Batavia’s Celebration of Lights ushers in holidays
Start the holiday season off right at the Celebration of Lights Festival, a free, family-oriented event featuring sparkling lights, festive decorations and a visit from Santa. Families will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of entertainment from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27 at the Batavia Riverwalk.
Batavia business owner Craig Foltos will play the master of ceremonies until Santa arrives at 6 p.m. Mayor Jeff Schielke will greet Santa and together they will light the community Christmas tree. After the tree-lighting, Santa’s Warming House (located at the Peg Bond Center) will open, and children up to age 10 who visit with Santa will receive a special gift while supplies last.
The festival is presented by the Batavia Park District in partnership with the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, Batavia MainStreet, the city of Batavia and the Batavia Police Department. For information, please contact the Batavia Park District office at (630) 879-5235 or view the schedule of events at www.bataviaparks.org.
From 5:30 to 7 p.m., enjoy hayrides with nonperishable food or $1 cash donation (proceeds benefit the Batavia Food Pantry), free roasted chestnuts, and the Batavia High School Madrigal Choir performing carols. You also can have your family photo taken at the main stage of Peg Bond Center, or enjoy hot dogs and hot chocolate for sale by the Batavia Teen Center.
At 5:45 p.m., a community singalong will be led by Craig Foltos, Foltos Tonsorial Parlor, followed at 6 p.m. by the arrival of Santa with a welcome by Schielke and the ceremonial tree lighting.
At 6:15 p.m., visit Santa’s Warming House at the Peg Bond Center and children under age 10 may receive a special holiday gift, while supplies last.
From 6:15 to 7 p.m., stop by “Story Time” at the Gustafson Research Center, located in the lower level of the Batavia Depot Museum. It is hosted by the Batavia Public Library. The Batavia Fire Department will hold a bake sale fundraiser and “Koats for Kids” drive. Other highlights include holiday gift bags, stuffed full of festive surprises (while supplies last) and a trip down “Christmas Tree Lane” with trees decorated by local organizations.