Gingerbread Festival to kick off holiday season in downtown Downers Grove
Kick off the holiday season at Downtown Downers Grove's annual "Gingerbread Festival" on Nov. 23-25.
It offers something for all ages to enjoy: Gingerbread Storytime, tree lighting ceremony, Gingerbread Man Hunt, vote for your favorite Gingerbread House, complimentary visits with Santa in his Gingerbread House, Small Business Saturday, Gingerbucks Reward Card, Gingerbread Boy and Girl perusing town, Breakfast with Santa, and complimentary carriage rides. Don't forget to vote for your favorite Holiday Window Display.
The Gingerbread Festival will begin with Santa's arrival on Friday, Nov. 23.
The children are invited to attend "Gingerbread Storytime" at 3:45 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Space is limited.
Immediately after storytime, the Downers Grove South Marching Band will then lead the children through the streets of downtown Downers Grove to the tree lighting ceremony, sponsored by the Village of Downers Grove. Santa will make his debut at the tree lighting ceremony with the assistance of the girls and boys of Downers Grove lighting the way for Santa in the fire truck.
Come view our holiday tree decorated with handmade ornaments by the children of Downers Grove.
At 4:30 p.m., Mayor Martin Tully and Santa will count down and bring a sparkle to the tree! After the tree is lit and the Christmas carols are sung, visit your favorite boutiques and restaurants, vote for your favorite Gingerbread House and Holiday Window Display at participating businesses.
On Saturday, Nov. 24, support your downtown merchants with the ninth annual American Express Small Business Saturday.
Downtown Downers Grove merchants will help you cross off your Christmas list with one-of-a-kind gifts with the sales of the season.
Children can participate in the Gingerbread Man Hunt and earn a prize and enjoy a complimentary visit with Santa in his Gingerbread House at Curtiss and Main from 1 to 4 p.m. Don't forget your camera. Make sure to vote for your favorite Gingerbread House and Holiday Window Display at participating businesses.
On Sunday, Nov. 25, bring the whole family and enjoy breakfast with Santa at one of the following: Pinecone Cottage Tea House & Catering from 9 to 10 a.m., (630) 963-9130; Emmett's Brewing Co. from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., (630) 434-8500; or Another Round from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., (630) 963-0333.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling the individual restaurants. Children can participate in the Gingerbread Man Hunt and earn a prize.
While you shop, take a break and enjoy a complimentary carriage ride from 1 to 4 p.m. and a complimentary visit with Santa in his Gingerbread House from 1 to 4 p.m. Do not forget this is the final day to vote for your favorite gingerbread house at participating businesses. Can't make "Breakfast with Santa" on Nov. 25. Don't worry, the jolly old man will be back for breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 2, at Pinecone Cottage Tea House from 9 to 10 a.m., (630) 963-9130, or Ballydoyle Irish Pub from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., (630) 969-0600.
Santa will be in his Gingerbread House at the corner of Main and Curtiss all season from 1 to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 24 to Dec. 23.
Shop and dine downtown Downers Grove this holiday season and you could win!
Pick up your Gingerbucks Reward Card at a participating business. Receive a stamp for every $10 you spend at a participating business. Spend $100 at participating businesses and be entered weekly for a chance to win $100 in downtown Downers Grove gift certificates.
For more information, visit www.downtowndg.org or call (630) 725-0991.