Wheaton planning a host of holiday events
Leave your Scrooge at home on Nov. 28.
On that day, downtown Wheaton is all about having a Dickens of a good Christmas celebration.
Horse-drawn carriages? They'll be there. Illuminated floats and a tree lighting ceremony? Check and check.
This is the 25th year for the Dickens of a Christmas parade planned by the Downtown Wheaton Association, and the event already boasts more than 30 exhibitors.
"This is hometown Christmas here," said Terri King, Downtown Wheaton Association manager. "It's quaint but lovely with the best possible sense of nostalgia"
It's not just the parade. There's a wealth of activities in or near the downtown to keep families occupied.
Cosley Zoo opens its Festival of Lights on Nov. 28 and begins selling a wealth of Michigan Christmas trees, including Scotch pine, and balsam, douglas and fraser fir. Along the zoo's main driveway, 19 Christmas trees will be decorated by community groups keeping a natural theme in mind. Another 11 decorated trees are sprinkled throughout the zoo's grounds.
And this is more than popcorn and cranberry garland, though that's certainly acceptable. People get quite creative thinking of food themes that would be enjoyable to wildlife, said Susan Wahlgren, zoo director.
There's also an opportunity for visitors to help out some of the zoo's residents: a holiday wish tree includes tabs describing toys or items needed for various animals.
King said the downtown Wheaton activities are aimed at kids, kids at heart and full-fledged adults.
Holiday events in Wheaton on Nov. 28 include:
• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Festival of Lights at Cosley Zoo. Tree sales at the zoo continue through Dec. 23 while the lights will remain on through Dec. 30.
• 5 to 5:45 p.m. Singers from Wheaton Warrenville South High School start off the evening singing Christmas Carols in Martin Plaza, at the southwest corner of Front and Main Streets. They'll stroll through the downtown area afterward continuing their caroling.
• 5:45 p.m. Wheaton Mayor Mike Gresk has the honor of flipping the switch to light up the Christmas tree in Martin Plaza.
• 6 to 7 p.m. Storybook characters walk the downtown streets and hop a ride on the illuminated floats.
• 7 to 9 p.m. Kids can climb aboard the Little Obie locomotive stationed at the Wheaton Post Office, 122 N. Wheaton.
• 7 to 9 p.m. Tired of walking around downtown? Take a jaunt on a horse-drawn carriage to see all the lighted trees for $2 a person. Rides start at East Liberty Drive and Main Street. Many downtown businesses will remain open for shopping and to offer free treats to customers.