MainStreet Libertyville's Dickens of a Holiday returns on Saturdays, Dec. 2 and 9

MainStreet Libertyville will host one of the downtown's most treasured annual events, Dickens of a Holiday on Saturdays Dec. 2 and 9.

Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in picturesque Cook Park each Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. A volunteer MainStreet photographer will be present to assist with capturing the moment. Donations of dry and canned food items are appreciated for the local food pantry.

The Children's Holiday Shoppe will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each week at Petranek's Pharmacy. Children, ages 4 to 10, are invited to visit the shop and choose up to six gifts for loved ones and friends with the assistance of Santa's elves. The children's purchases will be wrapped and labeled on premises just in time for holiday celebrations.

This year, the popular Victorian Tea will be held at the Libertyville Civic Center beginning at 11 a.m. on both Saturdays, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, offering a welcome break from the holiday rush to spend time with friends and family. Served by hostesses in authentic Victorian costume, the tea offers pastries, scones and finger sandwiches along with an elegant tea service. Make reservations online at the MainStreet Libertyville website, www.mainstreetlibertyville.org/events or call the MainStreet Libertyville office at (847) 680-0336.

MainStreet Libertyville thanks its generous event sponsors: As Above So Below; Clementine Early Childhood Community; Libertyville Civic Center; Sunset Foods; The UPS Store, Libertyville; AA Service Co., Heating, Cooling and Plumbing; Duck Donuts; United Methodist Church of Libertyville; Ethereal Spiritual Boutique; and The Joyful Gourmet.

Spend the day browsing the many retail shops and eateries in downtown Libertyville. Free covered parking is available at the parking garages located on Church Street and Lake Street. Or take the train - the Metra station is in the heart of the downtown Libertyville near the shops and restaurants.

For information about any of the Dickens of a Holiday activities, please contact the MainStreet Libertyville office at (847) 680-0336, visit the website at www.mainstreetlibertyville.org or follow MainStreet Libertyville on social media.

MainStreet Libertyville is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to preserving and promoting downtown Libertyville. Annually, MainStreet Libertyville provides 60 days of events in downtown Libertyville and is supported by 500 residential and 180 local business members. Volunteers log more than 4,000 hours each year planning and hosting MainStreet Libertyville activities. Additional information about MainStreet Libertyville can be found at www.mainstreetlibertyville.org.