Long Grove Vintage Holidays kicks off Nov. 24

An annual family tradition returns to its small-town setting when Long Grove Vintage Holidays kicks off Friday, Nov. 24.

Presented by the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, four consecutive weeks of holiday happenings in historic Long Grove will give visitors authentic, shop-small experiences.

Festivities each weekend - Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 17 - include a Christmas Tree Parade, complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, strolling costumed carolers, Victorian buildings trimmed in lights, a picturesque covered bridge and cobblestone walkways lined in luminarias, and appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

"Our goal each year is to bring back holiday spirit by giving shoppers a nostalgic alternative to the usual Big Box mayhem from Thanksgiving to Christmas," said Ryan Messner, president of the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, in a news release.

"Historic Long Grove is what the holidays are all about ... the small shops, the old-world charm, the family memories. It's a real winter wonderland that's close to home."

The streets of downtown Long Grove come alive for the holidays beginning with vintage horse-drawn carriages. The complimentary 30-minute carriage rides take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 25 to Dec. 17.

Kids will also encounter Santa Claus periodically walking through the village and, on occasion, they can also formally meet him and have pictures taken at the Long Grove Visitor Center.

Helping set the festive mood from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays will be strolling holiday carolers in costume, along with the popular Christmas Tree Parade that debuted last year.

Once again, 80-plus fresh pine trees are being distributed to local Long Grove businesses, who hand decorate them in their store's distinctive theme for a public display "parade."

Downtown Long Grove is home to an assortment of restaurants and specialty shops that will welcome visitors throughout the holiday season. Many of the family-owned and operated, independent stores will feature sales, drinks and complimentary snacks.

Decked out Long Grove stores, hawking everything from gourmet foods, jewelry and fashions to antiques, art and décor, are smart options for rare gifts that can't be found anyplace else.

For further incentive to spend, shoppers who buy $150 or more of goods in town can bring their receipts to the Long Grove Visitor Center, 308 Old McHenry Road, beginning Nov. 24 to receive customer appreciation gifts.

Gifts may include items such as a box of chocolates from Long Grove Confectionary, a pashmina, Long Grove Camp ornaments, 8-by-10-inch photos of historic downtown Long Grove, and similar items.

For details, visit www.longgrove.org.