City of West Chicago, IL
12/02/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/02/2024 12:04
Welcome the Holiday Season at Frosty Fest this Saturday!
Kick off the holiday season with Frosty Fest this Saturday, December 7, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in downtown West Chicago!
Magical Tree Lighting Ceremony to Start the Celebration
The festivities begin with the official tree lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Fox Community Center, located at 306 Main Street. The first 300 guests will receive a pair of 3D glasses to enhance the magical moment, while everyone will enjoy the beautiful serenade of the Chicago Carolers. Plus, in celebration of the City's 175th anniversary, two stunning ice sculptures will be crafted, providing the perfect photo op for all to enjoy.
All the tree decorations, including hand-decorated wooden ornaments by CAPE students, have been installed by and are sponsored by Kramer Tree Specialists, which is celebrating its 15th year as the City's tree lighting sponsor.
Fun for All Ages - Activities You Won't Want to Miss
Following the tree lighting ceremony, Frosty Fest will commence with the usual assortment of event activities along Main Street, including horse-drawn trolley rides, photo-ops with familiar seasonal characters, face painting, electric train rides, alpacas, reindeer, and the return of craft and food vendors. And, of course, all visitors will have a chance to meet with Mr. and Mrs. Claus!
The event will also have several other entertainment areas to explore, each providing activities, entertainment, and more. A full list of locations and events is available on the Frosty Fest webpage. To view a full list of entertainment or to access an interactive map highlighting different activity locations, visit the City's website at westchicago.org/frostyfest.
Enjoy a Winter Wonderland with the Frosty Fest Window Decorating Contest
New this year, the inaugural Frosty Fest Window Decorating Contest, sponsored by Buck Services, Inc. and ComEd, has helped transform downtown West Chicago into a winter wonderland thanks to several local community groups and downtown businesses. While you stroll through the event, make sure to take a moment to vote for your favorite window decoration, inspired by this year's "winter animal" theme, and help crown the 2024 "Frosty Fest Fan Favorite"! More information about the Frosty Fest Window Decorating Contest, including how to vote, is available at westchicago.org/frostyfest.
Thank You to Our Amazing Partners & Sponsors
The City would like to thank all its community partners and sponsors, including:
- Buck Services, LLC
- Comcast
- ComEd
- FNBC Bank & Trust
- Faith Church
- Gallery 200
- Groot Industries, Inc.
- Kramer Tree Specialists
- Republic Bank
- Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce
- We Go Together for Kids
- West Chicago American Legion Post #300
- West Chicago City Museum
- West Chicago Community High School District #94
- West Chicago Frosty Fest Committee
- West Chicago Lions Club
- West Chicago Park District
- West Chicago Parks Foundation
- West Chicago Public Library
- West Chicago Rotary Club
- West Chicago School District #33
- First Methodist Church
For more information about the event, visit westchicago.org/frostyfest.
Parking & Street Closures
Public parking for the event is available at the following locations:
- Metra Parking Lots (500 Main Street)
- 157 W. Washington Street
- 124 Fremont Street
- 103 W. Washington Street
- Republic Bank Parking Lot (on Washington Street, behind 101 Main Street) *Handicap parking available.
Visitors should take note of event street closures, which include Main Street from Chicago Street to Washington Street; Galena Street between Main and High Streets; High Street between Galena and Center Streets; and Center Street between Main and High Streets. Closures will be in effect from 12 p.m. through 11 p.m. on Saturday, December 7.
In addition to the planned street closures, downtown parking will be prohibited from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Saturday, December 7.