327) was there offering an opportunity to write a letter to Santa, and help make a wish come true that childhood cancer patients who are hospitalized could have more access to gaming consoles so they can stay in better touch with their friends, and the Christian McCaffrey Foundation is offering matching funds to help make that happen. 

Unstructured Life had a large display of beautiful and carefully crafted leather and canvas bags.

Of course there were displays with deliciously Scented Soaps, Body Lotions and Candles. Check out this beautiful display.

Farm Craft offered soft Crocheted Hats,  Gloves, Scarves and Ornaments,

just in time for the Arctic Freeze

Hand crafted Fun Signs and Lanterns

One of the Stars of the day was again "Duncan", who set the perfect look for the aura that Washingtonvillians love, that of being an historic village of the 1800's. His red and black checkered winter jacket and the big white plume projecting from his head would have been enough to capture all of the visitors' attention. Add to that his melodic high-stepping clippity-clop and it was worthy of a movie screen. Families were delighted to be part of the clippity-clopping along Main Street (Route 94) that offered a flashback ride through the historic intersection of 94 and 208/Blooming Grove Turnpike that was a nexus of early Lower Hudson settlements. Celtic Cross Carriage and Horse Rides have become a treasured part of Washingtonville's Event Programs.

Clippity-clop, Clippity-clop, Duncan says "Santa is on his way"

A little traffic, a little noise, NO problem...Duncan is a real Pro

These events were brought to you by the Washingtonville Event

Committee which has worked endless hours to bring our Town and Village and its visitors HOLIDAY JOY!

Patrick and Justine Maiorino are the Co-Chairs of the Event Committee, in addition to hosting Santa

Santa was "In the House" at Guilty Pleasures Cheesecakes early Saturday morning "Cookies & Cocoa with Santa" to greet a crowd of Kids, Moms 'n Dads

There were several dozen other participants in both the Washingtonville Parade, Wonkaland Events and the Christmas Market. Most of Washingtonville's favorite restaurants were actively participating as well, like F&J Pizza which welcomed kids with the Grinch and a Prize, Hook & Ladder Saloon, Tacos Y Mas, Greek Brothers Grill and Amada's Kitchen which always keeps the mood lively. And of course Sonia Sawheny of "What A Girl Wants" had her unique clothing selection displayed with an emphasis on "warm".

As Event organizers both Patrick Maiorino and Carlos Vega agreed that it was a Great Day, and that having the Market closer to Main Street kept the visitors in town and getting to know the shops and shop owners. Icing on the cake was that a handful of visiting performers stopped by Guilty Pleasures & Cheesecakes, including a Willy Wonka Inspired Chocolatier, a Magician, and a Medieval Re-enactment Group (all of which could be future performers).

Other participants INCLUDED- Make Your Own Christmas Centerpiece by Meraki Art, Kiwanis Holiday Decor and Free Books, A Cookie Decorating Class by Cookies by Cambria, Heaven Scent & Root Revivals at the Corner Candle Store, Cookie Decorating at the VFW Hall, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory at Theatre on Main Street, and Firehouse Roofing which offered Pictures with Santa and Mrs Claus, Wonka Hot Chocolate and Candy for the children, and beer, wine and cocktails for the adults while listening to Ally Acapella's unique singing. Their "After Party" helped people who were rushing around all day to wind down, warm up, and listen to some music in a warm and sensory pleasing atmosphere.