Grinchmas On The Green, Creche Lighting Mark Holidays In Plainfield

PLAINFIELD, IL — Plainfield will officially mark the start of the holiday season Saturday, a day packed with beloved traditions.

Annual events returning include Grinchmas on the Green, which includes a tree lighting, and the Lions Club Creche Lighting. Runners will also take to the streets around Village Green to race in the Plainfield Park District's You Can't Catch Me Fun Run, kicking off at 1 p.m.

Enrollment for the You Can't Catch Me race is still open on the park district's website.

Grinchmas on the Green, also organized by the Plainfield Park District, will run from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Village Green, 24121 W. Chicago St. Here's a look at the schedule:

• 4:30 p.m. – Free hot cocoa and cookies, while supplies last, under the pavilion
• 5 p.m. – Santa and the Grinch arrive with transportation provided by the Plainfield Fire Protection District
• 5:15 p.m. – Santa and the Grinch light up the giant Village Green Christmas tree
• 5:30 p.m. – Photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch in Whoville (tennis court)

To close out the event-filled day, the Plainfield Lions Club will host its annual creche-lighting program from 6:45-8 p.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church, 24022 Lockport St.

Christmas carolers will kick off the evening at 6:45 p.m. with a sing-along. The traditional program will begin at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary, followed by the lighting of the creche outdoors.