Gingerbread Festival returns this weekend to downtown Downers Grove
Downtown Downers Grove kicks off the holiday season with the annual Gingerbread Festival Nov. 29-Dec. 1, 2019.
The Gingerbread Festival offers something for all ages to enjoy: Gingerbread Storytime, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Gingerbread Man Hunt, vote for your favorite Gingerbread House, visits with Santa in his Gingerbread House, Small Business Saturday, take a picture with the Gingerbread Boy and Girl perusing town, Breakfast with Santa and Complimentary Carriage Rides.
The Gingerbread Festival will begin with Santa's arrival on Friday, Nov. 29. The children are invited to attend "Gingerbread Story-time" at the Downers Grove Library at 3:45 p.m. Space is limited, doors open at 3:15 p.m. Immediately following story-time the Downers Grove North Marching Band will then lead the children through the streets of Downtown Downers Grove to the Tree Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by the Village of Downers Grove. Santa will make his debut at the Tree Lighting Ceremony with the assistance of the girls and boys of Downers Grove lighting the way for Santa in the fire truck.
Come view our holiday tree decorated with over 1,000 handmade ornaments by the children of Downers Grove. At 4:30 p.m., Mayor Pro-Tem Greg Hose and Santa will count down and bring a sparkle to the tree! After the tree is lit and the Christmas carols are sung, visit your favorite boutiques and restaurants and remember to vote for your favorite Gingerbread House at participating businesses.
On Saturday, Nov. 30, support your downtown merchants with the Tenth Annual American Express Small Business Saturday. Downtown Downers Grove merchants will help you cross off your Christmas list with one-of-a-kind gifts. Enjoy a complimentary carriage ride around Downtown Downers Grove from 1 to 4 p.m. (boarding is at 1028 Curtiss Street). Children can participate in the Gingerbread Man Hunt and earn a prize. Enjoy a complimentary visit with Santa in his Gingerbread House at Curtiss and Main from 1 to 4 p.m. Make sure to vote for your favorite Gingerbread House at participating businesses.
On Sunday, Dec. 1, bring the whole family and enjoy breakfast with Santa (Pinecone Cottage Tea House & Catering (9 to 10 a.m., sold out), Ballydoyle Irish Pub (10:15 to 11:15 a.m., 630-969-0600) or Another Round Bar & Grill (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 630-963-0333). Reservations required and can be made by calling the individual restaurants. Children can participate in the Gingerbread Man Hunt and earn a prize. While you shop, take a break and enjoy a complimentary carriage ride from 1 to 4 p.m. or enjoy a visit with Santa in his Gingerbread House from 1 to 4 p.m. Do not forget this is the final day to vote for your favorite Gingerbread House at participating businesses.
Santa will be in his Gingerbread House (at the corner of Main and Curtiss) all season every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 30-Dec.22 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Shop and dine Downtown Downers Grove this holiday season and you could win! Pick up your Gingerbucks Reward Card at a participating business. Receive a stamp for every $10 you spend at a participating business. Spend $100 at participating businesses and be entered for a chance to win $100 in downtown Downers Grove gift certificates, weekly!
For more information please visit www.downtowndg.org or call (630) 725-0991.