Winter Wonderland ushers in holiday season Dec. 3-4

You better watch out! You better not cry! Santa Claus is coming to town on Dec. 3-4 to ring in a joyful holiday season.

The Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, the Des Plaines Park District, and the Frisbie Senior Center will host Winter Wonderland, a brand new two-day free festival, at the Frisbie Senior Center.

Winter Wonderland will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and feature free pictures with Santa; local entertainment; kids crafts, bingo, and face painting; a Holiday Bazaar; ice carving demonstrations; Story Time; delicious food and drink; model train displays; and everyone's favorite walk-around characters - Ronald McDonald, Kiwi the Clown, SkyGuy, Jewels the Clown, and Hubert the Lion.

“We are very excited to kick off the holidays and give back to the community at the same time,” said Linda Traina, superintendent of recreation. “This is a wonderful way to spend a couple of days with family and friends.”

The free family entertainment includes dance performances by Sol Azteca and Artistry in Motion on Saturday, and the O'Hare Irish Dancers on Sunday.

On Saturday, Super Stolie, a high-energy children's musician and singer will entertain families with a show that always has kids of all ages up on their feet dancing and singing!

The Prospect Madrigal Singers and the Senior Center Note-Ables will perform on Saturday.

The Christ Church Handbell Ensemble, and both the Maine West Choraliers and Maine West Guitar Ensemble will ring in the holidays with carols of the season on Sunday.

The popular Siberian Huskies will be available both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for photos, along with a talk about the history of the Iditarod.

In addition to the delicious food prepared by the Cumberland Cafe, the History Center will be roasting chestnuts out in the parking lot.

“In the spirit of the season, we will also have a coat and food drive to benefit the Self Help Closet and Pantry of Des Plaines,” Traina said. “As we come together to celebrate, we hope that folks bring in food and clothing that will benefit the many people living right here in Des Plaines who are in need.”

Admission to the festival is free, parking is free, and all events, games, crafts, and photo opportunities are free as well. The Frisbie Senior Center is located at 52 E. Northwest Hwy. in Des Plaines, one block west of Mount Prospect Road.

For more information, visit www.DPParks.org or call (847) 391-5700.