Historic Downtown Long Grove Looks to Revive the Magic of the Classic Holiday Season
Historic Long Grove will officially kickoff its annual Vintage Holidays season with a Holiday Open House event downtown on Thursday, Nov. 14. From 5 to 8 p.m., "local favorites" throughout town will stay open late for this once-a-season exclusive holiday shopping preview. Thereafter, the Vintage Holidays campaign gives shoppers a nostalgic shop small alternative to big box mayhem every weekend until Dec. 22nd. Reoccurring attractions include a Christmas tree parade, strolling costumed carolers, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a new horse-drawn sleigh ride experience.
"Long Grove is what the holidays are all about … quaint shops, old-world charms, family traditions," said Mike Marr, president, Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association.
Vintage Holidays in downtown Long Grove give visitors the opportunity to re-experience the magic of the classic holiday season, with cobblestone walkways lined with luminaries, Victorian buildings trimmed with lights, and traditional small-town hospitality mixed with newly renovated modern comforts (new sidewalks, streets, lighting, etc.). Presented by the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, Vintage Holidays officially begins on Nov. 14 and continues every Saturday and Sunday thereafter through Dec. 22, including Black Friday, Nov. 29. Besides shopping for unique holiday gifts, families during this time can visit and get photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, listen to strolling holiday carolers and musicians, enjoy complimentary horse-drawn sleigh rides (beginning Nov. 23) and marvel at the Christmas tree parade where stores display fresh pines out front decorated to the tune of their own distinctive business theme.
Historic downtown Long Grove has experienced a resurgence as of late, with an assortment of new restaurants and specialty shops to explore. To show gratitude for their patronage, shoppers who make purchases totaling $150 or more (pretax) anytime from Nov. 29 through Dec. 22 can stop into the Visitor's Center at 308 Old McHenry Road where they will receive a special holiday gift of their own while supplies last.
Dates: Nov. 14 and every Saturday and Sunday thereafter through Dec. 22, including Black Friday, Nov. 29
Location: Historic Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047
Cost: Free
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday - Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
Website: http://longgrove.org/festivals/holiday-season/
Parking: complimentary throughout town/all public lots