Tree Lighting, Visit From Santa Will Kick Off Holiday Season In Montgomery: Details

MONTGOMERY, IL — Montgomery will usher in the holiday season with its annual Merry and Bright Holiday Events series Friday evening.

Santa is scheduled to visit, the village will light its Christmas tree, and a slew of other festive events are planned from 5-7 p.m. along River Street.

Starting at 5 p.m., Mayor Matt Brolley and Santa will oversee the ceremonial tree lighting and opening of this year's Festival of the Trees display in front of Village Hall, 200 N. River St. Visitors should arrive early if they want to see Santa's grand arrival aboard a Montgomery-Countryside Fire Protection District truck.

After the tree lighting, Santa will visit with families at his home at Village Hall, and the Grinch will reside at the headquarters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7452, 121 N. River St. Guests will also have the opportunity to take photos in a giant inflatable snow globe photobooth near the VFW building.

Guests will also have chances to get free bites to enjoy through the evening: Gray's Mill Estate will give guests cookies, the Settler's Cottage Museum will have popcorn, and free hot chocolate can be found in the multi-purpose room at Village Hall.

These musical performances are scheduled:

• A local DJ will spin holiday music at 5:05 p.m. in front of Village Hall
• The Festive Singers will perform at 5:20 p.m. in front of Village Hall
• McDole Elementary School's choir will perform at 5:30 p.m. in the Village Hall board room
• Oswego East High School's Spotlight Vocal Jazz Band will perform at 6 p.m. in the board room
• Oswego East's Tri-M Honor Society Band will perform at 6:30 p.m. in the board room

"This event is all about bringing people together and creating lasting holiday memories," said Billy Murdoch, vice president of operations at Schaefer's Greenhouses, this year's presenting sponsor. "We're proud to support a tradition that celebrates community, joy, and togetherness."