Westmont, Illinois - Date Issued: November 19, 2021
“This year, our Holly Days Parade will be part of Westmont’s 100th Anniversary Celebration, so we’ve planned a few surprises,” said Mayor Ron Gunter. “The parade will be on December 4 and will include our annual tree lighting ceremony, which will be followed by a fireworks presentation. We invite everyone to come out and join us for this Westmont tradition.”
HOLLY DAYS 100TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE, TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY & FIREWORKS
Saturday, December 4, 5PM
Downtown Westmont
The parade will travel its usual path south on Cass Avenue from Naperville Road to Quincy Street. This year, the parade will head west on Quincy Street and end in front of the Village Hall, 31 Quincy Street. The Holly Days Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place in front of Westmont Centre, 1 S. Cass Avenue. Then, everyone is invited to join Santa on West Quincy Street for a perfect view of the fireworks display in downtown Westmont. Families will have the opportunity to take outside pictures with Santa after the fireworks display.
NOTE: There will not be any activities inside Westmont Centre this year.
PARK DISTRICT PROGRAMMING
SNOW MUCH FUN
Friday, December 3, 5 to 8PM
Veterans Memorial Park, 75 E. Richmond Street
Snow Much Fun has a new look this year! Enjoy some holiday cheer when you take selfies in Santa’s sleigh or in the giant snow globe. The Green Valley Dog Sled Drivers and their rescue Huskies will be demonstrating dog sledding on the baseball field. There will be outdoor fun and games for everyone. Refreshments will be available from the Dope Sandwich Food Truck. You can even make s’mores at the Gregg House Museum. Be sure to bundle up because this is an outdoor event. To reserve a tree, email the Park District at dkleefisch@westmontparks.org.
31st ANNUAL WESTMONT HIGH SCHOOL BAND CRAFT SHOW
Saturday December 4, 9AM to 3PM
Westmont High School, 909 Oakwood Drive
The Westmont High School Band Boosters of CUSD 201 will hold their 31st Annual Craft Show on Saturday, December 4 at Westmont High School. The event will feature over 100 booths offering handmade arts and crafts. This craft show is the band’s largest fundraiser of the year and offers shoppers a little bit of everything from pottery, woodworking, jewelry, crocheted/knitted & sewn items, jellies, jams and more. Live music performances by the Westmont High School Band students add to the experience. Previous craft shows have welcomed over 1200 attendees. All proceeds support the WHS band program which includes the Sentinel Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Ensembles. Event admission is free.
FINDING FROSTY CONTEST
Locations Throughout Westmont
Frosty the Snowman will be at a different location every day starting Monday, December 13 through Sunday, December 19. At the beginning of each day, Westmont Special Events (WSEC) will provide a clue regarding where the snowman is hiding on that day. When you find Frosty, take a selfie with him and post on social media to be included for a raffle to win great prizes like 100th Anniversary Beanie Babies. Details at westmontevents.com.
HOME DECORATING CONTEST
Locations Throughout Westmont
Show your holiday spirit and sign up your decorated home for our Holly Days Home Decorating Contest. Sign up and send in a picture of your home, then we will post the photos and participant locations online to encourage the public to come out and see the decorated homes in person as well as vote for their favorite entries. All entries must be received by Monday, December 13. Sign up at westmontevents.com.
NEW! KRIS KRINGLE PUB TOUR
December 11, 2 to 6:00PM
Locations Throughout Westmont
This event provides an opportunity for adults to celebrate the season while supporting the Westmont business community. Guests will travel throughout Westmont and visit participating pubs and restaurants. Each location will have food and beverage specials as well as a fun activity. Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite holiday character or wear an ugly holiday sweater. For more info and to sign up, visit westmontevents.com.
NEW! ELF TRYOUTS
Wednesday, December 8, 6 to 8PM
Westmont Park District, 55 E. Richmond Street
Do you have what it takes to be Santa’s Helper? Santa has a lot of presents to deliver and he needs the help of all the Elves he can get. Come to this Holly Days event and become an official Elf for Santa! Applicants will be put through several tests to see if they can earn the privilege of their own Elf hat. To determine if you are Elf material, you will have to pass Woodworking 101, Candy Cane target practice, Chimney Toss, Snowball Stomp, North Pole Push-ups, Jingle Bell Jumping Jacks, Rudolph relay race, and lastly you must pass the Naughty or Nice test! If you pass all of the tests you will earn your Elf hat and be able to take a picture with Santa on his sleigh. Registration is $25 for Residents and $45 for Non-Residents.
NEW! HOLLY JOLLY TROLLEY
Saturday, December 11, Noon to 6PM
Come take a ride around Westmont on the Holly Jolly Trolley and enjoy this magical Holly Days event with your family. Enjoy the holiday season by taking a ride to several fun locations...
- Mrs. Claus Cookie Shop to decorate and enjoy your own Christmas cookies.
- Santa’s Workshop to listen to holiday stories.
- Return to the Community Center to create a new Christmas ornament for your tree.
- Hot Chocolate and Christmas Carolers at Twin Lakes Golf Course
On your way out make sure you grab a cup of hot chocolate for the ride home. The Trolley will be on a continuous loop between all locations so you and your family can enjoy each activity. Enjoy this leisurely holiday family activity at the Westmont Park District. All ages welcome!
Family Size Resident/Nonresident Fee
- Family of 2 $40/$50
- Family of 4 $80/$100
- Family of 6 $120/$150
NEW! SANTA SLEIGH RIDE VISIT
The Santa's Sleigh Visit will deliver presents to Westmont resident homes to surprise their child/ren with a visit from Santa. Parents are asked to deliver a wrapped gift with the child's name on the present and a message for Santa so they can have a conversation with Santa, to the Westmont Community Center by December 11 for staff to give to Santa. For ages 2-13. Visits for residents north of the tracks are scheduled for December 13 through December 15. Visits for residents south of the tracks are scheduled for December 16 and 17, registration fee of $25. Visit westmontparks.org to register.
PHONE CALLS FROM SANTA
Westmont Park District Community Center, 75 E. Richmond Street
Santa is very eager to speak to all good little boys and girls before the big day. Have you been good? If so, have Mom or Dad stop by the Community Center to fill out our very special form to send to Santa. He has set aside Tuesday, December 7 to call all of the boys and girls. Calls will be made between 5:30 and 8:00 p.m. Santa must have all forms by Monday, December 6!
LETTERS TO SANTA
Westmont Park District Community Center, 75 E. Richmond Street
Mail your letter to Santa using our very special North Pole mailbox located in the lobby of the Park District Community Center. Address your letter to Santa & Mrs. Claus at 1 N. Candy Lane, The North Pole, and the elves will make sure to get your letter to Santa. Be sure to drop your letter off by Thursday, December 9 so Santa has plenty of time to reply during his busiest time of the year. Don’t forget to include your address so Santa can write back!
GIVING TREE
Westmont Park District Community Center, 75 E. Richmond Street
In the spirit of giving, the Holly Days Committee will create a Giving Tree at the Community Center for local families who need some extra help this season. Each star on the tree will represent a Westmont neighbor who could use your help. Please stop in, select a star, purchase a gift and know that you’ve helped make a neighbor’s holiday brighter. Stars are currently available, but go quickly.
HOLLY DAYS FOOD DRIVE
Various Drop-off Locations
The Holly Days Committee will be collecting non-perishable items to be donated to the local food pantries. Various locations will accept donations during business hours Monday, November 22 through Thursday, December 16 including Westmont Public Library, Westmont Police and Fire Departments, Westmont Centre and the Westmont Park District Community Center.
TAKE AND MAKE HOLIDAY CRAFT KITS
Westmont Public Library, 428 N. Cass Avenue
Tuesday & Wednesday, December 7 & 8
Come to the Library on Tuesday, December 7, and pick up a holiday-themed Take & Make Craft Kit for kids. Then come back on Wednesday, December 8, for an adult Take & Make Craft Kit. The Library provides the supplies, you provide the creativity and holiday spirit!
For more information regarding Westmont Holly Days, please visit hollydaysfestival.com.
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