Tree Lighting Will Kick Off Holiday Season In Arlington Heights

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — As the song goes, "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year," and residents will soon have a chance to officially kick off the holiday season in the village. Presented by the special events commission and the Arlington Heights Park District, the annual tree lighting ceremony is planned for Friday, Nov. 28.

The event is being held at two locations, with the "festive fun" happening from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Harmony Park, and lighting of the park scheduled for 5 p.m. at North School Park, according to the Village of Arlington Heights.

Here is the full schedule:

North School Park

• 4:30 p.m. — See Park District Vibe Dance Group and hear Hersey School Dickens Carolers.
• 5 p.m. — Arlington Heights Park Board President Maryfran Leno and Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia will welcome guests, followed by the lighting of North School Park. Experience thousands of lights in displays around the park!
• Hot chocolate and treats are available for purchase from the Cookies with Flavor food truck on Eastman Street

Family Fun at Harmony Park: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

• See ice carvers in action as they carve holiday themed ice sculptures.
• Get up close to real life reindeer
• Take pictures at photo stations
• Get a professional photo taken for free

Trolleys will be looping from Harmony Park to North School Park from 3:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Dickens era characters will be on the trolleys, sharing stories about Arlington Heights in the past. Trolley stops will be located at:

• North School Park: At Eastman & Evergreen (southwest corner of the park)
• Harmony Park: South of Vail & Campbell, near the Harmony Park Tree

There will also be a wheelchair accessible holiday bus and parking is free in many lots near the parks. For more information, visit the Village's website here.