Holly Days arriving in Warrenville

It isn't the holiday season in Warrenville until Holly Days.

The annual celebration marking the arrival of Christmas and other year-end festivities returns Friday, Dec. 3, with the city's traditional tree-lighting ceremony, holiday music and free carriage rides.

The festivities get started at 6 p.m. with the arrival of Santa Claus at the Warrenville Park District, 3S260 Warren Ave. The celebrity guest, led by the Tunes of Glory bagpipers, will parade from city hall to the park district, where he'll be greeted by the Wheaton Warrenville South High School choir.

The tree-lighting ceremony is scheduled to take place shortly after 6 p.m., followed by performances from several choral groups and dance teams from schools on a heated stage outside the park district offices.

Inside, visitors can have photos taken with Santa and warm up with free McDonald's hot chocolate and cookies provided by Country Inn and Suites.

Free carriage rides will be offered until 8 p.m. Food from Rosati's Pizza and Buffalo Wild Wings also will be for sale.

Park district Recreation Supervisor Ruth Brackmann said organizers moved this year's event from city hall to the park district to give visitors a “different view” and also so people have more room to stay warm indoors.

“We've been doing this for at least 15 years,” Brackmann said of Holly Days. “It's a big tradition and there's usually a good-size crowd. We open Warrenville up to the public with a festive holiday spirit.”

The event, co-sponsored by the city, park district and chamber of commerce, will be followed Saturday, Dec. 4, with a Breakfast with Santa at Courtyard Banquets, 3S200 Route 59.

The breakfast runs 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and includes children's photos with Santa, giveaways and a buffet. Admission is $7 for children ages 3 to 10, $11 for adults, and free for children 2 and younger.

For information, call the park district at (630) 393-7279.

If you go

<B>If you go</B><P>

<B>What:</B> Holly Days<P>

<B>When:</B> Tree-lighting festivities at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3; Breakfast with Santa 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4<P>

<B>Where:</B> Warrenville Park District, 3S60 Warren Ave.; breakfast at Courtyard Banquets, 3S200 Route 59<P>

<B>Cost:</B> Tree-lighting is free; breakfast is $7 for ages 3 to 10, $11 for adults and free for younger children<P>

<B>Info:</B> (630) 393-7279 or warrenvilleparks.org<P>