Montgomery Merry & Bright will light up the night Sunday, Dec. 8 starting at 5 p.m., in front of Village Hall, 200 N. River Street. The event will feature Santa, giveaways, musical performances, and the opening of the Festival of Trees, which will run through December 26 at Village Hall and along River Street.
The annual Tree Lighting & Visit with Santa event will start the festivities with Santa and Mrs. Claus’s grand arrival on the Montgomery-Countryside Fire District fire engine just after 5 p.m. on River Street. Santa and Village president Matt Brolley will light the Village tree this year and another 20 trees along the street, decorated by area businesses and organizations.
Next, Santa and Mrs. Claus will head indoors at Village Hall for visits and pictures, along with the Oswego East Tri-M Music Honor Society, who will perform in the Board Room for those waiting in line or looking to warm up. In addition, guests can watch live musical performances outdoors from the Oswego East Jazz Ensemble students and enjoy professional strolling carolers, the Festive Singers, along River Street.
The 200 Block of North River Street businesses will be in on the festivities. Guests can wander to Atrevete Confections, 216 N. River Street, for a free hot chocolate or head to Gray’s Mill Estate, 211 N. River Street, for a cookie. Organizations such as the Rotary Club of Montgomery will be onsite in the Village Hall Multi-Purpose Room with giveaways, crafts for kids, and letters to Santa. Additionally, the Rotary will give a special treat to children who bring non-perishable items to fill up the Rotary Free Little Pantry located at Village Hall for families needing food throughout the year. The Toys for Tots will have collection bins at the Hall during the event for those interested in donating a new toy for a child this holiday season.
For more information on the event, visit montgomeryil.org or the Village’s Facebook Page.
—Village of Montgomery