Holiday hub's in downtown Elgin on Saturday

Phase I of the construction in downtown Elgin has come to an end -- just in time for a flurry of holiday fun as the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin presents the ninth annual Window Wonderland event on Saturday.

This year's highlights include a living Nativity presentation by Larkin Baptist Church on North Grove Avenue; live reindeer in the Civic Center parking lot; and free photos with Santa, by professional photographer Ricardo Mancha, in the Professional Building.

There will be more than 25 decorated storefront windows for members of the public to view and vote for their favorite. Guests will receive a "passport" that includes all the activities and free offers happening downtown that day.

More than 20 businesses and organizations will offer free a variety of refreshments, including cookies, roasted chestnuts, and apple strudel, coffee, hot cocoa, cider, tea and more.

Groups including the Riverside Chorus, Illinois Brass Band, Reflejo Latino Dance Group, and the Boys and Girls Club Choir and Drill Team will perform at locations inside downtown businesses between 2 and 4 p.m.

There is something for everyone, including a party-planning workshop for adults, while the kids enjoy music and a reading of "The Polar Express" at 24 Douglas Ave.

Families are encouraged to meander through downtown by trolley or on foot, view more than 25 decorated storefront windows and vote for their favorite.

The window theme this year is "Holidays from the Past, Present and Future." Voting takes place from Dec. 1-31 and may be obtained at the Downtown Neighborhood Association office, 2 Douglas Ave.; Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave.; Al's Cafe and Creamery, 43 DuPage Court; Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court; The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way; and Elgin Jewelers, 11 N. State St.

Windows also will be judged by a panel of judges Saturday based on creativity, theme, and appeal. Winners will be notified in early January. Other holiday happenings that day include Elgin's tree-lighting ceremony at Festival Park at 5 p.m., sleigh rides from 5 to 7 p.m., ice skating at City Skate and the annual Homes for the Holidays Tour in the Northeast Neighborhood from noon to 5 p.m.

For details, call (847) 488-1456 or visit www.downtownelgin.org.