Villa Park Chamber of Commerce hosts Joyful Traditions
No matter how much the winter temperatures plunge, Santa will listen to every last child waiting to share his or her Christmas wish at Villa Park’s Joyful Traditions.
“There is no break for this Santa,” said Alesia Bailey, executive director of the Villa Park Chamber of Commerce, the host of the free event. “He loves the kids.”
They better not pout when he arrives on a fire engine with lights flashing and sirens sounding down Ardmore Avenue to usher in a tree-lighting ceremony at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the village gazebo.
“That’s so thrilling for the kids,” Bailey said. “The kids just swarm all over him.”
Kriss Kringle and Village President Tom Cullerton will light two 15-foot Christmas trees. Kids also can pose with the jolly old elf after the ceremony until 8:30 p.m., but he usually stays later, Bailey said.
When a winter blast was approaching one year, Bailey turned to Mr. Claus for advice.
“‘We cannot cancel Christmas because of the snow,’” Bailey remembers him saying. “This event will never get canceled.”
Along with Santa’s “ho, ho, hos,” carolers from the Willowbrook High School show choir will provide the sounds of the season.
“They bring so much energy to the event,” Bailey said.
If you want s’more, shake off the cold while roasting marshmallows by the fire at the make-your-own s’mores station — a crowd favorite. Local restaurants also will offer donated food.
Horse-drawn carriages and trolley rides will maneuver through the festive surroundings.
You can also give back by dropping off an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots or by sponsoring a foam snowflake for $5 for the chamber’s scholarship fund. The snowflakes will frost up the gazebo.
Prior to the event, businesses, families or individuals can sponsor a pre-lit Christmas tree along the Prairie Path for $39 to help fund Joyful Traditions, Bailey said. Seventy trees are available by calling the chamber at (630) 941-9133.
Depending on the winter weather, Bailey expects as many as 1,000 people to attend.
“I want people to have a good time, to meet their neighbors, and I hope they come away with an evening of fun and camaraderie,” she said.
For a full schedule, visit villaparkchamber.org.
If you go
What: Villa Parks Joyful Traditions
When: 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: The village gazebo at Ardmore Avenue and Park Boulevard.
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 941-9133 or villaparkchamber.org