Mount Prospect winter festival next month

Don't miss Mount Prospect's Winter Festival Extravaganza weekend, from Friday through Sunday, Dec. 5-7.

The weekend starts off with the Mount Prospect Historical Society's Holiday Housewalk.

The tour is from 3:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5.

Bobby Lane, Lincoln Street and Cleven Avenue will be featured this time.

Tickets are available at local businesses and at the Mount Prospect Historical Museum, 101 S. Maple St.

Tickets cost $20 per person in advance. But it's $18 for members at the museum. On the day of the walk, it'll cost $22.

For more information, contact the historical society at (847) 392-9006.

Then, from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 6, the Mount Prospect Public Library holds its annual Teddy Bear Walk. Kids can bring their favorite teddy bear to hear storyteller Chris Fascione act out popular stories. Also, kids can sing along with Parents' Choice Gold Winner Mark Dvorak.

Ted E. Bear will lead a march to the village hall across the street to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus, who'll be escorted by the Mount Prospect Fire Department.

To register, call (847) 253-5675.

Then, on the same day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friendship Park Conservatory will host the Mount Prospect Park District's annual Holiday Open House. There will be hot cider, cookies, holiday music and floral displays.

The Winter Festival Parade starts at 5 p.m. from Lions Park. The parade route will proceed down Lincoln Street to Emerson Street to Prospect Avenue to Pine Street. The parade will feature live reindeer, marching bands, floats and Santa and Mrs. Claus.

For more information, go to mountprospect.org or call (847) 392-6000.

Then on Sunday, Dec. 7, the Mount Prospect Community Band will perform at 4 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 605 W. Golf Road in Mount Prospect. For more information, contact Trinity United Methodist Church at (847) 439-0950 or go to trinitymp.org.

Swim with Kriss Kringle: If you'd like to swim with Santa, stop by the Elk Grove Park District from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Pavilion Aquatic Center, 1000 Wellington Ave. Swim, play games and make a holiday craft at the event. Preregistration is required by Wednesday, Dec. 10. To register, go to the Web site elkgroveparks.org.

• Heard anything new? Call Sue Ter Maat at (847) 427-4602 or e-mail stermaat@dailyherald.com.