Mundelein flips the switch to start holidays

The Christmas spirit officially arrived in Mundelein as the village held their annual tree lighting ceremony Friday night at Kracklauer Park.

Mollie Shutter, 19, who is Miss Mundelein; Jr. Miss Mundelein Olivia Gonzalez, 13; and Stephanie Bolanos, 9, Little Miss Mundelein, all flipped the switch after a countdown, and the village tree was lit.

Santa arrived in a fire truck to a host of cheering kids and parents, and a fireworks show capped off the night, which also included music by Jazz Spectrum.

Santa's Cottage will be open for visits from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 6-20, at Seymour Avenue and Park Street. For details, visit mundelein.org.