'Surprise' promised at Glendale Heights tree lighting

Glendale Heights will celebrate its 60th anniversary Monday, Dec. 2, with a tree lighting, Santa Claus, refreshments - and a surprise from Mayor Linda Jackson.

"We have a little surprise for everyone," Jackson said, "but I can't tell you what it is."

While waiting for the big reveal, participants can listen to holiday songs performed by the Glenside Middle School Choir, which will start the traditional festivities at 7 p.m.

Jackson said the celebration marks the official start of the holiday season in town.

"It's meant to bring families together at the start of the season," she said.

After the holiday songs comes the main event - lighting the Civic Center Complex near Bloomingdale Road and Fullerton Avenue. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Facilities transforms the campus with holiday decorations and lights all around.

The 20-foot holiday tree is the same one that was planted in 2010. The Colorado green spruce is meant to be permanent in Glendale Heights and is now decorated every year.

With one flip of a switch by Jackson, Santa and the village board of trustees, the tree and the entire center will be illuminated.

"When we turn on the lights and everything goes on at once, we want everybody to go, 'Wow!'," Jackson said.

That's also when Jackson says she'll reveal the surprise.

Children then can line up to speak with Santa and share their wish lists. Participants also are welcome to visit the village board chambers for refreshments.

For details, visit www.glendaleheights.org/events/.