Santa Visits, Carriage Rides: Holiday Happenings In Downers Grove

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Thanksgiving came later than usual this year, which means Downers Grove is one of many local towns that feature a slew of festive holiday events come December.

The village's tree lighting ceremony will herald the start of the season on Nov. 29. After that, residents can delve into small business Saturday, share their wishes with Santa and admire the festively decorated widows downtown.

Here's a roundup of some of the holiday events planned in Downers Grove this December.

Dec. 1

Free Carriage Rides

Horse-drawn carriages will ferry shoppers throughout downtown Downers Grove on Dec. 1. The complimentary rides begin at 12 p.m. and offer a fun way to admire the twinkling lights and cheery decorations downtown.

Dec. 7

Candy Cane Lane

9 a.m. Lincoln Center

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be on hand at Lincoln Center for pictures and story time. Kids can make their own holiday crafts and enjoy holiday-themed treats and snacks. The Grinch is also slated to appear at this event, which is geared toward kids who are three to nine years old.

The cost is $32 for residents and $42 for nonresidents. Click the link to register for Candy Cane Lane.

Dec. 10

Senior Holiday Celebration

12 p.m. at Lincoln Center

Lincoln Center will welcome guests 55 and older with live music, dinner and more. The cost to attend is $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents.

Click to register for the Senior Holiday Celebration.

Dec. 14

Merry and Bright: A Victorian Christmas

3 p.m. at Downers Grove Museum

Blodgett House takes the spotlight during this Victorian-themed holiday celebration. The grounds will be lit with luminaries and the buildings will be decked out in vintage-inspired decor. Visitors can learn about centuries-old holiday traditions and hear carolers sing Victorian-era Christmas tunes. Santa Claus will be at this all-ages event.

Pre-registration costs $5. Visitors can also pay $8 at the door on the day of the event.

Some events in Downers Grove will be offered on multiple dates throughout December.

Santa Visits

Main and Curtiss Streets

Santa Claus will return to his gingerbread house starting Nov. 30. Kids can visit Santa Claus and share their wishes on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 22.

Holiday Window Contest

Businesses in Downers Grove will go all out to decorate their storefronts this season for the village's Holiday Window Contest. The categories for 2024 include most traditional, most original and best use of product.

Online voting will be open through Dec. 8.