New Lenox Ready To Sparkle For Christmas In the Commons

NEW LENOX, IL — New Lenox is getting ready to ring in the holiday season, with a schedule full of events and activities. It all kicks off Saturday, Dec. 2, with a lighting ceremony to flip the switch on the holiday lights.

Residents are invited to gather near the lighted star at approximately 4:45 p.m., and enjoy the view as the holiday display is ceremoniously turned on for the start of Christmas in the Commons. Christmas in the Commons takes place on Saturdays and Sundays in December from 4 to 8 p.m., until Christmas.

• Dec. 2–3
• Dec. 9–10
• Dec. 16–17
• Dec. 23

The giant, 40-foot lighted Santa returns, with some other surprises in store, officials said. The weekend lineups feature visits from Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, synthetic skating rinks, visits from reindeer, and more. These events and all the accompanying activities are free, and no admission tickets are required.

Children who would like to mail a letter to Santa can do so by dropping their envelope into his special mailbox, located directly in front of his statue. In order to receive a response from Kris Kringle himself, letters must be mailed no later than Dec. 18, and must include a return address to which the response can be sent.

Food will be available for sale from the food trucks on site at each event. Additionally, some holiday market vendors may also have pre-packaged food available for sale.

• December 2: Auntie Anne's, Martino's Mobile Pizza, Smokin' Z BBQ
• December 3: Martino's Mobile Pizza, Nikki Rae's Sandwiches, Not Your Mama's Trailer
• December 9: Code One Coffee, Nikki Rae's Sandwiches, Smokin' Z BBQ
• December 10: Auntie Anne's, Code One Coffee, Joey's Red Hots
• December 16: Drew's Dogs, MiaBella's Wood Fired Pizza
• December 17: Drew's Dogs, MiaBella's Wood Fired Pizza
• December 23: Wally's Waffles, Joey's Red Hots

The Village of New Lenox will be selling hot cocoa (regular or spiked), bottled water, and 2023 souvenir mugs from the concession stand. S'mores kits will also be sold in this location courtesy of Gina's Teardrop Cafe. Fire pits will be located throughout the venue for toasting marshmallows (or just resting and getting warm!).

Visits with Santa are available from 4 to 8 p.m. on all days of Christmas in the Commons. Santa will be located in the Village Hall rotunda and will be set up in his chair. Children will be welcome to sit on Santa's lap, and masks are not required. Families are responsible for taking their own photos.

The Village also offers Quiet Santa visits for children with special needs. If your child has special needs that make it difficult for them to wait in line or be in crowds, we will work with you to accommodate your family's needs. Please contact Beth Alderson at balderson@newlenox.net a minimum of 72 hours prior to your planned visit to make arrangements.

There are special events planned for specific dates! Check them out:

• Special Events and Appearances Schedule
• Holiday Market
• Holiday Lights and Santa's Mailbox