Kick off this holiday season Nov. 26 with Itasca's Winter Wonderland

Posted November 15, 2023 10:00 pm

By Lily Medina Itasca Park District

Thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate Itasca's Usher Park during the annual Winter Wonderland starting Sunday, Nov. 26 through Jan. 15. Courtesy of Itasca Park District

Join Santa Claus for the opening of Itasca's Winter Wonderland on Sunday, Nov. 26. This free event, hosted by the Itasca Park District and Village of Itasca, includes the official lighting ceremony.

It will start at 4 p.m. at Usher Park, 201 S. Walnut Ave. in Itasca.

Mrs. Claus and her friends from the North Pole will be on hand to greet you.

Enjoy dazzling performances by the Holiday Dickens Carolers and the Inner Prestige Dance Team while sipping something warm from the free hot chocolate and cookie stations.

Children can bring letters to Santa and place them inside the 5- foot "Letters to Santa Mailbox," sponsored by the Itasca Bank & Trust Co.

In the spirit of the holidays, participants are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys For Tots Foundation, or a nonperishable good to support the Itasca Food Pantry.

There is limited side street parking, additional parking is available and at the Itasca Park District's Recreation & Fitness Center lot located at 350 E. Irving Park Road.

The amazing display of thousands of twinkling lights will light up Usher Park through Jan. 15.

Pictures with Santa

Bring your camera for free "Pictures with Santa" at the Usher Park gazebo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3, and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 6 and 13. The reindeer will be joining Santa on Dec. 13. There also will be a collection for new toys and nonperishable food items.

Holiday Trolley

Also on Wednesday, Dec. 13, hop aboard the Holiday Trolley Lights Tour at 5 and 7 p.m. Cost is $10.

While abord the trolley, you will enjoy hot chocolate as you travel and see the lights around Itasca and Usher Park's Winter Wonderland.

There will be a special guest that will surely bring the holiday magic on board. All riders must be registered via www.itascaparkdistrict.com/241/Holiday-Happenings to board the trolley. The trolley will be picking up and dropping off at the Itasca Waterpark.

For additional information and full event schedule, visit itascaparkdistrict.com.

Kids can drop off their letter to Santa in the "Letters to Santa Mailbox," sponsored by the Itasca Bank & Trust Co. Courtesy of Itasca Park District

The Grinch makes a special visit on a previous Holiday Trolley Lights Tour in Itasca. This year's tour will be Wednesday, Dec. 13. Courtesy of Itasca Park District

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