Store's windows come to life in Wheaton

Bonnie Rae likes to think her Wheaton store creates the magic of Chicago's traditional Christmas window displays - but with a twist.

For the second year, Rae's baby boutique, The Stork's Cradle, is presenting a window display that tells a Christmas tale with live actors.

This year's showcase, which runs from 6 to 7 p.m. today, is titled "Classic Christmas" and features characters from "The Nutcracker" along with some helpful elves.

Rae said she and her daughter and store co-owner, Julie Reinhardt, chose an old-fashioned theme as a tribute to Wheaton's 150th anniversary being celebrated this year.

But, she said, the display is ultimately a gift to Wheaton residents who have supported their five years in business.

"Our customers in Wheaton have been extremely loyal to us since we opened, so we wanted to thank them," Rae said.

When the mother-daughter team launched the idea for the live display last year, they only used two store windows and attracted just a few onlookers in the first few days of the exhibit.

Things changed, however, as the display neared its end.

"It was slow at the beginning of the week and got really, really big as word spread," said Rae.

Because of the exhibit's growing popularity, the store has expanded it to four windows this year. Costumes for characters like the elves and toy soldier are donated from the College of DuPage costume department. And the role of the ballerina is portrayed by a dancer from The Upper Room Dance Studio.

As the display's popularity grows, Rae said she hopes to keep expanding each Christmas.

"We hope to make it a tradition," she said. "That's always the idea."

If you go

What: Classic Christmas, a live holiday window display

When: 6 to 7 p.m. today

Where: The Stork's Cradle, 210 W. Wesley St.

Cost: Free

Info: thestorkscradle.com or (630) 752-1584