Holiday Homecoming kicks off holiday season in St. Charles

Bundled up tight in hats and scarves, families gathered in the First Street Plaza Friday evening for the annual St. Charles Holiday Homecoming.

Mayor Ray Rogina spoke to the crowd, and choral groups from St. Charles East and North high schools entertained with Christmas carols.

Among the student singers were dozens of high school choir alumni, including 2012 grads Heather Zima and Sarah Oberle, both of St. Charles, who said they returned for the fun of it.

"I just like how other alumni would come back when we were in school," Zima said.

As the choir sang, the crowd gathered around them. Tiny tots sat atop their parents shoulders to get a better view, while some sipped hot cocoa as they waited for the Lighting of the Lights ceremony.

Anna Pankoke, 5, of Geneva got to flip the switch to set the downtown area aglow in myriad colors. Anna is the granddaughter of former St. Charles mayor Sue Klinkhamer.

After the plaza and streets were lit, Santa Claus arrived and took wish lists from children.

Hanna and Ron Gorka of St. Charles have been bringing their four children to the event for the past three years ever since they moved to the area.

"This is one of our favorite things to do in St. Charles," Hanna Gorka said, adding the family will be back for the Electric Christmas Parade on Saturday. "We always get here early so we can be one of the first ones in line. It's just like our family tradition now."

Santa will greet visitors from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21.

From 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, there will be free horse-drawn sleigh rides at the First Street Plaza.

For information, visit downtownstcharles.org/events/holiday-homecoming/ or call (630) 443-3967.