Not long after those crowded Thanksgiving tables are cleared and shopping bags are filled with Black Friday goodies, the month of December is just around the corner. This year’s season promises to pack plenty of festive events to entertain the Norridge-Harwood Heights community all month long.
The villages of Norridge and Harwood Heights both have holiday gatherings planned, while the Eisenhower Public Library and the Norridge Park District will offer a chance for parents and kids to curl up with a classic Christmas book together or spend the day in a free holiday-themed cooking class or learn the how-to’s of creative gift wrapping.
Norridge will host its annual lighting ceremony and open house Nov. 26 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the front lawn of village hall, 4000 N. Olcott Ave.
Mayor James Chmura will flip the switch to illuminate the building and an outdoor Christmas tree while Santa visits with kids and families indulge in hot chocolate and cookies.
A larger-than-expected turnout of several hundred people who showed up to last year’s lighting ceremony prompted the village to consider expanding its holiday traditions this year by lighting up two of the town’s major thoroughfares with holiday decor.
Public works employees have been busy adorning the light poles along Montrose Avenue between Cumberland and Harlem avenues and Harlem Avenue from Montrose Avenue to Irving Park Road with giant light-up snowflakes and candy canes.
The festive light display is a first for Norridge, according to Chmura, who said he hopes the lights will bring more shoppers to Harlem Irving Plaza and the surrounding stores in the vicinity.
“We hope they’ll make the village look nicer,” Chmura said. “When they light up, they’ll look beautiful.”
The display, which will feature 39 snowflake lights and 16 candy cane lights, is expected to be turned on during Thanksgiving week.
“Many surrounding communities decorate, but the village has never done anything like this before,” said Doug Strempek, information technology coordinator for Norridge. “Hopefully, the lights will make the village feel more festive and not only please the residents but all the shoppers that come to our area.”
In Harwood Heights, a longtime tradition will return to village hall Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. — the annual Holiday Sing-a-Long with Village Clerk Marcia Pollowy, who will lead guests through a selection of Christmas songs.
Former village clerk Dianne Larson started the sing-a-long in 2001, and the village continues to host it in her memory, Pollowy said.
Through Dec. 12, Harwood Heights residents can help make the holiday brighter for families in need by picking up a tag from The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree in village hall and fulfilling the Christmas wish written on the card.
Toys and other gifts listed on the wish cards can be returned to village hall by the same date.
The following events are being held during the month of December at Eisenhower Public Library and the Norridge Park District:
Eisenhower Library:
Holiday Cooking with Camille, Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. Camille Stagg will discuss some of her favorite holiday foods, share tested recipes, and answers questions. Samples will be served. Registration is required.
Winter Craft Days for kids ages 4-12 on Dec, 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Dec. 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. No need to register, just show up and make three winter-themed crafts.
Teens Cook for the Holidays, Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Stagg returns to share her favorite teen-friendly holiday recipes.
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Adult Arts and Craft program, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. Guests will learn tips for creative gift wrapping to get inspired for the holiday gift-giving season.
Norridge Park District:
Holiday Hoopla, Dec. 15 at the Norridge Park District Recreation Center. Time will be announced. Participants can read a Christmas book, create a craft and play games. Snacks will be provided.
Holiday Break Camp for those in kindergarten through sixth grade, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 27-30 and Jan. 3-6 at the Norridge Recreation Center. Kids can spend their holiday break from school at camp and participate in open gym, arts and crafts, sports, cooking, movies and more.
Daddy-Daughter Holiday Heart to Hold for ages 3-10, Dec. 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Norridge Recreation Center. Dads and their kids can enjoy special bonding time while making three gifts including a craft item, a pottery ceramic item and a beaded gift. Guests will wrap the gifts at a wrapping station filled with assorted tags, gift bags and wrapping paper.
Natalie Hayes is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.