Aurora's 71st annual Lehnertz Ave. Christmas display to open Dec. 11

Aurora's 71st annual Lehnertz Avenue drive-through Christmas display, religious and secular (Charlie Brown) figures on homeowners' lawns, opens Sunday, Dec. 11.

The display runs from 5 to 10:30 p.m. daily to Jan. 7.

The event opens at 6 p.m. Sunday with a blessing of the nativity crib on the northwest corner of Lehnertz Avenue and Ohio Street in Aurora.

Father Matthew J. McMorrow, pastor at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Aurora, will return to bless the manger.

The St. Joseph children's choir will sing.

Lehnertz Avenue association president Lisa Hardekopf will welcome visitors. The lights will glow all night on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Lawn signs and cutouts of angels, three kings and shepherds lead to the nativity scene.

A second block to the east continues the celebration with Charlie Brown-themed displays.

The display is sponsored by a nonprofit association of neighborhood residents on Aurora's far east side.

Lehnertz is recognized as the oldest, totally free traditional Christmas display in Illinois.

Visitors should enter Lehnertz Avenue via Sheridan Street, go through Lehnertz Circle and exit via Ohio Street.