Itasca to host first drive-through Christmas tree lighting ceremony

Itasca will host its first drive-through Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 4.

Gift bags will be given to children and cookies prepackaged from Kean's Bakery will be handed out to families. Donations to Toys for Tots will be encouraged during the event, set for 6 to 8 p.m. near the clock on Orchard Street.

"I'm excited to do something for the holidays," Mayor Jeff Pruyn said. "Not quite normal, but it's something close to it."

The lighting will be the first for Itasca, with the planning of it taking various forms during the summer.

The celebration route begins at the intersection of Center and Maple streets, then proceeds south on Maple through Metra parking lot at 152 N. Maple St., east on Orchard and north on Walnut.

The village - working with the Toys for Tots Foundation - is also asking people donate a new, unwrapped gift to be given to children in need.

The event is restricted to families in vehicles only, and the number of children in a vehicle must be displayed on the passenger-side window. Families are required to wear masks once windows are opened.