There is a saying that goes something like this: Smile and the whole world smiles with you. So as days get colder and nights get longer, spend your weekends in Lemont this season, and you will be smiling all the way to Christmas, according to village assistant Donna Pacina.

Many groups are hosting events sure to offer fun and happy memories for everyone who comes to them. Among them, Lemont’s annual Hometown Holiday, from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in historic downtown Lemont, should be a delightful season opener, Pacina said.

“Hometown Holiday will start, as it traditionally has, with decorating trees and hot chocolate and cookies provided by the Girl Scouts,” Pacina said. “That always creates a Christmas-y atmosphere. We’ll also have the traditional lighting of the tree and many activities for families.”

But the big guy always seems to be the main attraction.

“When they visit Santa Claus, they are going to love him!” Pacina said. “He has really honed in on Lemont this year, and Mrs. Santa is going to be with him.”

Deirdre Pawell, festival committee chairperson, said she is convinced everyone will love the event.

With outdoor and indoor activities, she said Hometown Holiday offers a mix that lets people enjoy a bit of winter plus plenty of warmth when they’re ready to get out of the chill.

“Our outdoor activities include the tree decorating as well as the hot chocolate with the Girl Scouts and the tree lighting as well as the wagon rides and caroling,” Pawell said. “And there’s an ice sculptor because a lot of kids enjoy seeing a plain block of ice turned into a Christmas scenario.

“Our indoor activities will include games, face painting, making personalized ornaments and even dance lessons,” she added. “And, of course, we have the kids (take) pictures and visit with Santa.”
Plus, Mrs. Claus will be coming with Santa this year.

“Then something new is a holiday raffle,” Pawell said. “If you bring a food pantry item or a gift for a child valued at $5 or more, you will be given a ticket and a chance to win a raffle prize.

“The food items will go to the local food pantries, which are low on food right now,” she added. “And the gifts will go to the Jeff Anderson Children’s Foundation, through which they will be given to kids who are less fortunate.”

Pawell encouraged residents to come out.

“People should like it. It’s a family event and festival where people see friends and neighbors, so it adds to their good time,” she said. “And there are wonderful restaurants they can stop at, too.”

For more information, call (630) 243-2700.

For times and contact information on this and other holiday events, check The Guide section of the Lemont Reporter/Met. Also, check online calendars for the village, the Lemont Park District, the Lemont Public Library, schools and churches. All offer different special events that can add to your holiday season.

A few other events include “The Polar Express” Family Night at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at First Church of the Nazarene, 12725 Bell Road, (708) 349-0454; the Holiday Craft Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Centennial Community Park gym at the Lemont Park District, (630) 257-6787; Milk and Cookies with Santa from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Franciscan Village, 1260 Franciscan Drive, (630) 243-3412; and A Christmas Choral Festival and homemade cookie sale from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Lemont Area Historical Society, (630) 257-2972.