Lights, lights and more lights in Lombard's Lilacia Park
The definition of “a lot of lights” may differ, depending on who you ask.
More than half a million twinkly bulbs are currently banishing the darkness in Lombard at the Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park, a spectacle accompanied by special events and holiday activities through Dec. 22.
The luminous scene boasts some 660,000 lights adorning trees and creating animated light displays, said Nicole Kapala, marketing and communications manager with the Lombard Park District.
“The lights are beautiful. Our team does a great job of setting up the lights each year,” Kapala said.
The lights made their debut at a holiday lighting ceremony last Saturday, setting the stage for a series of holiday festivities.
Santa will be available for visits with children from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-15, and again Dec. 20, 21 and 22.
Children who meet with the Jolly Old Elf this Friday and on Dec. 20 will be treated to an elf hunt and the chance to create Victorian crafts in Mrs. Claus' cupboard, events presented courtesy of the Lombard Historical Society.
Animal lovers will want to plan to visit with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 14, when he will be accompanied by a costumed character special guest.
“Rudolph will be there,” Kapala said, “and each kid will get a Rudolph red nose.”
On Sunday, Dec. 15, Santa will be joined by Mrs. Claus and the couple will greet children and pose for holiday photos.
Visitors will encounter roaming carolers singing Christmas songs and find sugary s'mores available during Santa visits on Saturday, Dec. 21, Kapala said.
And Sunday, Dec. 22, has been designated as Polar Express Night, an event featuring the distribution of a memento commemorating that beloved story with a symbol of Christmas spirit.
“Every child who goes and sits on Santa's lap will receive a bell,” she said.
The event will include a gingerbread house, costumed characters and complimentary hot cocoa and cookies.
Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-15, and Dec. 20, 21 and 22
Where: Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave., Lombard
Admission: Free
Info: lombardparks.com