Gingerbread Festival Downtown Downers Grove November 23, 2012

Downtown Downers Grove presents the 2nd Annual “Gingerbread Festival” November 23 – December 31, 2012. Downtown Downers Grove is offering something for all ages to enjoy: Gingerbread Story-time, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Gingerbread Man Hunt, Gingerbread House Contest, visits with Santa in his Gingerbread House, Small Business Saturday, Gingerbread Boy and Girl perusing town, and Complimentary Carriage Rides.

The Kick-Off to Gingerbread Festival will begin with Santa’s arrival on Friday November 23rd. The children are invited to attend “Gingerbread Story-time” at the Downers Grove Library at 3:45pm. Space is limited. Immediately following story-time the Downers Grove South Marching Band will then lead the children through the streets of Downtown Downers Grove to the Tree Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by the Village of Downers Grove. Santa will make his debut at the Tree Lighting Ceremony with the assistance of the girls and boys of Downers Grove lighting the way for Santa in the Fire Truck.

Come view our holiday tree decorated with over 1,000 handmade ornaments by the children of Downers Grove. Enjoy cider and cookies inside the train station beginning at 4:00 p.m. while we await Santa’s arrival. At 4:30pm., Mayor Tully and Santa will count down and bring a sparkle to the tree! After the tree is light and the Christmas Carols are sung visit your favorite boutiques and restaurants, vote for your favorite Gingerbread House, all while keeping your eye out for appearances by Santa Claus.

Saturday, November 24th support your downtown Merchants with the Third Annual American Express Small Business Saturday. Downtown Downers Grove merchants will help you cross off your Christmas list with one-of-a-kind gifts. Children can participate in the Gingerbread Man Hunt and earn a prize. Visit with Santa in his Gingerbread House at Curtiss and Main from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Make sure to vote for your favorite Gingerbread House.

Sunday, November 25th, bring the whole family and enjoy breakfast with Santa at a participating restaurant from 11am-1pm. Children can participate in the Gingerbread Man Hunt and earn a prize. While you shop, take a break and enjoy a complimentary Carriage Ride. Visit with Santa in his Gingerbread House from 1-4pm. Stop in the Downers Grove to catch a performance of "A Gingerbread Man for Christmas" presented by the Herrick Middle School Drama Club under the direction of Marilyn Ludwick at 2pm, 2:30pm, 3pm & 3:30pm. Do not forget this is the final day to vote for your favorite Gingerbread House.

For more information please visit www.downtowndg.org or call 630-725-0991.