Tree lightings, holiday fests in the Fox Valley
The holidays are officially here, and there are plenty of people with shopping on the brain.
But how about celebrating with your loved ones the old-fashioned way with a Christmas tree lighting or a festival centered around winter, chestnuts and Santa?
If that's what you're looking for, it turns out you are in luck, as there are plenty of parties going on in the Fox Valley.
Algonquin
Algonquin leaders are combining holiday celebrations with the spirit of giving.
On Saturday, Dec. 4, Algonquin is holding Holiday Rock on the Fox, a free event that kicks off with the tree-lighting ceremony and candy cane hunt at Riverfront Park.
Admission is free to the event that runs from 4:40 to 6 p.m. and authorities encourage you to donate nonperishable food and new, unwrapped toys. Both will be distributed among Algonquin charities. If you would like to volunteer at the event, send an e-mail to recreation@algonquin.org
Algonquin and Elgin
Wait Ross Allanson Funeral Home is holding a “Tree of Memories” tree-lighting ceremony to help people who have lost a loved one to get through the holidays.
The ceremony will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 at Wait Ross Allanson Chapel on 51 Center St., Elgin and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5 at its Algonquin location, 201 S. Main St.
What you do is select an ornament that reminds you of that person it can be homemade, a family heirloom or store bought and funeral workers will hang it on the tree.
It will remain there through the holidays, stored and returned to the tree for subsequent celebrations.
You can register your ornaments Dec. 1-30. For information, visit lairdfamilyfuneralservices.com.
Cary
What better way to bring in the holidays than with a parade?
On Sunday, Dec. 5, the Merry Cary Holiday Parade and Festival eases on down West Main Street at 1 p.m., with a turn at Jandus Road, through downtown Cary. There are hundreds expected to march in the parade one of the largest holiday parades in McHenry County and even more expected along the parade route.
After it's over, stay downtown for pony rides, a petting zoo, horse-drawn sleigh rides and an introduction to Santa. The event is free. For information, call the Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, one of the sponsors, at (847) 639-2800.
East and West Dundee
The Dickens in Dundee festival kicks off with East Dundee's holiday tree-lighting ceremony 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 at the Depot along North River Street. An hour later, be sure to watch as West Dundee trustees flip on their Christmas tree's lights at village hall, 102 S. Second Street.
The festival runs through Sunday, Dec. 5 and also includes petting zoos, a festival of trees and the Community Giving Tree, and Christmas tree sales, all at Grafelman Park in West Dundee.
There will also be a gingerbread house-making party at First United Methodist Church, as well as hot refreshments and a craft-making party. Don't forget about the Spirit of Christmas Parade with Santa and his elves which starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 at the West Dundee village hall. For information, visit dickensindundee.com.
Elgin
Window Wonderland, sponsored by Provena St. Joseph Hospital, returns to downtown Elgin from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4. The event includes live reindeer, a live Nativity scene, chestnut roasting at the Elgin Tower Building, a window decorating contest at several downtown businesses and holiday trolley rides.
The event culminates with the city's tree-lighting festivities, which will be at 5 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza with Santa's help. If you'd like to go, be sure to pickup a Window Wonderland passport starting Saturday, Nov. 27 at the Gail Borden Public Library. That gives you a head start on picking your favorite window.
For information and other related events, visit www.downtownelgin.com or www.elginhomefortheholidays.com
Fox River Grove
Bring your Christmas cheer to the tree-lighting ceremony in Fox River Grove, which runs from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 and will be held at 400 Lincoln Ave., across the street from the library. Live performances, cookie decorating, bingo and a candy walk are all included and free. For information, call the village at (847) 639-3170.
Gilberts
Santa's coming to town three different times on a firetruck for a tree-lighting ceremony within three subdivisions, and you certainly don't want to miss that.
At 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, he'll make an appearance at the Old Town, Town Center and Windmill Meadows. At noon Saturday, Dec. 11, you'll get to see him at Timber Trails and Timber Glen. And on Sunday, Dec. 12, be sure to check him out at Dunhill, Indian Trails and Woodland Meadows. Be sure to give him all of the new toys, nonperishable food stuffs and clothing so he can donate them to local shelters.
Huntley
Huntley will celebrate the holiday season the old-fashioned way with Christmas on the Square.
The event will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Legion Home, 11712 Coral Street. It includes a Kriss Kringle Market, a craft fair and farmers market that includes decorations and special foods.
There will also be free hayrides, and readings of classic Christmas stories.
Of course, you can't forget caroling in the gazebo, Santa's arrival on a firetruck at 4:30 p.m. and the tree lighting ceremony in the gazebo. For information call the village at (847) 515-5200.
Lake in the Hills
Celebrate the holidays with Lake in the Hills during its ninth annual Festival of Trees and Santa Ride In, scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 at village hall, 600 Harvest Gate Road. You'll get to see Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in style on a firetruck to host the tree-lighting ceremony and then listen to what your kids want for Christmas.
The audience can also vote for their favorite tree by putting nonperishable items under their favorite tree trees will be on display until Christmas Day. Food will be donated to the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills and Grafton Township food pantries.
For information, call Trudy Wakeman at (847) 960-7460.
Pingree GroveThe village that bills itself as #8220;a place to grow#8221; will have its holiday tree-lighting ceremony 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27 at Centennial Park, located on Reinking Road. Santa is scheduled to arrive 15 minutes later and a feast including hot dogs, brats, beef sandwiches, free coffee and cocoa will follow. Bring an ornament to help decorate the tree and be ready to sing Christmas carols and hang out with animals at a petting zoo. For information or to help, call (224) 659-4747.
Sleepy Hollow
Hot cocoa and holiday cheer will be all the rage in Sleepy Hollow.
The Service Club invites you to watch as the Sabatino Park flagpole and the Sleepy Hollow Elementary School Circle of Cheer Christmas Trees are lit from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. One person will get to light all seven trees and Santa will be on hand as well.
Don't forget to bring nonperishable food for the FISH Food Pantry of Carpentersville.