Santa helps light Bensenville tree Sunday

Launching the holidays in Bensenville takes some serious effort.

Organizers of Holiday Magic, a celebration held Sunday to mark the lighting of the village Christmas tree, distributed 500 free ornaments and served about 300 gallons of chili and 1,000 hot dogs. Community groups decorated 40 trees for the annual event.

Santa arrived on the Yuletide Express to greet children and light the tree. The party also featured carolers, caricature artists and a chili cook-off by student chefs from Robert Morris University’s culinary arts program.

Throughout the day, children also hopped onto free train rides and checked out holiday movies at the Bensenville Theater.

To help the community, visitors also donated toys and coats for local residents in need. Village spokeswoman Diana Paluch said Bensenville residents are always very generous with the charity drive.