Visit Elgin's Window Wonderland and tree lighting
If you're not in the holiday spirit after this weekend, don't blame downtown Elgin.
Holiday happenings abound in the city this weekend, the biggest of which is the Rockin' in a Window Wonderland display, which begins at noon Saturday, Dec. 3, and ends with a tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m.
Visitors to Elgin can stroll through the downtown area to view the windows decorated by area businesses and groups and vote for their favorite.
Throughout the day, there will be horse drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, ice sculpting demos, a Kriss Kringle Mart, live Nativity scene with petting zoo, live reindeer, The North Paw, holiday passport, live music and entertainment. The Elgin Children's Chorus will add sounds of the holidays to the tree lighting at 5 p.m. at Civic Plaza, 150 Dexter Court.
Ballots, along with a Window Wonderland adventure packet, can be picked up at the Downtown Neighborhood Association Office, 2 Douglas Ave., and must be returned by 5 p.m. Saturday.
Online voting will be available at downtownelgin.com starting Friday, Dec. 2.
Other activities set for this weekend include:
Holiday Tea: noon Saturday, Dec. 3 at Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St. John Slawson conducts the Heartland Voices at this free event, which features refreshments. Lessons and Carols Concert: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Herrick Chapel, Judson University, 1151 N. State St. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 students and seniors, free to ages 12 and younger.#8220;Christmastide Carols#8221;: by Elgin Children's Chorus, 3 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, ECC Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive. Adults $15, students and seniors $12.#8220;Twist-A-Carol 2011#8221;: an offbeat holiday comedy by Vex Theatre Company, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2-3; 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at Elgin Art Showcase, 160 Division St., eighth floor. $10. For details on any of these events, visit elginhomefortheholidays.com. 33012305Neal Pitcher prepares to roast some nuts during last years Window Wonderland event in downtown Elgin. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com, 2010 20932185The city of Elgins annual tree lighting will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in Civic Plaza, 150 Dexter Court.George LeClaire/Daily Herald 2007 If you goWhat: Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin's Rockin' in a Window Wonderland, featuring window displays, carriage rides, a petting zoo, Santa, kids' activities, entertainment and moreWhen: Noon to 5 p.m. (tree lighting at 5 p.m.) Saturday, Dec. 3Where: Downtown ElginHow much? FreeDetails: <a href="http://www.elginhomefortheholidays.com">elginhomefortheholidays.com</a>