Towns host holiday festivities to light up the season

Teddy bears, lollipops and fireworks, oh my.

These are just a few of the treats lined up for this weekend's holiday celebrations spread out across Mount Prospect, Wheeling, Des Plaines and Rolling Meadows.

It all begins at 6 p.m. today in Rolling Meadows. That's when city officials will host their tree-lighting ceremony in McDonald's parking lot, at 3140 Kirchoff Road, which includes the traditional caroling, and builds to a dramatic fireworks display.

In Des Plaines the city's 25-foot tree, surrounded by trees decorated by school children, will be lit at 6 p.m. Friday with the Maine West marching band providing the music and the cast of "Grease" providing a special treat for Mayor Tony Arredia.

Mount Prospect officials have a whole weekend of activities planned. Historical Society members kick it off on Friday with their 20th anniversary holiday housewalk, featuring six homes decorated for the holidays from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday.

On Saturday, festivities continue at 10 a.m. at the Mount Prospect Public Library when officials host their popular teddy bear parade. Typically, nearly 200 children arrive, with their favorite teddy bear in hand.

"It's more than 25 years that we've hosted this," says Carolynn Muci, library publicity assistant. "We just love our teddies."

Festivities start with young families gathering for warm-up entertainment by storyteller Chris Fascione and folk singer, Mark Dvorak, before bundling up to walk over to nearby village hall, where Santa will arrive on board a fire engine.

Then it's back to the library for visits with the jolly old elf and some refreshments. Families also are encouraged to bring new books, to contribute to the library's "gift of reading" program, for needy families in the village.

Next up is the open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Friendship Park Conservatory, hosted by the Mount Prospect Park District. The 16,000-square-foot atrium and greenhouse features different poinsettia varieties, all raised on site and displayed for the holiday season.

Park district officials offer hot cider and cookies during the open house, and combined with seasonal music, it makes for a warm, peaceful respite from the holiday rush.

Mount Prospect's 7th annual Winter Festival parade kicks off at 5 p.m. from the Maple Street Parking Lot. More than 65 floats, bands and groups are expected, village officials say, including Prospect High School's award winning marching band.

Mount Prospect's community band rounds out the offerings with a free concert and sing along at 4 p.m. Sunday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 605 W. Golf Road in Mount Prospect.

Wheeling officials will host their own parade, with Santa and Mrs. Claus traveling by sleigh beginning at 1:30 p.m. Saturday from Dundee Road and Route 83, heading to Chamber Park, 251 N. Wolf Road.

The couple will settle in the historic old church at the park, transformed into Lollipop Lane, with decorated trees and displays of antique toys, with refreshments and packages of homemade cookies available for purchase.

Santa will meet with children and pose for free photos, before families can take in the decorations and raffle prizes.

"It's all very old-fashioned," says Elaine Simpson of the Wheeling Historical Society, which has sponsored it for 20 years, "and become a tradition for local families."

Tree lightings and more

Rolling Meadows: 6 p.m. today, McDonald's parking lot, 3140 Kirchoff Road; includes fireworks

Des Plaines: 6 p.m. Friday Metropolitan Square, between Lee Street and River Road; Maine West marching band to play

Mount Prospect: 10 a.m. Saturday, teddy bear parade at library; 4:30 p.m. Saturday, choral groups along parade route perform; 5 p.m., parade steps off at Maple Street commuter lot, goes west on Lincoln Street, north on Emerson Street, west on Prospect Avenue to Pine Street

Wheeling: Lollipop Lane, Santa and the Mrs. Travel by sleigh at 1:30 p.m. Saturday from Dundee Road and Route 83 to Chamber Park, 251 N. Wolf Road. They'll accept visitors 2-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and 6:30-8:30 weekdays through Dec. 9