Montgomery Merry & Bright will light up the night starting Sunday, Dec. 3. Festivities will begin with the tree-lighting and visit with Santa 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 28 at Village Hall and along River Street.
Together with the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce (GMACC), the Village of Montgomery has been host to this event for 27 years. The annual Tree Lighting & Visit with Santa event will start the festivities Sunday, Dec. 3, with Santa and Mrs. Claus’ 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 be lighting the Village tree this year and another 25 trees along the street, decorated by local businesses and organizations. Next, Santa and Mrs. Claus will go indoors at Village Hall for visits and pictures, along with the Oswego East High School Tri-M Music Honor Society, which will perform in the Board Room for those waiting in line or looking to warm up.
Guests can watch live musical performances outdoors from Nicholson Elementary and Oswego East Jazz Ensemble students and enjoy professional strolling carolers, the Festive Singers, along River Street.
The 200 Block of North River Street businesses are in on the festivities. Guests can wander to Atrevete Confections, 216 N. River Street for a free hot chocolate or go to Gray’s Mill Estate, 211 N. River Steet 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 at Village Hall. The Toys for Tots Kendall County will have collection bins at the Hall.
—Village of Montgomery