Santa set to arrive Friday in downtown Wheaton

For now, no one is home at the Santa House in downtown Wheaton.

But that will change Friday night.

That's when Santa arrives for the season, accompanied by some 48 marching units in the Wheaton Christmas Parade.

"His is the last float to come in," said Cara Bove, administrative and events assistant for the Downtown Wheaton Association.

Bove said the parade is expected to last about an hour.

"It's the largest of all the parades we've ever had," she said.

A tradition for more than 40 years, the parade will be preceded by a ceremonious lighting of the city's Christmas tree, which stands at the Martin Memorial Plaza at Front and Main streets. Mayor Mike Gresk will flip the switch at precisely 5:45 p.m., Bove said.

City, police, fire and public works personnel will tread the city's cobblestone streets with fellow parade participants, including members of a variety of community groups, businesses and organizations, Bove said. Costumed characters, sponsored by local merchants, will entertain children along the route.

Musicians in the parade will include the Tunes of Glory and Highland Guard pipe bands and the West Suburban Home School Band.

"That's a group of home-schooled children. They're very talented kids," Bove said.

There are even a few vehicles, such as festively decorated buses, in the parade.

Bove said spectators actively get involved in the parade.

"It's not one of those parades where we try to keep the kids back," she said. "It's meant to be interactive."

Picture-taking and friendly greetings are encouraged, she said.

Jim and Becky's Horse and Carriage Service will be in the parade. Free carriage rides through Wheaton's downtown area will be available after the parade and from noon to 3 p.m. every Saturday through Dec. 24, Bove said.

Little Obie the train, a miniature kiddie train provided by Union Pacific, will be in the parade and will give children free rides after the parade, Bove said.

The parade begins near the post office at the corner of Wheaton Avenue and Wesley Street.

"Everyone pretty much lines up on Front Street," Bove said.

Paraders will march south on Wheaton Avenue to Front Street, and then head east on Front Street to Cross Street.

Following the parade, Santa will be available at the Santa House at Martin Memorial Plaza to meet with children, listen to their wishes and create photo portraits. He'll be back from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 24.

Friday's events are locally beloved, drawing large crowds each year, Bove said.

"It's become very much a hometown-feel parade," she said.