Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk focuses on friendship

There should be no crying or pouting tonight in Glen Ellyn when Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman thumpety-thump-thump their way into town.

The 40th Annual Holiday Walk opens the Christmas season, organizers say, and give businesses a chance to greet and thank their customers.

Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce co-Director Mike Formento said the event helps bring customers into the many family owned downtown stores.

"(But) that's not really the purpose," he said. "Granted, they don't turn away any sales, but it's mostly about friendship and camaraderie."

The festivities unofficially begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Glen Art Theatre, which will present "The Santa Clause" as the first in a weekly holiday movie showing leading up to Christmas Day.

The Glen Ellyn Public Library will then host a storyteller, puppeteers and a choir from 2 to 5 p.m. Inland Bank will have Frosty on hand for photos beginning at 5:30 p.m. and also will collect items for a toy drive.

But the main event does not begin until 6 p.m., when Santa makes his way downtown to light the Christmas tree.

The event has turned into a ritual for many. Formento said roughly 5,000 people usually line the streets for the holiday music and the deals merchants will offer.

"It's all local people trying to participate in the community," he said.

Some merchants dress in holiday attire and hand out roses and candy canes. After the tree lighting, Santa will set up shop at the Glen Ellyn Fire Department to hear children's wish lists.

"It's a fun evening," Formento said. "It's amazing how many people come in and everybody knows everybody by their first name. That's what happens in a community like Glen Ellyn."