Santa delivers Holiday Magic to Bensenville

Santa arrives early in Bensenville on Saturday, Nov. 20 on the Yuletide Express.

He'll bring his reindeer, of course, and little bags of toys for the children who whisper their wish lists in his ear.

Bensenville's Holiday Magic celebration also features carolers, caricature artists and a chili cook-off by student chefs from Robert Morris University's culinary arts program.

The holiday tradition runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Bensenville Town Center, Center and Green streets. The tree lighting ceremony is at 7 p.m.

The village's main holiday tree will be surrounded by 40 smaller Fraser firs decorated by community groups and businesses. This year, for the first time, the smaller trees will have lights, too.

“(Holiday Magic) is really a special event,” said Gary Thorsen, Bensenville's director of special events. “It's a giveback to the residents.”

At last year's fest, workers passed out more than 300 gallons of chili in 4-ounce cups along with 1,000 hot dogs, 1,000 commemorative ornaments and countless free taffy apples, popcorn and hot chocolate. Free train rides will be offered throughout the evening, and skaters from the Edge Ice Arena will perform a dry-land version of one of their shows.

In turn, residents are encouraged to give to the less fortunate in the community by bringing a new, unwrapped toy for the Holiday Toy Drive or a coat for the coat drive.