Downtown Batavia hosts free evening walk as retail district opens 30 shops

Residents of Batavia can shop at more than 30 local businesses without paying an entry fee during a four-hour evening event scheduled for Nov. 13. The annual Holiday Lantern Walk runs from 5 to 9 p.m. in the downtown area. Organizers expanded the timeline to include an additional hour for attendees to explore the district.

Kristen Desler, assistant director of Batavia MainStreet, stated in a news release that the extended schedule allows visitors more time to navigate the area. The nonprofit group manages the event as part of its volunteer-driven efforts to support local commerce. Desler noted that illuminated lanterns will provide lighting for the walk. A trolley service will transport participants between different parts of the downtown center and back to their vehicles.

Participants can visit stores such as CaberNeigh, Warehouse 55, Ease Escape, Kitty Cocoa Cafe, and the Batavia Boardwalk Shops. The event also features opportunities to purchase festive decorations and gifts. Visitors can receive Downtown Dollars, which are credits for local spending, and pose for photographs with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The atmosphere is designed to mark the start of the holiday season.

Adults aged 21 and older have the option to purchase a separate ticket for a wine-tasting experience. Each $25 ticket includes an event map and 12 one-ounce pours of wine. Desler described the offering as a limited-ticket experience called Holiday Cheer. She compared it to a previous spring wine walk and urged residents to buy tickets while they are available. Tickets are currently on sale through a specific web link provided by the organization.

Batavia MainStreet operates as a nonprofit entity focused on enhancing the downtown area through community programs. The organization directs residents to its website and social media channels for further details on the Nov. 13 gathering. The event combines retail access with seasonal activities for families and adults.