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Youth Bring the Christmas Story to Life in Hancock’s Annual Live Nativity

Holiday spirit swept through Hancock on Saturday December 6th, as more than 3,245 children, families, and community members filled the town square for an unforgettable celebration across the whole day, combining the 17th Annual Parade of Lights, Christmas on the Square, and the community’s beloved Live Nativity, hosted by the Hazen family. From 2–8 PM, the Hancock Town Square transformed into a festive winter village glowing with music, lights, laughter, and long-standing traditions. Organizers say this year’s turnout marks the largest attendance the event has ever seen, a testament to the community’s resilience and unity with the live Nativity from 2-4PM beginning at the Historic Methodist Church on East Main Street and making its way over to the Town Square in a storied procession.

A Cherished Tradition Lives On: The Hazen Family’s Live Nativity. Among the day’s most moving highlights was the Live Nativity, lovingly presented by Connie Hazen and her family—a tradition they’ve upheld for more than 20 years, with only a brief pause during the COVID years. Youth from across Hancock bundled into robes, cow suits, angel wings, and shepherd cloaks to bring the Nativity story to life against a backdrop of fresh snow and crisp winter air. Despite temperatures well below freezing, the cast remained all smiles, warming their hands at nearby fire pits and enjoying s’mores alongside spectators.

Families gathered to admire the tender scene and appreciate the decades-long dedication the Hazen family have brought to the town’s holiday season. For many, the Nativity is the heart of Hancock’s December festivities. This community shines brightest when we celebrate together.

❤️ Here’s to many more years of magic on the square. Special thanks to all sponsors, families and participants in this years holiday events! 🎅🎄🌟

📻 Get ready, Hancock — the lights are coming! Join us on Saturday, December 6th at 6PM for the 17th Annual Sandra Karcher Memorial Parade of Lights — a spectacular tradition brought to you by the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department . 🚒 Dozens of glowing floats, sparkling firetrucks, and local groups will light up the night as they roll through historic downtown Hancock, competing for Best in Show in lights, creativity, and pure holiday spirit.🎄The parade wraps right into the magic of Christmas on the Square, where Santa will be waiting, fire-pits are warm, and the cocoa’s always hot. 🏆 Whether you’re marching, watching, or decorating your home or storefront to join the fun — Hancock is shining bright this holiday season.📍 Don’t miss the Parade of Lights — lighting up the Village at 6PM sharp, Saturday December 6th. Vendors from Noon in the Hancock Town Sqaure, where there are photos with Santa from 4-8PM. Celebrate the season. Celebrate community. Celebrate Hancock.

🎅 Join us on Saturday, December 6th from 2PM to 8PM for the beloved annual tradition: Holiday Market Vendors for Christmas Gifts, Sweet Treats & Shopping at our annual Christmas on the Square, in the heart of the village at 20 East Main Street. 🌟 Meet Santa Claus himself and take free family photos under the twinkling lights of the Town Square from 4-8PM! Sip on hot cocoa, toast marshmallows over the outdoor fire-pits, and enjoy holiday treats from local vendors. 🎁 Kids can join Rudolph’s Reindeer Run scavenger hunt with fun prizes from 2-6PM — all throughout Hancock’s charming downtown district! ✨The entire park will be lit up in a magical light show — with outdoor heaters to help keep the whole family warm., around a 30ft Christmas Tree Donated by the Leet Family. Just don’t forget to dress for the weather! 🎙️ Brought to you by the Hancock Area Chamber of Commerce, Hancock Partners, hancock Fire Dept, Bisbee Lumber & Supply, Kaybirds & NBT Bank — So please come celebrate the holidays the small-town way: bright, joyful, and full of community cheer.) 📻 This holiday season, there’s no place like Hancock, New York — named Time Out New York’s #1 Best Small Town in the U.S.!

FREE EVENT TODAY: Gather & Feast Community Supper – You’re Invited! Join the Gather & Feast Community Supper on Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Father Rausch Hall, 316 West Main St, Hancock, for a FREE family-friendly dinner hosted by The Bridgewater Church. Food items include things such as: ham, potato casserole, carrots, Thanksgiving soup, rolls & butter, and dessert are on the menu. Take-out starts at 6:15 p.m. while supplies last. No sign-up needed—come as you are. All are welcome at the table. 🧡

FINAL DAYS! Help Hancock restock one of our local food pantries! The Hancock Rotary Club & Strength Brokerage’s “Bags for Food Pantry” drive wraps up November 26 — and every bag counts. Just fill a brown paper or plastic grocery bag with non-perishable items (peanut butter, jelly, canned fruits/veggies, soups, rice, mac & cheese, instant potatoes, cereal, baby food, etc.) and drop it off at: 📍 Strength Brokerage is located at: 65 West Front Street Ext., Hancock, NY 🕒 This event runs through November 26 💛 Strength Brokerage will donate $5 to the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry for every full bag received. Your donation supports local families heading into winter. Please note: items past their sell-by dates cannot be accepted. Let’s finish strong, Hancock — your kindness matters. ❤️🛍️🥫

Hancock Honors Local Heros with Veterans Day Events. The Hancock community will proudly come together on November 11th and 12th to honor and celebrate our nation’s veterans — past and present — with a series of heartfelt local events. Tuesday, November 11th: A Day of Tribute and Togetherness. The day begins with the Hancock Legion Post 289 Veterans Day Service at 11:00 a.m. in the Hancock Town Square. This annual service offers residents a moment to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who have served in our armed forces. All members of the community are invited to attend and show their support. Wednesday, November 12th: Honoring Service in Our Schools On Weds morning, Hancock Central School will hold a special Veterans Day Assembly beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Elementary School “C” building. All veterans — both past and currently serving — are encouraged to attend. The assembly offers students the opportunity to meet local heroes, hear their stories, and understand the meaning of sacrifice and service firsthand. The Town of Hancock extends sincere thanks to every veteran and their families. Your courage and sacrifice continue to inspire us all. Let us come together this Veterans Day to remember, reflect, and give thanks.

SAVE THE DATE: Gather & Feast Team invite you to their upcoming Community Supper. Join the Gather & Feast Community Supper on Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Father Rausch Hall, 316 West Main St, Hancock, for a FREE family-friendly dinner hosted by a different organization each month, November is the Bridgewater Church. Food items include things such as: ham, potato casserole, carrots, Thanksgiving soup, rolls & butter, and dessert are on the menu. Take-out starts at 6:15 p.m. while supplies last. No sign-up needed—come as you are. All are welcome at the table. 🧡