News Flash

Westmont, Illinois
Date Issued: November 13, 2019

The Westmont Holly Days Festival Committee is expecting its biggest turnout ever this year.  “Our volunteers have been working hard on this festival throughout the year,” said Bob Fleck, Westmont Park District Executive Director. “We’re expecting another great event and want to invite the entire community to come out and enjoy an entire month of family-friendly community events.”

Two of the main Holly Days Festival events are the Holly Days Craft Bazaar, Breakfast Buffet, and Tree Decorating Day on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, November 24.  And then on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the Ugly Sweater 5K, Frosty & Friends Parade, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Pictures with Santa will take place on November 30.  Complete details for all events can be found on HollyDaysFestival.com.

Following is a list of this year’s Holly Days events:

HOLLY DAYS ORNAMENTS: COZY CRITTERS
Saturday,  November 16, 2 - 3PM 
Westmont Public Library
Take part in Westmont Holly Days by making a cozy critter out of wooden tree slices, and decorate it using paint and fabric.  Make one for the library and make one to take home!  The ornaments will be displayed on the library’s tree in Veteran’s Memorial Park. While supplies last.  All ages welcome No registration required.  This is a free event.

HOLLY DAYS CRAFT BAZAAR
Sunday, November 24, 9AM - 4PM 
Westmont Park District Gym
All your Christmas gifts can be purchased under one roof at our annual Holly Days Gift Bazaar!  There is something for everyone.  From beautiful handmade items, to one of kind ornaments, to home-based businesses, you’re sure to find it here.  Plus, you may get a chance to “spin the wheel” for the hourly cash drawing. 

LIONS CLUB BREAKFAST BUFFET
Saturday, November 30, 8 - 12PM
Westmont Park District, 55 E. Richmond
Come hungry and enjoy a huge breakfast buffet prepared and hosted by the Westmont Lions Club of eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, omelets, sausage, donuts, bagels, orange juice, milk and coffee.  Children under 5 free, Seniors and Children $5, Adults $8

HOLLY DAYS FOOD DRIVE 
Beginning Sunday, November 24
The Holly Days Committee will be collecting non-perishable items to be donated to the local food pantries.  Please bring your donations to Veterans Memorial Park, located behind the Community Center, at 12 noon on Sunday, November 24.  Various locations will also accept donations during business hours through Tuesday, December 18 including Westmont Public Library, Westmont Police and Fire Departments, Westmont Centre and the Westmont Park District Community Center. 

HOLLY DAYS COAT DRIVE  
Beginning Saturday, November 30
The Holly Days Committee will be collecting  coats, winter hats, scarves, gloves and mittens, and socks beginning on Saturday, November 30.  Various locations will accept donations during business hours through Saturday, January 4.  Drop off locations include Westmont Public Library and the Westmont Park District Community Center. 

ROTARY CLUB UGLY SWEATER 5K
Saturday, November 30, 9AM - 12PM 
Knights of Columbus Hall
See website for registration fee.
Join family and friends for the Ugly Sweater 5k through the streets of Westmont. Pre-registration can be done online at westmontrotaryclub.org or by paper forms which will be at the Community Center. Race Day registration will be held from 8:00-8:45 a.m. on November 30.  Medals and refreshments will be provided at the completion of the race.  All fitness levels are welcome to participate!

HOLLY DAYS FROSTY & FRIENDS PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Saturday, November 30, 5 - 7PM
Downtown Westmont
Bring your family, friends and neighbors to help ring in the holiday season at the one and only Holly Days Winter Festival! We officially kick off the month-long festival on Saturday, November 30 with our Opening Ceremonies in Downtown Westmont. The Frosty & Friends Parade will step off at 5PM and proceed down Cass Ave. from Chicago Ave. to Quincy St. Entertainment, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, downtown business open houses, treats and more will also be part of this festive, fun-filled night!  Don’t forget the free pictures with Santa at Westmont Centre after the tree lighting!

NUTCRACKER
Tuesday,  December 3, 6:30 - 8PM
Westmont Park District - Linden Room 
Be the star of your own ballet, come dance your way through this Christmas classic The Nutcracker! You and your child will take a walk with Clara and the Prince through the wonderful world of The Nutcracker.  Enjoy the rhythm and songs while you bring this story book to life! This is a wonderful way to bring this classical story to life for your child.  Afterwards, we will enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. $10 Res - $15 Non Res. Ages 8 and younger INSTRUCTOR: Kathy Bennett

WINTER MUSIC CONCERT WITH ROBYN VITSON
Tuesday, December 3, 7 - 8PM 
Westmont Public Library
Come in and join local resident Robyn Vitson for some winter time tunes.  Listen to some holiday classics as we prepare for the coming season.  All ages welcome Registration is required.   This is a free event.  Please call the Library to register 630-869-6150.

DIY HOLIDAY CARDS
Wednesday, December 4, 6:30 - 8PM 
Westmont Public Library
Artist Mary Launi and Crafter Mary Wheeler will demonstrate how to create four special holiday cards using watercolor pencils, stamps, holiday papers and other layering techniques. All materials provided. Adults only.  Registration is required.  This is a free event.

GREGG HOUSE LAMPLIGHT TOURS
Saturday, December 7, 14 & 21, 4 - 7PM
Gregg House Museum
Tonight the past becomes the present amid the holiday glow of the Gregg House Museum on our special lamplight tour.  Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season when you enjoy the simple Christmas decorations of yesteryear. Tours will be about 15 minutes. You can even enjoy a long eared mule drawn wagon ride on December 21.
All ages welcome.

HOT CHOCOLATE & COOKIE BAR
Saturday, December 7, 5:30 - 8PM 
Westmont Public Library
Warm up at the Library with a cookie and a cup of hot chocolate, personalized by you, before settling in to listen to fun winter stories.  We’ll provide a variety of ingredients and toppings to decorate your cookie and give your cocoa an extra dash of tasty fun!  Doors open at 5:30pm. Please arrive by 5:45pm to ensure entrance to the program.  All ages welcome.  No registration required.  This is a free event.

FURRY FRIENDS & COZY CRITTERS
Saturday, December 7, 6 - 7PM 
Westmont Public Library
After some sweet treats, learn about our furry outdoor friends as the staff from Animal Quest introduces us to mammals from around the world.  Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Westmont Public Library. All ages welcome.  No registration required.  This is a free event.

SANTA’S MAILBOX 
Deadline - Monday, December 9
Mail your letter to Santa using our very special North Pole mailbox located in the lobby of the Park District Community Center at 75 E. Richmond.  Address your letter to Santa & Mrs. Claus at 1 N. Candy Lane, The North Pole, and the elves will make sure to get your letter to Santa.  Be sure to drop your letter off by Monday, December 9 so Santa has plenty of time to reply during his busiest time of the year.  Don’t forget to include your address so Santa can write back!

PHONE CALLS FROM SANTA
Deadline - Monday, December 9
Santa in very eager to speak to all good little boys and girls before the big day.  Have you been good?  If so, have Mom or Dad stop by the Community Center at 75 E Richmond St. to fill out our very special form to send to Santa.  He has set aside Tuesday, December 10 to call all of the boys and girls.  Calls will be made between 5:30 and 8:00 p.m..  Santa must have all forms by Monday, December 9!

HOLIDAY GIFT BAG DECORATING
Thursday, December 12, 1:30 - 3PM 
Westmont Public Library 
Join some of your friendly Westmont Public Library staff as they teach you several techniques to decorate gift bags.  You will get to decorate and take home 3 bags.  Supplies will be provided. Adults only.  Registration is required - This is a free event.

HOLLY DAYS GIVING TREE 
Deadline - December 13
In the spirit of giving, the Holly Days Committee will create a Giving Tree at the Community Center for local families who need some extra help this season.  Each star on the tree will represent a Westmont neighbor who could use your help.  Please stop in, select a star, purchase a gift and know that you’ve helped make a neighbor’s holiday brighter.  Stars are currently available, but go quickly.  Gifts should be returned to the Community Center no later than Wednesday, December 13.  
  
HOLLY DAYS WINTER BALL
Friday, December 13 6:30PM – 11:00PM 
Hilton Chicago/Oakbrook Hills Resort
Join the community for a wonderful dinner, dancing, live entertainment and a silent auction at the annual Westmont Holly Days Winter Ball.  The event is open to everyone and all are encouraged to attend.  Contact the Westmont Chamber for details.  All ages welcome.

LUNCH WITH SANTA 
Saturday, December 14, 12 - 2PM
Westmont Park District - 55 E. Richmond
Enjoy delicious pizza lunch, juice, soda, and a yummy dessert.  There will be audience participation with singing and surprises as we join together to celebrate family and friends during this festive holiday season.  Santa will spend time at every table so he can take a moment for the children to share their wish lists!  Then, step in wonder as you enter his workshop.  Beautifully decorated, it’s where Santa will give each child a small gift.  Before heading out, each family may stop at the “Westmont Candy Bar” to fill up a bag of treats to take home! Hurry!  This is a sell-out event.  You must pre-register.  No walk-ins. Lunch begins promptly at noon.  All ages are welcome.  $14 Res - $18 Non Res.  Children under 2 are free.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Saturday, December 21, 9 - 11AM
Westmont Park District - 55 E. Richmond
Welcome Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolf as they make a morning stop to bring us Christmas cheer!  Families will gather around to enjoy an all you can eat delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausages, juice, coffee, milk and cookies prepared by the Westmont Lions Club.  Santa will be around to talk personally to each child and see if they’ve been naughty or nice!  A wonderful Holiday show is planned for both the young and the young at heart.  Take a moment and pose for pictures in front of our Christmas tree before heading to Santa’s beautiful workshop where each child will be able to tell him what’s on their wish list this year.  Don’t forget your camera!  Sign up early as this is a sell-out event.  You must pre-register.  No walk-ins.  Breakfast begins promptly at 9 am.  Children 2 years and under are free.  $14 Res - $18 Non Res.

SNOW-MUCH FUN NIGHT
Saturday, December 21, 4 - 7PM 
Veterans Memorial Park, 75 E. Richmond
Enjoy some holiday cheer at our Snow Much Fun night!  Be sure to bundle up because this is an indoor/outdoor event.  Meet our friendly long eared mules when you take a free wagon ride around the park.  Be sure to take a photo in the giant snow globe or visit Santa in his workshop.  Take a lamplight tour of the Gregg House to see how Christmas was celebrated by early settlers.  Enjoy games, crafts, hot cocoa, s’mores and much more.  Bring your family and friends and delight in a most enchanting winter experience!  All ages welcome.  This is a free event.

Holly Days is co-hosted by the Westmont Park District, the Westmont Historical Society, Westmont Chamber of Commerce, Westmont Public Library, the Westmont Special Events Corporation, and the Village of Westmont.  

To view the Holly Days schedule, visit HollyDaysFestival.com. For additional information, contact the Westmont Public Library at 630-869-6150 or Westmont Park District at 630-969-8080