New Lenox Set To Sparkle In Christmas In The Commons 2024

NEW LENOX, IL — A New Lenox holiday favorite is nearly set to return for the 2024 holiday season, with a schedule full of events and activities. It all kicks off Saturday, Nov. 30 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.

• Nov. 30–Dec. 1
• Dec. 7–8
• Dec. 14–15
• Dec. 21–22

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, your letter must be mailed no later than December 18, and must include a return address to which the response can be sent.

The Village Commons is located just off of Route 30 (Maple Street) at 101 Veterans Parkway in New Lenox. The lights can be viewed from a vehicle Monday through Friday, but a portion of the road will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays in December to accommodate the Christmas in the Commons activities.

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. The holiday outdoor market features a line-up of vendors who offer everything from home decor, jewelry, confections, clothing, and more.

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 families are responsible for taking their own photos. There is no cost to visit or take a photo with Santa.

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, the Village 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.

Food trucks will also be available on-site for specific dates:

• Nov. 30: Ben's Soft Pretzels, Smokin' Z BBQ, Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck
  • free cookies from Fleckenstein's Bakery
  • free popcorn by Old Plank Trail Bank
• Dec. 1: Auntie Anne's, Lil' Deb's Mobile Eats, Martino's Mobile Pizza
• Dec. 7: Auntie Anne's, Martino's Mobile Pizza, The Emerald Cup
• Dec. 8: Drew's Dogs, Keke's Donuts, Nikki Rae's Food Truck
• Dec. 14: MiaBella's The Sweet Shoppe, Nicky V's, Smokin' Z BBQ, Wally's Waffles
• Dec. 15: Drew's Dogs, Lil' Deb's Mobile Eats
• Dec. 21: Keke's Donuts, Los Razos Mexican Grill, MiaBella's Wood Fired Pizza
• Dec. 22: Joey's Red Hots, Nikki Rae's Food Truck, The Emerald Cup, Wally's Waffles

Horse-drawn wagon rides are available from 4 to 8 p.m. on all days of Christmas in the Commons. The last ride of each night will load at 7:45 p.m.

On select dates, your favorite princesses and holiday characters will appear at Christmas in the Commons, from 4 to 8 p.m.! All characters will be located in the heated tent in front of the Village Hall.

• Dec. 1: The Grinch and Santa's Reindeer
• Dec. 7: Elsa & Anna
• Dec. 8: Buddy the Elf and The Grinch
• Dec. 14: The Grinch
• Dec. 15: Anna & Olaf
• Dec. 21: The Grinch, Santa's Reindeer
  • Buddy the Elf, too! 4 to 6 p.m. only
• Dec. 22: Elsa & Anna

On select dates, performances will take place throughout the Village Commons. All performances will take place outdoors throughout the Commons.

• Dec. 1: The Lamplight Singers, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
• Dec. 8: The Lamplight Singers, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
• Dec. 14:
  • Simply Music Studio, 4 to 5 p.m.
  • Liberty Jr. High Chorus, 7 to 7:30 p.m.
• Dec. 15
  • Sunshine Singers, 4 to 4:30 p.m.
  • The Lamplight Singers, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
  • Lincoln-Way West Madrigals, 7 to 8 p.m.
• Dec. 21: Martino Jr. High Vikings Voices, 4 to 5 p.m.
• Dec. 22: The Lamplight Singers, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Ice carving demonstrations will take place on December 1, 8, 14, and 22 from 5 to approximately 7 p.m. The demonstrations will be located in front of the stage.

More information and updates on the Village's website.