Lombard rings in holiday season with Jinglebell Jubilee

For nearly a decade, Lombardians have been ushering in the holiday season with a free, family-friendly Jinglebell Jubilee event in the village's downtown.

The tradition — which organizers say brings together residents, downtown businesses and community centers — will continue this year from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.

Sponsors include the village, Lombard Park District, Lombard Town Centre, Lombard Historical Society, Maple Street Chapel and the Helen M. Plum Memorial Library.

Jennifer Amling, marketing and graphics coordinator for the library, said the event is well-received each year by the hundreds of people who attend.

“It's truly a villagewide event and not just highlighting one specific venue,” she said. “I really think it's been wonderful. Everything that we've ever heard has been very, very positive.”

The night will begin with students from The Dance Centre performing scenes from “The Nutcracker” from 5 to 7 p.m. in business windows.

In between watching the dancers, guests are welcome to stop by the Lombard Town Centre office, 6 S. Park Ave., where a pop-up art gallery will be on display until 9:30 p.m.

Amling said a new addition to the lineup this year will be “ninja elves” from Sky Centers Martial Arts performing around town and handing out candy canes to guests.

On the south side of the tracks, there will be numerous events, including a 6 p.m. tree-lighting event in Lilacia Park. The lighting will include a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and hot cocoa and s'mores will be served.

At the Helen M. Plum Memorial Library, the Glenbard East Madrigal Singers will perform three a cappella concerts, at 6:10, 6:50 and 7:30 p.m. Cookies and cider will be served and the library's new director, Barb Kruser, will be greeting everyone who stops by.

The Victorian Cottage Museum will host 15-minute candlelight Christmas tours from 6 to 8 p.m. to give attendees a glimpse at what Christmas Eve looked like in Victorian times. Roasted candied nuts will be given to anyone who provides a small donation to the cottage.

To finish the night, attendees can participate in a free singalong at Maple Street Chapel from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Parking will be available in the library parking lot and along St. Charles Avenue. A trolley also will be available to transport guests to all the activities.

For details, visit facebook.com/jinglebelljubilee.