Gingerbread Festival Coming to Downtown Downers Grove

Submitted by DG Downtown Management Corp.

Downtown Downers Grove presents its Annual “Gingerbread Festival” Nov. 27 - 29.

The Gingerbread Festival offers something for all ages to enjoy: Gingerbread Story-time, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Gingerbread Man Hunt, Gingerbread House Contest, Gingerbread Man Contest, 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.

The Gingerbread Festival will begin Nov. 27 with Santa’s arrival. Children are invited to attend “Gingerbread Story-time” at the Downers Grove Library at 3:30 p.m. Space is limited.

Immediately following story-time, the Downers Grove North Marching Band will 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 the holiday tree, decorated with more than 1,000 handmade ornaments by the children of Downers Grove. At 4:30 p.m., Mayor 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 at participating businesses.

On Saturday, Nov. 28, support your downtown Merchants with the Sixth Annual American Express Small Business Saturday. Downtown Downers Grove merchants will help you cross off your Christmas list with one-of-a-kind gifts.

Children can participate in the Gingerbread Man Hunt and earn a prize. Visit with Santa in his Gingerbread House at Curtiss and Main from 1 to 4 p.m. Make sure to vote for your favorite Gingerbread House and Gingerbread Man at participating businesses.

On Sunday, Nov. 29, bring the whole family and enjoy breakfast with Santa at Pinecone Cottage Tea House & Catering from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. (630-963-9130) or Ballydoyle Irish Pub from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30p.m. (630-969-0600).

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.

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 and Gingerbread Man at participating businesses.

Can’t make breakfast with Santa on the 29? Don’t worry, the jolly old man will be back for breakfast with Santa on Dec. 6th at Zest Bistro at Lemon Tree Grocer from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. (630-969-9869) and Emmett’s Ale House from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (630-434-8500).

Santa will be in his Gingerbread House, at the corner of Main and Curtiss, all season every Saturday and Sunday Nov. 28 to Dec. 20 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Shop and Dine Downtown Downers Grove this Holiday Season and 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 for a chance to win $100.00 in downtown Downers Grove gift certificates, weekly!

For more information please visit downtowndg.org or call 630-725-0991.