Lisle makes plans to flip switch on holidays

Thousands of luminarias, twinkling tree lights and storefront decorations will transform downtown into a magical place Dec. 7 and 8 during the annual Lights of Lisle Festival.

Here’s a quick look at what organizers think will be some of the highlights:

The Santa Parade, which features the official arrival of Santa Claus, begins at 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at Main Street and Ogden Avenue. The parade route travels south on Main Street to Burlington Avenue and then east on Burlington to its final destination, the Museums at Lisle Station Park.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will remain at the museums to take requests from good little boys and girls.

The Lisle Heritage Society will present its annual holiday celebration, “Once Upon a Christmas,” from 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Museums at Lisle Station Park. The 1800s-era event features period costumes, demonstrations, children’s crafts, music, brick oven-baking, model train displays, an ice-carving demonstration and blacksmithing.

Free hayrack rides will be available from 4 and 8 p.m. between the village hall and the museums.

The tree-lighting ceremony will be at 6 p.m. at the village hall, with Mayor Joe Broda doing the honors. The Lisle Community Band, the St. Joan of Arc Choir, Contempo Dance Academy students and Christine Paryl’s piano students will perform in the board room from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.

A festively decorated Holiday Trolley, complete with holiday music, will provide free rides from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. through downtown to view holiday decorations. Riders can get on and off at several stops, and travelers who get their “Lights of Lisle” passport stamped at downtown businesses will receive a prize at the Museums at Lisle Station Park.

On Dec. 8, the Santa Train will run from the Metra station to Chicago and back for a 75-minute ride with Santa and his helpers. Advance tickets are required for either the 9:45 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. rides. Tickets are $16. Call (800) 733-9811 for ticket information.

“Once Upon a Christmas” continues Dec. 8 at the Museums at Lisle Station Park and live reindeer will visit from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m..

For a full schedule of events, contact the Lisle Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 733-9811 or visit www.stayinlisle.com. The schedule of events can also be viewed at www.villageoflisle.org.

The “Lights of Lisle” Festival is presented by the village, the Lisle Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Lisle Area Chamber of Commerce, the Lisle Park District and the Lisle Heritage Society.