Glen Ellyn holiday tradition kicks off Friday

It's a day-after-Thanksgiving tradition in Glen Ellyn dating back to 1971.

Thousands will gather downtown, awaiting the arrival of Santa, who will light the village's tree and usher in the Christmas season.

It's part of the village's annual Holiday Walk, featuring the tree lighting and downtown shops that stay open late with refreshments, entertainment and special holiday offers.

“It's one of the best events you could attend,” said Mike Formento, co-executive director of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the Holiday Walk. “This is an evening to remember. The kids will remember. The adults will remember.”

Formento said Santa has arrived by various means over the years, including a caboose, sleigh, and “Santamobile.” Sometimes Santa walks down the center of Main Street, greeting parents and children along the way.

At the corner of Main and Crescent Blvd., the fire department's ladder hoists Santa to the top of the tree. Right at 6 p.m., he lights the tree, and the holiday festivities are officially under way.

The streets are always crowded; Formento predicts some 6,000 people will attend.

Afterward, Santa listens to children's wish lists inside the fire station at Main and Pennsylvania Avenue until 8:30 p.m.

Among the other events taking place on Friday:

Ÿ The Glen Art Theatre, 540 Crescent Blvd., will offer a free matinee showing of “Prancer” at 10:30 a.m. The free holiday matinee series continues on Saturday mornings from Nov. 26 through Dec. 17. For more info, see glenarttheater.com.

Ÿ The Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St., features activities from 1:30 to 5 p.m., including a magic show, balloon creations, live music and children's crafts.

Ÿ The chamber will host an open house from 5 to 9 p.m. at 515 Crescent Blvd., featuring performances by the Glenbard South Madrigal Singers and the Elite Feet Holiday Dancers.

Ÿ The Glen Ellyn Historical Society will offer free candlelight tours from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at its Stacy's Tavern Museum, at Main and Geneva Road.

Ÿ Children can have their photos taken with Frosty from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Inland Bank, 520 Crescent Blvd.

Ÿ Grace Lutheran Church, 493 Forest Ave., will host a chili supper from 5 to 8 p.m.

If you go

If you go

What: Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk, featuring Santa lighting the tree, and downtown shops staying open late

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, with tree lighting at 6 p.m.

Where: Downtown Glen Ellyn; tree is at Main Street and Crescent Blvd.

Cost: Free

Info: glenellynchamber.com