Suzy and Mike have built a beautiful holiday metropolis
By Andrew Harris, pictured are the Palmesano’s
A well-known Hornell duo have been spending the last twenty five years building a little village in Hornell. Lovebirds Mike and Suzy Palmesano love to spend the warm weather cruisin in the Corvette and spend the holiday season building a Christmas fairytale.
Over the years the village has grown from a quiant little village into a city unto itself. Mike explains it basically has it’s own municipal electric grid:
“The City has 78 buildings and about 90 electric cords as some of the buildings even have transformers for blinking lights.”
The Palmesano’s admit that the sprawl has “gotten a little out of control,” and that the annual setup takes over a week and now fills up 32 totes that must be kept in storage.
What might have caught the eye of Hornell City officials was the growing economy inside the Palmesano Christmas City.
“We have a Wegmans, Starbucks, a Cracker Barrel, 4 churches, a couple gas stations, and a Corvette dealership LOL,” quipped Mike.
Hornell Mayor John Buckley has watched the little village grow and grow. He finally decided that it was time to take official action and declare this a city with in a city. Buckley visited the Palmesano home recently and delivered the news, a proclaimation making the village a city.
Suzy was blown away by the mayor bestowing the proclamation. The honor was perfect timing as she is recovering from a broken hip but doing well and on the road to recovery.
Put another feather in the Palmesano’s cap, these proud parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents are now also the founders of the Palmesano Christmas City !
City of Hornell Proclamation
Forever Chartering the Palmesano Christmas Village as Its Own City
WHEREAS, Christmas is a season that reminds us of the joy found in tradition, the comfort of togetherness, and the magic created when something is shared from the heart; and
WHEREAS, for many years, the Palmesano family has opened their home and their hearts to the people of Hornell, creating a Christmas village that has delighted children, inspired adults, and become a treasured part of the holiday season; and
WHEREAS, this village is more than a display—it is a place of memories, wonder, and smiles, built with patience, creativity, and love, and returned to life each year for the sole purpose of bringing joy to others; and
WHEREAS, the Palmesano’s generosity and spirit embody the very best of our community, reminding us that the true magic of the season comes from giving, kindness, and shared moments;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John J. Buckley, Mayor of the City of Hornell, do hereby proclaim that the Palmesano Christmas Village is forever chartered as its own City, officially recognized as a lasting and beloved holiday tradition within our community.
This charter is granted in appreciation for the joy the Palmesano family has given—year after year—and in recognition that their Christmas City will always hold a special place in the heart of Hornell.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Hornell to be affixed this 22nd day of December, 2025.
