Three southwest suburban villages kicked off the holiday season with tree lighting ceremonies and family events over the past week.
The Village of Hodgkins and Hodgkins Park District held their annual Holiday Happening on Sunday from 5-7 p.m. with a tree lighting at village hall and holiday activities across the street at the park district.
The event featured pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, cookie decorating, s’mores, ornament making, a trackless train and holiday photo opportunities.
Mayor Ernest Millsap lit the tree in front of the decorated village hall on Lyons Street as the crowd watched.
“Nearly 90,000 lights have been put up throughout the village,” Millsap said. “We enjoy doing this event every year for families to come out and enjoy. Our public works department does a tremendous job decorating our village for the holidays.”
Before the tree lighting, Millsap and village officials drove through residential streets to announce the festivities.
New this year is a giant illuminated snowman on the front lawn of village hall.
Public Works Superintendent Jody Kovel said crews began installing lights three weeks before the event.
“The snowman is great! It took us almost a day alone to put that together,” he said. “It’s exciting to see everyone getting under it to take pictures.”
The Village of Willow Springs held its Winter Fest on Saturday at Willow Springs Elementary School from 3-7 p.m.
The free event featured Santa, gifts for children, food, balloon art, a craft show and raffles to benefit the Willow Springs Shop With A Cop program.
Fireworks followed at 7:30 p.m. at village hall.
The Village of Summit held its tree lighting Thursday, Nov. 20, next to the fire station on 59th Street to coincide with the last Neighborhood Watch meeting of 2025.
The Argo High School Choir sang Christmas carols before the lighting. Donuts, coffee and hot chocolate were served inside the firehouse for all who attended before the Neighborhood Watch meeting began.
