Every winter, something quietly magical happens inside the Little Falls Public Library. What began as a single crocheted Christmas tree has grown into one of the Mohawk Valley’s most beloved holiday traditions — and for 2025, it’s bigger, cozier, and more meaningful than ever.
Created by local fiber artists John Ossowski and Mike Beehm, and supported by the Friends of Fiber, the crochet display has become a seasonal destination for visitors from across Central New York and beyond. Built with approximately 18 miles of yarn, much of it repurposed, the installation blends art, tradition, sustainability, and community in a way that feels uniquely Little Falls.
A Beloved Crochet Christmas Tradition in Little Falls, NY
At the center of the display stands the iconic crocheted Christmas tree. It rises more than ten feet tall and features hundreds of classic granny squares. From the start, the tree captured attention for both its scale and its craftsmanship.
Over time, it also created something else: anticipation. Each holiday season, visitors return to see what’s new and to reconnect with a tradition rooted in creativity and care.
👉 New here? You can read the full origin story in our original feature on Mohawk Valley’s Largest Crochet Christmas Tree.
What’s New for 2025 at the Little Falls Public Library
This year, the crochet display expands beyond the tree. Instead, it transforms the library’s front room into a fully realized holiday scene.
Because of these additions, visitors now experience the installation as a complete environment rather than a single focal point. Each new element adds depth while staying true to the project’s original spirit.
A Crocheted Fireplace, Menorah, and More Holiday Magic
This year’s display includes several standout elements:
- A crocheted fireplace, newly added for 2025, bringing extra warmth and whimsy to the space
- A crocheted menorah, first introduced last year and returning this season, prominently displayed in a front window facing Main Street
- Soft LED lighting woven into the tree, adding a gentle glow without overpowering the hand-stitched detail
Together, these pieces turn the display into more than decoration — it’s an immersive fiber art experience that reflects how many traditions can coexiTogether, these pieces create a welcoming space that reflects many holiday traditions. More importantly, they show how fiber art can tell inclusive stories through simple materials.
An Interactive Holiday Display for Families and Visitors
In addition to visual details, the display invites participation. Throughout the library, visitors can search for small crocheted mice hidden among shelves and corners.
Members of the weekly knitting and crochet group create these mice by hand. Because of this, the scavenger hunt feels personal rather than gimmicky. Find them all, and you earn a small prize.ne of the most charming parts of the installation is its interactive element. Hidden throughout the library are small crocheted mice, created by members of the knitting and crochet group that meets at the library every Saturday.
Giving Back: Crochet Art Supporting the Little Falls Food Pantry
The display also encourages generosity. Near the tree, visitors will find a large crocheted donation box shaped like a present. Guests can place non-perishable food items inside to support the Little Falls Food Pantry.
While donations remain optional, many visitors choose to participate. As a result, the display turns admiration into action.
Friends of Fiber and the Power of Community Art
The materials tell another story. About 80% of the yarn and lumber used is repurposed. This choice reflects a long-standing tradition of frugality and reuse passed down through generations.
Fiber art often gets labeled as “craft.” However, this project challenges that idea. It places creativity at the center of community life and reminds us that art doesn’t require exclusivity or expensive tools.
Thanks to the Friends of Fiber, the display continues to grow while staying grounded in shared effort.
Why This Crochet Display Has Become a Must-See Mohawk Valley Tradition
Visitors now travel from across the Mohawk Valley, Western New York, and even out of state to see the display. Some come for the craftsmanship. Others come for the feeling it creates.
Inside a historic building dating back to the 1800s, the crochet room feels right at home. It connects past and present in a way that feels both familiar and hopeful.
For many, this has become a yearly ritual. And each season adds another chapter.
Plan Your Visit to the Little Falls Crochet Holiday Display
- 📍 Location: Little Falls Public Library, Little Falls, NY
- 🗓️ Dates: On display through early January
- 🎟️ Cost: Free and open to the public
- 🥫 Optional: Bring a non-perishable food item for the Little Falls Food Pantry
For library hours and updates, visit the Little Falls Public Library website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much yarn was used in the crochet display?
Approximately 18 miles of yarn, weighing close to 40 pounds, were used across the tree and surrounding installations.
Who created the crochet display?
The display was created by local fiber artists John Ossowski and Mike Beehm, with ongoing support from the Friends of Fiber community.
Is the crochet display kid-friendly?
Yes! The hidden crocheted mice scavenger hunt makes it especially fun for families.
Can visitors donate to the food pantry?
Absolutely. A crocheted donation box near the tree accepts non-perishable food items for the Little Falls Food Pantry.
How long will the display be up?
The crochet display typically remains on view through the beginning of January.
Source: Little Falls Friends of Fiber
