For Warrenville, it's Holly Days time
Carolers and bagpipers will herald Santa's arrival in downtown Warrenville Friday when the city plays host to its annual Holly Days celebration.
Santa is expected to arrive on a horse-drawn carriage at 6 p.m., said Karey Ross, marketing supervisor for the Warrenville Park District.
"He gets up on the stage with the mayor and lights the holiday tree," she said.
Mayor David Brummel will be joined by Diane Dillow, the park district's executive director, while Tunes of Glory, a Warrenville-based bagpipe and drum corps, gives the event a Scottish twist.
The park district's performing arts student will take the stage next.
"These are our older level classes," said Ruth Brackmann, the park district's recreation supervisor. Brackmann said performers will sing and present ballet and jazz dance routines.
The evening also will include performances by choral groups from Wheaton Warrenville South High School, Bower and Johnson elementary schools and Hubble Middle School.
Santa will adjourn to the Recreation Center on Warren Avenue, where he'll visit with children and where the high school flute choir will entertain, Brackmann said.
"Outside, we'll have fire pits and free hot chocolate and cookies," Ross said.
Free horse-drawn carriage rides also will be offered.
Ross said the annual Holly Days usually draws several hundred people.
"A lot of it is dependent on the weather," she said. "One time we did move it inside because the wind chill was kind of dangerous."
Average cold won't occasion any changes, though.
"It's cold, but people expect it and they dress for it," she said.
A performance by the Wheaton Warrenville South High School choir will precede the Santa parade at 5:45 p.m.
The group will perform traditional carols, Spanish carols, and, when Santa makes his appearance, "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town."
"We have a playlist of carols we've assembled over the years," said Gordon Krauspe, choir director at the school.
The ensemble, which includes students from freshmen to seniors who sing in show, chamber and beginning choirs, will again take the stage at 6:30 p.m.
Krauspe said a performance of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" will invite audience participation.
"We take volunteers from the audience to pantomime (along with the song lyrics)," Krauspe said. The results are often comical, he said.
"It's such a great sense of community," he said. "Having grown up in a small town, they keep that flavor alive."
If you go
What: Warrenville Holly Days
When: 5:45 to 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Warrenville Park District Recreation Center, 3S260 Warren Ave.
Cost: Free
Info: www.warrenville.il.us, www.warrenvilleparks.org or (630) 393-7279