La Grange's Hometown Holiday to Include Santa, Tree Ceremony, Shopper Incentives

A crowd of 6,000 to 8,000 people is expected to descend on downtown La Grange this weekend for the 21st annual Hometown Holiday event—including Santa, who will replace his sleigh with a La Grange fire truck for his grand entrance around 5:30 p.m. 

Hosted by the La Grange Business Association (LGBA), the event will feature something new this year: A holiday shopping incentive, said Nancy Cummings, executive director of the LGBA. 

Participating merchants will display a special decal on their front doors during the event, to let customers know where they can get $5 off a purchase of $25 or more, Cummings said. 

"We hope this effort converts some sightseers to shoppers which, of course, positively impacts our merchants in the important fourth quarter of this year."

La Grange businesses and organizations will also hold special activities and events throughout the day, including a free holiday matinee at the La Grange Theatre, trolley rides and the traditional tree lighting ceremony.

Here's a rundown of the day's events:

• 3 p.m.: Free holiday matinee 
• 4:45 p.m.: Village-wide sing with the Lyons Township High School Madrigal Choir
• 5 p.m.: Petting zoo, pony rides, kiddie train and trolley rides begin
• 5:30 p.m.: Santa arrives by fire truck/official tree-lighting in front of Village Hall
• 6-8 p.m.: Visits with Santa at Village Hall
  

FYI: Visitors are encouraged to park in the free commuter lot near Lyons Township High School North Campus and ride the trolley through the Village.  

Weekend weather forecast (according to the National Weather Service):

• Friday: Mostly cloudy, high near 25 during the day; Low around 12 at night
• Saturday: Sunny, high near 21, low around 16 at night
• Sunday: Chance of snow during the day, likely at night, high near 29

Other weekend happenings in the La Grange and La Grange Park area:

• Movie Night

• Registration for 4th Annual YMCA Reindeer Run 5K and Kids Dash
• Weekend Encaustic Collograph Workshop with Jeff Hirst
  
• Holiday Magic
  
• Shop For The Holidays: A Wine & Craft Beer Tasting
  
• Afternoon Tea
  
• Kids' Holiday Cookie Decorating Club
  
• Senior Activities during Hometown Holiday in La Grange

• Shopping for Meaningful Lives: The Religious Motives of Consumerism
• La Grange Area Historical Society - Annual Christmas Open House
  
• Sisters of St. Joseph Holiday Concert
  
• 77th Annual Christmas Tea
  

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