Glendale Heights to flip switch on permanent holiday tree

There's a new tree in town in Glendale Heights, and it won't be sitting curbside come Dec. 26.

The village recently planted a 20-foot Colorado green spruce tree in front of the Civic Center Complex at 300 Civic Center Plaza.

Officials will light the tree for the first time tonight in a ceremony following the Winter Wonderland Light Parade.

“That tree is going to be there forever and ever, so that was really fun to get that type of tree,” said Gina Thorsen, public relations manager.

The Winter Wonderland Lights Parade steps off at 7 p.m. from Camera Park, 101 E. Fullerton Ave., and travels east along Fullerton a half-mile to the Civic Center Complex. Mayor Linda Jackson will flip the magical switch to light the tree about 7:30 p.m.

Following the tree-lighting, students from Marquardt Elementary District 15 and Queen Bee Elementary District 16 will sing holiday songs.

Hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and doughnuts will be served in the council chambers.

Additionally, Santa himself will meet children and take their wish list requests.

Parade entries include illuminated floats, as well as Scout troops, choirs and even individual families. Last year's parade included a family of Star Wars characters.

The planting of the spruce was part of a recent face lift to the front of the civic center that included repairing steps and adding wider landings.

While landscaping the renovations, village officials decided to plant a large permanent tree to the right of the stairs that could be decorated during the holidays.

“They were talking about getting a tree, and I imagined ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,'” Thorsen said. “It's really huge.”

For event information, call the mayor's office at (630) 909-5302.

<p><b> Glendale Heights' Winter Wonderland Lights Parade and Tree-Lighting Ceremony</p></b>

<p><b>When:</b> Parade steps off at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29; tree-lighting about 7:30 p.m. </p>

<p><b>Where:</b> Parade begins at Camera Park, 101 E. Fullerton Ave., and heads east to tree-lighting at Civic Center Complex, 300 Civic Center Plaza</p>

<p><b>Cost:</b> Free</p>

<p><b>Info:</b> (630) 909-5302</p>