Celebrate the holidays at the Village of Niles' Holly Jolly Fest Nov. 30
The Village of Niles, Illinois, is celebrating the holidays with its largest community event, the Holly Jolly winter festival. This free, indoor and outdoor, family-friendly event will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, at Civic Center Plaza, which is at the corner of Oakton Street and Waukegan Road in Niles.
Highlights include a tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. followed immediately by a fireworks display. Attendees can also enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and participate in activities for the whole family. The full schedule of events is available on the Village's website and Facebook page.
The festival has previously been held at the Oasis Waterpark, a Niles Park District facility, and this year is moving nearby to the Niles Civic Center Plaza. The festival's new location accommodates its growth, with expanded room for the artisan craft market. The trackless train and horse-drawn carriage rides can take place in Civic Center Plaza without the need to close any Village streets.
"Holly Jolly has become one of the Village of Niles' biggest events and a way for us to celebrate the holiday season," says Mayor Andrew Przybylo of the Village of Niles. "We are excited to expand the festival and bring together not just Niles residents but communities surrounding Niles and across the northwest suburbs and Chicago."
Even with the new location, attendees can expect the same great Holly Jolly experience. Other activities include a petting zoo, s'mores, Holly Trolley - a vehicle from the Niles Free Bus fleet decorated for the holidays - art and face painting. Attendees can enjoy performances by the Willows Academy Chamber Choir, Gemini Junior High Carolers, Viking Dance Group and DJ Jules.
Nearly two dozen businesses have sponsored the event, with Foss Swim School and JohnsByrne as Benefactor-level sponsors.
For more information, visit www.vniles.com/hollyjolly and www.facebook.com/villageofniles.