Des Plaines plans big welcome to the holidays

With a flick of the switch, the holiday season in Des Plaines will begin.

The Des Plaines Holiday Lighting Ceremony is set for 6 p.m. Nov. 30 in Metropolitan Square downtown Des Plaines.

The ceremony, featuring officials turning on the downtown holiday lights, including trees decorated by local school children, marks the onset of several seasonal events sponsored by the city, the Des Plaines Park District and the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Maine West High School Marching Warrior Band will perform holiday music. Adding to the evening, the Des Plaines Park District's Footlighter Theater Company cast of "Grease" has a special plan for the mayor's arrival to Metropolitan Square for the lighting event.

As in the past, the Des Plaines Optimist Club will provide the holiday trees for local school children to decorate in Metropolitan Square. The school trees will surround a 25-foot tree decorated by the city's public works department. Local schools have chosen individual themes for trimming their tree.

The trees will be decorated at a party, which will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Metropolitan Square. Several Metropolitan Square merchants will open their doors for the party offering a few holiday goodies for visitors.

Those participating to date include Flex, Shop & Save, Frugal Nut, Froots, and Cheeseburger In Paradise. Sysco Food Service has donated refreshments for the party as well as the Holiday Lighting Ceremony.

In addition to the festivities, winter and holiday cards, created by the students of Elementary School District 62, will be on display at Fifth Third Bank, next to Shop & Save, in Metropolitan Square. Everyone is invited to visit the bank, browse through the holiday artwork exhibit and enjoy a treat.

The Des Plaines Historical Society will present its annual Winter Holiday Gala, from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 2, at the History Center, 781-789 Pearson St. Roasted chestnuts, hot apple cider, free crafts for children, and the historical society's annual bake sale are scheduled. A special exhibit of winter holidays from around the world will also be on display. Next door at the Kinder House, visitors can tour the 1907 home decorated for the holidays.

Call the History Center at (847) 391-5399 or visit www.desplaineshistory.org for more information.

Finally, the third Annual Lake Wonderland Winter Festival, will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9, at Lake Park, presented by the Des Plaines Park District and the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Lake Park will be decorated with sparkling lights and decorated trees. Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, costumed characters in the park, kid's bingo, crafts, outdoor games, live entertainment on stage, plenty of great food and free pictures with Santa (sponsored by the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry).

This year's entertainment includes the O'Hare Irish Dancers, the Maine West Jazz Band, Iditarod Race Huskies, magician Jeffery the Great, the Prospect High School Madrigal Singers, the Notables, Artistry in Motion, etc.

A number of fir trees are still available for businesses, community organizations and families to purchase for decorating. The park district provides the lights, and groups must provide their own decorations. Call the park district (847) 391-5700.

For a complete listing of the Des Plaines Park District's events and times contact the Des Plaines Park District at (847) 391-5700, or visit desplainesparks.org.