Lombard's Jingle Bell Jubilee to light up Lilacia Park

Enjoy the sights and sound of the holidays with Lombard's Jingle Bell Jubilee on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Lilacia Park.

The free, family friendly holiday event is hosted by the Lombard Park District, Village of Lombard, Lombard Historical Society, Bible Church of Lombard, Calvary Church, and Maple Street Chapel.

Before the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. sharp, enjoy a DJ downtown while browsing the festive shops from 4 to 6 p.m. Try and spot Jingles the Reindeer roaming around.

Choose your own assortment of homemade holiday cookies at Calvary Church's annual Cookie Walk from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Pay by the half-pound.

The Lombard Historical Society invites you on tours of the Victorian Cottage from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets can be picked up in the Carriage House starting at 5 p.m. Enjoy carolers, a food truck, and crafts with the National Indo American Museum. Warm up and start a new tradition with hot cocoa, toffee and candy from Mamie's Toffee & Treats Food Truck. Don't forget to get your glow gear and shine as bright as Lilacia Park.

Join in photo opportunities with Santa and other characters, while enjoying some hot cocoa and cookies.

At Lombard Bible Church, the Stephen Uhl Trio will perform at 6 and 7 p.m. Hot cocoa, cookies and children's crafts will be available afterward in the gym.

Jingle Bell Jubilee is bringing back their trolley this year from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Check out the trolley map at lombardparks.com/jubilee/ for the stops. Stops will drop guests off at a variety of Lombard organizations. There will be stops on West St. Charles Road at South Park Avenue and at South Lincoln Avenue; Lilacia Park, off West Parkside Avenue and South Park Avenue; Lombard Historical Society at South Park Avenue and West Maple Street; and Maple Street Church at South Main and West Maple streets.

Holiday lights

Join Lombard Park District's annual lighting celebration in Lilacia Park.

Charming holiday displays light up Lilacia Park from 4:30 to 10 p.m. daily with animated light shows, decorated trees, a giant gingerbread house, and more.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December from 6 to 8 p.m., youngsters can visit with Santa Claus, enjoy a spectacular show with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and visit with their favorite Holiday Characters. Bring an unwrapped and unused toy for donation.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, the annual Jingle Bell Jubilee event and the lighting ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m.

Stop by for free visits with Santa and a magical Elf Hunt from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4; and Fridays, Dec. 9 and 16.

On Saturday, Dec. 10, there will be free visits with Santa, Rudolph and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. All participants will receive their very own Rudolph red nose when they visit Rudolph!

Mrs. Claus will be making free visits with Santa from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11.

On Saturday, Dec. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m., join in free visits with Santa with caroling and s'mores around the fire.

It will be Polar Express Night in Lilacia Park on Sunday, Dec. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. Every participant will receive their very own bell when they visit with Santa.

Jingles' Holiday House

Jingles the reindeer has been out looking for some of the most festive and creative houses in Lombard.

Jingles' Holiday House Decorating Contest entries will be added to the Holiday Lights Map, so families can drive around town and take in the sights of the holidays!

The community will vote on houses entered in the contest and winning houses will receive a prize.

A downloadable map will be live at lombardparks.com beginning Saturday, Dec. 3. Participating houses must have their lights turned on each night beginning at 4:30 p.m. for the duration of the contest. The winners will be announced Wednesday, Dec. 21.

To explore all of Lombard Park District's holiday events and programs, visit the online Winter Activity Guide at lombardparks.com.

Toy drive and parade

On Saturday, Dec. 10, join in the Lombard Fire Department's annual toy drive and parade.

The toy parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at Station 45 and heads south on Main Street to Glenbard East High School. Bring your donations out to the parade route.

These donations will benefit Toy Express and Teen Parent Connection.

Donation ideas include: books, stuffed animals, educational toys, dolls, board games, toddler toys, sports toys, and dress-up costumes, as well as baby wipes and diapers (newborn to sixth months).

Drop off baby supplies or new, unwrapped toys for children, newborn to age 14 between now and Friday, Dec. 9.

Collections sites are located at the Lombard fire stations, Lombard Village Hall, Sunset Knoll Recreation Center, Madison Meadow Athletic Center, Helen Plum Library, and Clark Orthodontics.