Kick off the holidays at Itasca’s Winter Wonderland holiday lighting

Posted November 13, 2024 10:55 pm

By Lily Medina, Itasca Park District

On Sunday, Dec. 1, Santa Claus will arrive at Itasca's Winter Wonderland aboard a fire truck at 4:45 p.m. Courtesy of Itasca Park District

Join the festivities to welcome Santa Claus during the official lighting ceremony for the opening of Winter Wonderland on Sunday, Dec. 1.

The Itasca Park District and village of Itasca are hosting the third annual holiday lighting event, starting at 4 p.m. at Usher Park, 201 S. Walnut Ave. in Itasca.

At 5 p.m., village and park district officials will lead a special countdown, illuminating thousands of twinkling lights throughout Usher Park to mark the beginning of the holiday season.

Friends from the North Pole will open Itasca's Winter Wonderland in Usher Park at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. Courtesy of Itasca Park District

In addition, Mrs. Claus and her friends from the North Pole will be on hand to greet you.

Enjoy dazzling performances by the Dickens Carolers and the Inner Prestige Dance Team while sipping something warm from the free hot chocolate & cookie stations.

Children can bring their letters to Santa and drop them in the festive 5-foot “Letters to Santa” mailbox. They'll head home with excitement, waiting for a special reply from Santa himself!

On Sunday, Dec. 1, Dickens Carolers will be performing at 4:30 and 5:10 p.m. during Itasca's Winter Wonderland opening day. Courtesy of Itasca Park District

In the spirit of the holidays, participants are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots Foundation or a nonperishable good to support the Itasca Food Pantry.

There is limited side street parking, with additional parking available at the Recreation & Fitness Center lot at 350 E. Irving Park Road.

The amazing display of thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate Usher Park through Jan. 15. For additional information and the full event schedule, visit itascaparkdistrict.com.

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