Kick off season with Holiday Homecoming
On Friday, Nov. 28, St. Charles' annual Holiday Homecoming begins with an ice sculpting exhibition by Joseph Gagnepain from 1 to 3 p.m. at the St. Charles Municipal Center, 2 E. Main St.
The Lighting of the Lights ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. in Lincoln Park, Main and Fourth streets. Santa will make his grand arrival in St. Charles. St. Nick will be in Lincoln Park from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 29 to Dec. 21.
The Holiday Homecoming fun continues on Saturday, Nov. 29 with a free holiday movie, "The Polar Express," at 10 a.m., followed by a free holiday concert at 2 p.m., both at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St.
There will be strolling Victorian carolers from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the west side of the river, and from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on the east side of the river. There will also be free sleigh rides from noon to 4 p.m., starting near the Third Street Shops.
The Holiday Homecoming events conclude with the spectacular, fully illuminated Electric Christmas Parade, which steps off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 on Main Street, with "electric" floats, bands, huge novelty balloons and thousands of lights. Special parade guests will be WLS-TV's Roz Varon; Miss Illinois 2008 Katie Lorenz and Santa. The parade begins on Sixth Street, then travels east and ends at Fourth Avenue. For information, call (630) 513-5386 or visit stcholidayhomecoming.com.
"A Classic Christmas": To support community programs and residents in need during this holiday season, Ron Onesti, president of Onesti Entertainment Corporation, and owner of the historic Arcada Theatre and Onesti Italian Steakhouse & Supper Club in St. Charles, has selected St. Charles Unit District 303's Suicide Prevention Program to receive contributions during "A Classic Christmas in St. Charles," on Friday, Nov. 27 to Sunday, Nov. 29.
In addition, Onesti is offering a complimentary dinner for 25 unemployed couples, through private consideration and confidential reservations during the holiday season.
"This past year has been a struggle for so many people, not only organizations striving to make a difference for others, but also for families who have lost their jobs or homes," Onesti said. "To start the holiday season off with a reminder of our community's strength, I am honored to share a portion of proceeds from our event with District 303's Suicide Prevention program. And I want couples who have been struggling to enjoy a special night out together and relax to a delicious meal."
Throughout the weekend, live Christmas entertainment, children's activities, special holiday meal menus and offers will be featured at the Onesti Italian Steakhouse & Supper Club. Upon mention by guests, a portion of the proceeds from all food bills during these events will be donated to District 303's Suicide Prevention Program.
On Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28, enjoy the "Shoppers' Haven Lunch Special" from noon to 2 p.m. After tree lighting at Lincoln Park at 5 p.m. Nov. 27, free hot chocolate, live Christmas music, children's activities, special holiday buffet choices are featured.
On Saturday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. after the parade, the restaurant will host a tree lighting ceremony for its anniversary, as well as live Christmas music, a special holiday dinner menu and children's activities. On Sunday, Nov. 29, the festivities will feature visits with Santa Claus, Christmas stories by the fire and a special holiday country breakfast.
All season long, Onesti will also share opportunities for restaurant patrons to make a Christmas wish come true, or to share a wish for an area family or organization, with the "O Tree," a display of ideas for giving this holiday season.
To be considered for the complimentary dinner, or to contribute a wish idea for the "O Tree," call Romi Herron at (630) 709-3711.
Il Giardino Del Dolce Italian Bakery and Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center, both in St. Charles, are contributing their specialties to "A Classic Christmas in St. Charles" as a show of their support for District 303's Suicide Prevention Program.