Jinglebell Jubilee rings in Lombard's holiday season
An echo of the past is contained in every Christmas.
At this year's Jinglebell Jubilee Saturday in Lombard, festivalgoers will be transported, courtesy of the five organizations presenting the event, to a celebration reverberating with nostalgia.
There will be a chance to learn about Victorian-era Christmas traditions, ride trolley cars, watch scenes from "The Nutcracker" ballet, listen to madrigal singers, sing holiday songs and view Lilacia Park's seasonal illumination.
The Jubilee is presented by the village, park district, Lombard Town Centre, the Helen Plum Library and the Maple Street Chapel.
It all begins at 5 p.m. when classically trained ballet dancers from the Dance Centre perform scenes from Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" in storefront windows along St. Charles Road, from Lincoln Avenue east to Main Street.
"As you walk downtown you can see them. There are a lot of crowds that come and see us and then head to the park," said Sarah Richardt, executive director of the Lombard Town Centre.
The dancers also will be visible to trolley car riders, she said.
The lighting of the Christmas tree is set for 5:30 p.m., 30 minutes earlier this year than in years past, said Jill Wejman, the park district's marketing and communications manager.
Village President Keith Giagnoria will do the honors, flipping the switch at Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave., near the corner of St. Charles Road and Maple Street.
Wejman said Santa will arrive in the park for the lighting ceremony, where he'll be visiting with children. This year, she said, a photographer will be on hand to record the event. Photos will be available to download through the park district website.
At the Helen Plum Library, 110 W. Maple St., the Glenbard East Madrigals and Sorella Singers will perform at 6:10, 6:50 and 7:30 p.m. A children's craft project will be available at 5 p.m. The library also will serve refreshments.
Victorian holiday observances and customs will be on display at the Victorian Cottage Museum, 23 W. Maple St., when guided 10-minute tours of the vintage 1882 home will be offered from 6 to 8 p.m.
"We'll have costumed interpreters in three rooms," said Natalie Troiani, executive director of the Lombard Historical Society. "We talk about early Lombard and the people who developed the community. At Christmastime, we talk about Christmas traditions."
Troiani said there will be live music, featuring the Plank Road Music Society, and sweet treats in the carriage house to the rear of the cottage. A children's craft activity will be available in the outdoor gazebo, she said.
"We're having kids make ornaments they can put on the tree," she said.
Cottage tours are free, but tickets are required and will be available in the carriage house while supplies last, Troiani said.
A holiday singalong will be from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Maple Street Chapel, 220 S. Main St., a building dedicated in 1870. The singalong is free, but freewill donations will be accepted.
If you go
What: Lombard Jinglebell Jubilee
When: 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave., and downtown Lombard
Cost: Free
Info: www.lombardtowncentre.org and www.lombardparks.com