Santa chugs into Bensenville on Sunday
Santa and the Yuletide Express will be getting a jump start on Christmas in Bensenville.
The Jolly Old Fat Man will chug into town at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, just in time to greet the children and help light the village tree at Bensenville’s Holiday Magic celebration.
The annual holiday party also will feature carolers, caricature artists and a chili cook-off by student chefs from Robert Morris University’s culinary arts program. But it all starts a little early this year.
“We know all the children want to have time to talk to Santa and enjoy the festivities in the daylight so we moved everything up a few hours,” village spokeswoman Diana Paluch said. “And with the early start, the first 500 residents will receive a commemorative Bensenville ornament.”
The holiday tradition runs from 3 to 6 p.m. at Bensenville Town Center, Center and Green streets. The tree-lighting ceremony is at 5:30 p.m.
The village’s main holiday tree will be surrounded by 40 smaller Fraser firs decorated by community groups and businesses.
“One look at all of those trees and it’s hard not to get into the spirit and remember what community is all about,” Paluch said.
Volunteers typically distribute more than 300 gallons of chili in 4-ounce cups, along with 1,000 hot dogs, 1,000 commemorative ornaments and free taffy apples, popcorn and hot chocolate.
Free train rides will be offered throughout the evening, and for the first time, free holiday movies will run all day at the Bensenville Theater.
Residents are encouraged to give to the less fortunate in the community by bringing a new, unwrapped toy for the toy drive or a coat for the coat drive.
“The toy drive is an opportunity for Bensenville residents to fill Santa’s sleigh and show what this village is all about,” Paluch said. “Our residents are very generous so we’re looking forward to Sunday.”
If you go
What: Bensenvilles Holiday Magic and Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring Santa
When: 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20
Where: Bensenville Town Center at Center and Green streets
Cost: Free but residents are encouraged to bring an unopened toy for the toy drive.
Info: (630) 766-8888 or <a href="http://www.bensenville.il.us/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1832">bensenville.il.us</a>