Long Grove's annual Vintage Holidays starts Nov. 23
Long Grove's historic downtown setting will produce a Norman Rockwell scene once again during its annual Vintage Holidays campaign - five consecutive weeks of exceptional shop small festivities.
Beginning on Friday, Nov. 23 and continuing every Saturday and Sunday thereafter through Dec. 23, visitors will receive classically authentic holiday experiences, including complimentary horse-drawn carriage and tractor rides, strolling costumed carolers, a Christmas Tree Parade, appearances by Santa, and more.
People are invited to stroll along Long Grove's cobblestone walkways and take in the sites of Victorian buildings trimmed with lights and a picturesque wintry backdrop.
"Each year we bring holiday spirit back by giving shoppers a nostalgic alternative to big box mayhem or online shopping," said Kendra Perri, a Vintage Holidays organizer with the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association. "Long Grove is what the holidays used to be all about … small town warmth, old world charms, memorable family traditions."
The streets of downtown Long Grove come alive beginning with complimentary horse-drawn carriages starting Nov. 23 from noon to 5 p.m.
Thereafter, the 15-minute carriage rides will continue regularly every Saturday and Sunday (see website for times) through Dec. 23.
Kids will encounter Santa walking through the village, and on occasion they can formally meet the Jolly Old Elf and have pictures taken at the Long Grove Visitor Center, 308 Old McHenry Road.
Also helping set the festive mood each weekend will be strolling holiday carolers and musicians along with the famed Christmas Tree Parade.
Seventy-plus fresh pine trees are being distributed to local Long Grove businesses, who will decorate them to the tune of their store's distinctive theme for public display throughout the Vintage Holidays campaign.
Historic Downtown Long Grove is home to an assortment of unique restaurants and specialty shops that will be welcoming visitors throughout the Vintage Holidays season. Many of the family owned and operated, independent stores that the town is renowned for will be featuring discounts on merchandize, complimentary drinks and snacks rewarding customers for shopping small. "Our Long Grove merchants, who sell everything from gourmet foods, jewelry and fashions to antiques, art and décor, are smart options for rare gifts" added Kendra. To top it off, shoppers who spend at least $150 during the span of the Vintage Holidays campaign will receive a complimentary gift when they turn in their receipts at the Long Grove Visitor Center.
Visit longgrove.org/festivals/holiday-season/
Parking is complimentary throughout town/all public lots.