Trio of festive events on tap in Mt. Prospect

Mount Prospect residents who haven’t yet gotten into the holiday spirit will have a hard time avoiding it this weekend.

Three local agencies will host separate holiday-themed activities Friday and Saturday, making for an unusually festive couple of days.

The fun starts Friday with the Mount Prospect Historical Society’s Holiday Housewalk, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The housewalk gives residents a chance to tour a number of local buildings, including private homes, located just east of downtown and north of the tracks. Walkers will learn about the historic and architectural background of the homes, which will be decorated for the season.

Advance tickets are available for $25 through today. Tickets will cost $27 on the day of the walk. Go to mtphist.org for more information.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Greg Peerbolte, executive director of the historical society, said Wednesday. “Residents who buy tickets will have a good time and help a local organization.”

On Saturday, the holiday celebration continues with two events, including the Mount Prospect Public Library’s popular Teddy Bear Walk.

Now in its 32nd year, the event will begin at 10 a.m. at the library with performances by acclaimed storyteller Chris Fascione and singer Mark Dvorak. Then the attendees, accompanied by Ted E. Bear, will march to village hall, where they will meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. (The event is full; additional registrations are not being accepted.)

Finally, the Mount Prospect Park District will host its annual Holiday Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Friendship Park Conservatory. The family-oriented event will include music and activities for children, refreshments, live reindeer and more — all in an atrium that will be decorated with flowers. (Santa will make an appearance, too!)

Admission to the Holiday Open House is free; poinsettias will be available for purchase.