Where to enjoy the sprit of the season
Algonquin-Lake in the Hills:
Holidays on the Fox is a joint venture between the village of Algonquin and the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce. This event will begin at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 1 with a parade down Harrison Street from Mega Home Improvements, going across Route 62 and ending at Riverfront Park, 201 N. Harrison St., Algonquin, with a tree lighting ceremony, carolers and other entertainment. For details, call (847) 658-2700.
East Dundee: The village's tree-lighting ceremony will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 during the annual Dickens in Dundee celebration. The ceremony, which will include caroling, will feature the Dundee-Crown High School Chorus. It will be held at The Depot, 319 N. River St. At 6:30 p.m., visit Santa inside The Depot and tell him what you want. For details, call (847) 426-2822.
Elgin: The city of Elgin tree-lighting ceremony will be at 5 p.m. Dec. 1 at Festival Park, Grove Avenue and Prairie Street north of the Grand Victoria Casino. After the ceremony from 5 to 7 p.m., enjoy a "Polar Express" reading or go for a free skate at City Skate. There will be free sleigh rides from 5:30 to 7 p.m. For details, call the city at (847) 531-7005.
Stop by the Window Wonderland from noon to 5 p.m. in downtown Elgin. The event, sponsored by the Downtown Neighborhood Association, will feature kids activities in the shops, caroling, live reindeers, a free photo with Santa, ice sculptures, and Make-A-Snowman. Vote for your favorite decorated window. The event is free; free parking and trolley rides available. For details, call the association at (847) 488-1456.
Fox River Grove: The tree is located in the commuter parking lot by the library next to the New Hope Church. The afternoon event, from 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 1, will include crafts, hayrides and, of course, Santa Claus. For details, call (847) 639-3170.
West Dundee: The village's tree-lighting and caroling ceremony will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 30, as part of the annual Dickens in Dundee celebration. The ceremony, which will feature the Dundee-Crown High School Choral Group and the Dundee Singers, will be held at the village hall, 102 S. Second St. From 6 to 8 p.m., stroll through downtown to see the Living Windows come to life. For details, visit www.wdundee.org.