289. Santa Returns for Barrington Village Tree Lighting

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2 mins read

In a matter of days, the “Santa House” in downtown Barrington will be buzzing with activity, when St. Nick returns and makes his grand entrance during the annual lighting of the community Christmas tree.

The Village of Barrington goes all out for this yearly tree lighting tradition, with carriage rides, strolling carolers and Santa’s arrival on a firetruck before he heads to his perch in his little house stationed right in the heart of town.

Once he gets settled, the doors of that Santa Station will swing open for him to visit with a long line of local kids this Saturday, December 1st.

The Village of Barrington, merchants and restaurants throughout town have a special day planned for this Saturday leading up to the tree lighting and Santa’s arrival. And they’re making it easy for you to hit as many shops as possible with trolley service available between 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The trolley will make a continuous hourly circuit with stops every 15 minutes at the following locations: Village Center – 100 S Cook Street, The Ice House Mall, Shops on Lageschulte Street and the Foundry Shopping Center on Northwest Highway.

Here’s what’s happening, when and where…

Candy Cane Festival
Foundry Shopping Center, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Begin your day with free reindeer antlers from G. Whiz, then on to the children’s petting zoo, photos with the Santa and a visit to the special gingerbread houses at Ambrosia. Climb aboard and explore a Barrington fire truck, and visit participating retailers for special treats and surprises throughout the shopping center.

Winter Wonderland
Ice House Mall, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Visit Winter Wonderland at 11:00 a.m. for a magical story hour by Mrs. Claus at the Ice House Mall followed by cookies & milk. Santa arrives on the Holiday Trolley at 12:30 to greet the children. At 2:00 p.m. a holiday dance presentation of The Nutcracker will be performed by the Midwest Dance Collective under the direction of Ellen Werksman. Join the fun!

Gingerbread Lane
The Shops on Lageschulte, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Lageschulte Street comes to life as Gingerbread Lane for a day, lined with giant gingerbread people and candy canes. Strolling carolers, special treats and surprises galore are planned. Santa arrives at 3:00 p.m. on the Holiday Trolley to visit with the children on his way to the Village center for the Annual Tree Lighting Celebration.

Barrington’s Holiday Tradition– Annual Tree Lighting
Village Center on South Cook Street – 1:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

A holiday tradition not to be missed! Free carriage rides from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Madrigal Singers strolling on Cook Street, extended evening store hours in shops and restaurants, and Santa’s arrival on the Barrington Fire Engine at 5:00 p.m. to light the holiday tree!

After his arrival, Santa will visit with children in his red Santa House on South Cook Street, checking his list twice to make sure all who visit him have been good this year.

Refreshments and hot cocoa will be offered to those who have braved the cold. Remember to bring a camera to capture those memorable moments with Santa.

Here’s a look at last year’s community Christmas tree.

Did you know that kids at Grove Elementary School create handmade ornaments for this tree? When you’re walking by the tree this year, be sure to take a closer look. On last year’s ornaments, young students shared special wishes for the holiday season, like this one.

CLICK HERE to read more of the Barrington tree’s ornament wishes from last year.  And for more information about the Village of Barrington’s holiday festivities, visit Barrington-IL.gov.

(*Vintage Santa Photo Credit)

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