Villa Park tree lighting Dec. 5

Expect more than the usual oohs and aahs during Villa Park's tree lighting this year.

Village President Tom Cullerton joins Santa Claus for the tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Ardmore Avenue and Park Boulevard.

And if all goes according to plan, when Cullerton and Claus illuminate the two big holiday trees near the gazebo, something magical will happen: The 75 smaller trees along the Illinois Prairie Path from Villa Avenue to Ardmore will start twinkling too.

This is the first time Villa Park has attempted to light all the trees at once, and it's a bit of a logistical challenge.

"It's not exactly flipping a switch," said Alesia Bailey, director of the Villa Park Chamber of Commerce.

In fact, Santa will need four helpers stationed at electrical boxes along the Prairie Path to make it work.

The Prairie Path trees are "adopted" and decorated by community groups, businesses, Scout troops, schools and other organizations.

Villa Park's Joyful Traditions holiday celebration also features:

• Free professional photos with Santa Claus, which will be delivered to the children's doorsteps.

• Horse-drawn wagon rides and trolley car rides to the Villa Park Historical Museum.

• The ever-popular build-your-own-s'mores station with a crackling fire for marshmallow roasting (and warming little hands.)

• Free hot chocolate, coffee and a tasting tent featuring treats from local restaurants.

• Caroling by the Willowbrook High School's CenterStage choral group, sponsored by Tom Higgenson of the Plain White T's, a Willowbrook alum.

• A raffle to win a 6-foot or an 8-foot holiday stocking. Proceeds from the raffle will be used to light the 40-foot tree on the Prairie Path next holiday season.

• Collection of nonperishable donations for the Salvation Army Food Pantry.

Children should bring their holiday wish lists.

"Santa Claus will stay until that last kid sits on his lap," Bailey said. "He's awesome."

If you go

What: Joyful Traditions, Villa Park's annual holiday tree-lighting and celebration

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5

Where: Ardmore Avenue and Park Boulevard near the gazebo

Info: villaparkchamber.org