Wreaths hung, lights up as Elgin winter events draw near

The lights are up, and the temperatures are down in Elgin.

And although the calendar doesn’t say winter just yet, a little snowfall just might seal the deal.

No matter the weather, the city of Elgin will be hosting the 15th Annual Downtown Elgin Window Wonderland from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, The theme of this year’s event is “Holiday Traditions Around the World — Celebrating the Sights, Sounds, and Scents of the Season!”

Activities include decorating storefront windows, roasting chestnuts and decorating cookies. Santa is bringing his reindeer, and holiday music will be sounding throughout Civic Center Plaza. Visitors also can stop by the Elgin Police Department Open House, do a figure-8 at City Skate, enjoy the sounds of Jazz Consortium Big Band, write holiday letters to soldiers or relax on the carriage ride. The event leads up to the official City of Elgin Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m. in Civic Center Plaza.

Windows will be decorated from Nov. 25 through the day of the event. You can vote for your favorite windows starting Nov. 25, once all pictures are posted on the city’s website, Voting ends at 5 p.m. Dec. 7. Votes also are accepted in person at the Downtown Neighborhood Assocation, 2 Douglas Ave.

For more information, contact the DNA at 847-488-1456.