Schaumburg, Bartlett to see changes to holiday tree-lighting traditions this year
Though virtually all Northwest suburbs will soon be welcoming residents back for their annual holiday traditions, Schaumburg and Bartlett are among those who’ll see special and deliberate changes to their tree-lighting ceremonies this year.
Schaumburg’s will be earlier, taking place the evening of Nov. 28, the Friday after Thanksgiving, at its usual spot outside the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts. But the ongoing construction of a new village hall on the municipal campus will create some differences from past and future years.
Under new Village President Dan Gunsteen, Bartlett’s 2025 changes will be even greater, including moving the Merry & Bright tree lighting to a Saturday — Dec. 6.
From a larger tree to a Stroll to the North Pole procession — and even an event-capping laser light show — 2025 is intended to set higher expectations for Bartlett’s holiday-season kickoff from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Bartlett Park, Oak and North avenues.
The move to Saturday is just one way to get more people to the downtown and support local businesses, rather than keep it as a rushed after-work afterthought, Assistant Village Administrator Scott Skrycki said.
Santa and participating “strollers” will arrive at Bartlett Park at 5 p.m., when he will go up in the bucket truck to light the tree. The South Elgin High School choir and a DJ will provide carols and other music from 5 to 6 p.m., and characters such as “Wicked’s” Glinda and Elphaba and “The Nightmare Before Christmas’” Jack Skellington and Sally will be around from 5 to 7 p.m.
Horse-drawn wagon rides and food trucks will be available from 5:20 to 7:20 p.m. Santa will meet with children at the Log Cabin, while the Lions seek nonperishable food items for the Hanover Township Food Pantry. Confirmed food trucks include Travelin’ Tom’s, My Cocina, Johny G’s, D’s Treats and a late-arriving Kory’s Koop.
Friends of the Library will host a Holiday Trivia Contest from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a storytime hosted by staff of the Bartlett Public Library.
The 10- to 15-minute laser light show will begin at 7 p.m. to conclude the event.
Most of this year’s changes to Schaumburg’s Nov. 28 tree-lighting ceremony are caused by the loss of some parking to the village hall construction site.
While free parking will be available at the east end of the Prairie Center, 201 Schaumburg Court, overflow parking will be available across the street at the School District 54 Administration Building, 524 E. Schaumburg Road. Attendees should allow themselves extra time to find parking this year.
Also due to the construction, Santa will have a new carriage ride this year sponsored by Dawn Block with Century 21 Circle.
The carriage rides available to the public during the evening have already sold out.
There will be caroling beginning at 6 p.m. until Santa arrives to light the 30-foot tree at 6:30 p.m. Additional decorations include a gold sleigh to sit in and a large frame decorated with garland to stand behind for photos, along with lighted gift boxes.
Elphaba and Glinda from “Wicked,” with some holiday flair, will be on-site from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Santa will be available for photos with children in the Maggie Atcher Theatre from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m.
Seasonal entertainment will include holiday balloon twisters from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided by Bright Horizons, a craft activity will be sponsored by KidStrong Schaumburg, and Travelin’ Tom’s coffee, and hot chocolate truck will be on-site.
Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food and household items to this event for the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry. The most needed items include nonperishable food items, paper goods and hygiene products. Check out the Township’s Amazon Wishlist to see the most needed items.
The construction causing the changes has made significant progress since Septemberfest, but will be difficult to see during the evening event. Installation of the roof structure will begin just afterward and likely be completed by the end of the year, village officials said.