Batavia celebrates magic of season at "Lights" festival

The holiday lights will be shining brightly in downtown Batavia, as the Batavia Park District kicks off the season with Celebration of Lights Festival from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30 at the Batavia Riverwalk. This popular event has become a tradition for many families and includes a community singalong, tree lighting ceremony, story hour, visit with Santa and more.

Batavia business owner Craig Foltos will play the master of ceremonies and will lead everyone in a community singalong, accompanied by the Batavia Community Band, until Santa arrives at 6 p.m. Mayor Jeff Schielke will greet Santa and together they will light the community Christmas tree. After the tree lighting, Santa's Warming House will open at the Peg Bond Center. Children up to age 10 who visit with Santa will receive a special gift while supplies last.

The festival is presented by the Batavia Park District in partnership with the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, Batavia MainStreet, the City of Batavia and the Batavia Police Department.

The schedule includes:

• 5:30 to 6 p.m.: Performance by the Batavia Community Band

• 5:30 to 7 p.m.: Free hayrides with food or cash donation. Donations benefit the Batavia Food Pantry; free roasted chestnuts; family photo opportunities in front of Main Stage; hot dogs and hot chocolate for sale; Batavia Fire Department bake sale.

• 5:45 p.m.: Community singalong led by Craig Foltos of Foltos Tonsorial Parlor, accompanied by the Batavia Community Band

• 6 p.m.: Arrival of Santa with welcome by Mayor Jeff Schielke and ceremonial tree lighting with the Christmas Tree Lane "People's Choice" award winner, Santa and Mayor Schielke

• 6:15 p.m.: Visit Santa at Santa's Warming House in the Peg Bond Center and receive a special holiday gift. For children younger than age 10 while supplies last).

• 6:15 to 7 p.m.: Story hour, hosted by the Batavia Public Library, takes place at the Gustafson Research Center, in the lower level of the Batavia Depot Museum.

Special features include Christmas tree lane of 25 trees decorated by local organizations. Vote for the second annual "People's Choice Award" winning tree. View photos of all 25 trees and then "Like" your favorite to submit your vote. The winning organization will be invited on stage during the tree lighting ceremony with Santa and Mayor Schielke.

For more information, call the Batavia Park District office at (630) 879-5235 or view the schedule of events at www.bataviaparks.org.