Lombard ringing in the season with Jinglebell Jubilee

Several community organizations will usher in the holiday season on Dec. 7 in Lombard’s historic downtown with the annual “Jinglebell Jubilee.”

The event, in its eighth year, will feature a myriad of holiday-themed events from 2:30 to 9 p.m.

Participants can start the winter festivities along St. Charles Road by shopping or dining at one of the many businesses, many of which will be running specials beginning at 1 p.m. Students from The Dance Centre in Downtown Lombard will be performing live scenes from “The Nutcracker” from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Mrs. Claus will be reading stories to children at Lombard Town Centre’s office on Park Avenue from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. A strolling women’s choral group will usher in yuletide cheer with carols after 4 p.m.

The chamber of commerce will welcome Santa Claus at roughly 3:30 p.m. on a fire truck courtesy of the Lombard Fire Department. Santa will help Village President Keith Giagnorio light the village tree at 5:15 p.m. along St. Charles Road.

Participants can sit for professional photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus for a nominal cost, provided by Lombard’s Randall Bullen Photography.

After the downtown lighting, residents can cross the tracks to visit the Lombard Park District’s historic Lilacia Park. The lighting of Lilacia Park will take place about 6 p.m. and participants will be able to visit with Santa and enjoy train rides around the park from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Helen M. Plum Memorial Library will host “Christmas at the Library” featuring the Glenbard East Madrigal Singers from 6 to 8 p.m. The Glenbard East Madrigal Singers are an a cappella vocal ensemble that specializes in English renaissance madrigal music. They wear Renaissance-style costumes and often add period instruments to their performances.

The Victorian Cottage Museum will host a “Candlelight Christmas Tour” from 6 to 8 p.m., in which participants will glimpse back in time to see a Christmas Eve during the Victorian times. Calling cards for the 15-minute tours will be available at the Carriage House to the rear of the museum.

Free horse-drawn wagon rides also will be available from 6 to 8 p.m. up and down Park Avenue, where participants can sing along with popular Christmas carols. Lombard Bible Church and the historical society will provide warming spots for wagon-riders. Complimentary hot beverages will be served.

Participants can close out the night with holiday spirit at the Maple Street Chapel’s singalong from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Jinglebell Jubilee is sponsored by the Lombard Chamber of Commerce, Lombard Park District, Lombard Historical Society, Helen M. Plum Memorial Library, Maple Street Chapel, Lombard Town Centre and the Village of Lombard.

For more information, call (630) 620-5718.