Winter Celebrations

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Join Us This Holiday Season

Friday, Dec. 6 - Holiday Tree Lighting at Metropolitan Square

Saturday, Dec. 7 - Winter Fair at Des Plaines Public Library

The City of Des Plaines is planning a festive weekend full of fun. Kick off your holiday season with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Winter Fair. The Tree Lighting is located in Metropolitan Square in downtown Des Plaines, is free to attend and is an outdoor event. We recommend dressing for the weather. The Winter Fair will be indoors at the Des Plaines Public Library. Read about these events in Español and Polski. The event flyer can be found here.

Friday, Dec. 6 - Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Metropolitan Square - Friday, Dec. 6 | 4-6:30 p.m.

Join the City of Des Plaines for live entertainment, a special appearance by Santa, and admire the trees decorated by local community groups. Don’t forget to drop off your letter to the North Pole at our mailbox!

This year’s theme is “Holiday Magic" and celebrates the wonder and joy of Des Plaines' community. The mitten tree will be available for donations of new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves of all sizes. Nonperishable food donations for the Des Plaines Self Help Closet and Pantry are welcome. Please visit their website for a list of current most needed items.

Featured fun and entertainment:

Say hi and snap a photo with Santa (and the Grinch!)
Roasted Chestnut demonstration by the History Center
Name a Des Plaines snowplow contest (2023 winner: Harry Plowter)
Hot Chocolate from the Salvation Army
Drop off your letter at Santa’s mailbox
Variety of activities sponsored by local organizations
Glow products will be available for purchase

You can check out the Facebook event here.

Food Vendors

Food truck offerings will be available for purchase. Check back soon for the list of participating food trucks and menu items.

At 7 Bar and Grill, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Giordano's, and 5th Ave Sushi have brick and mortar restaurants within Metropolitan Square.

Schedule of events:

4 p.m. Students and community groups decorate holiday trees in the Square

4 - 6:30 p.m. Food Trucks will have food available for purchase

4:30 – 6:15 p.m. Live performances from the Salvation Army Band, Artistry in Motion, Move The Beat, the Maine West Marching Warriors and Choraliers, Kalapadma Dance Academy, Big Noise Theatre, and the New Tradition Chorus

4:45 p.m. Santa arrives in grand style

6:30 p.m. The tree is lit for the season by elected officials

Parking

Free parking is available in the Metropolitan Square Parking Garage (entrances off of Lee St. and Miner St.) and the Civic Center Garage (behind City Hall).

Thank you!

Thanks to Ascension Holy Family, who generously donated hand warmers that will be passed out at the event.

Ascension Holy Family_Logo_2023

Saturday, Dec. 7 - Winter Fair and Trolley Tours

Winter Fair at Des Plaines Public Library - Saturday, Dec. 7 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The City of Des Plaines is excited for its third annual Winter Fair! Shop your way through the indoor artisan market featuring local makers and hop on a trolley to experience a historic tour of the City with the Des Plaines History Center as your guide. You’ll have an additional chance to post your letter to the North Pole at our mailbox and submit name ideas for the Name a Snowplow contest! The Facebook event can be found here.

The mitten tree will be available for donations of new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves of all sizes. Nonperishable food donations for the Des Plaines Self Help Closet and Pantry are welcome. Please visit their website for a list of current most needed items.

Trolley Tours

**Trolley Tours are FULL. Waitlist option available.**

Advance registration is required for the trolley tours. Once tours reach capacity, a waitlist option will become available. Please follow this link or click the graphic below to register.

Winter Fair Artisans

Shop from a variety of artisans at the Winter Fair inside the Des Plaines Public Library (1501 Ellinwood St.). Delicious treats, handmade products, jewelry, and more will be available for purchase. The market will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors will accept a variety of payment methods (cash, card, Venmo, PayPal, etc.). Check out the local makers below!

JD Steiner Art & Story - Hand painted art, upcycled furnishings, books, and more

Nicole Paulette Creations - Handcrafted jewelry, ornaments, magnets, and more

The Pretzel Place - Chocolate covered pretzels

Crafts by Jackisita - Custom items and jibbitz

Handmade by Jacki - Handmade clay earrings and greeting cards

Soapie Squad - Handcrafted soap, shower steamers, lotion, and more

Jeanne's Jewels - Handmade jewelry, suncatchers, and crystals

Wongami Designs - Origami and paper art designs

B's Sweet Bites - Cookies, poundcakes, peppermint brownies, and more

Scentsy - Wax warmers, room sprays, and more

SJM WoodWork - Unique hardwood products (bowls, coasters, cutting boards, and more)

FeltiFriends - Assorted felted ornaments and figurines