Search
Location(s)
Deck the Halls! The United City of Yorkville’s second annual Holiday Under the Stars is here! This Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 - 9 p.m. at Town Square Park, Rt. 47 and Main Street., enjoy all of your favorites from last year plus new storytelling, games for all ages, hot food and drinks, and more entertainment than ever.
Pet Santa’s reindeer or enjoy a cozy horse and carriage ride with family and friends from 5 - 9 p.m., watch an ice carver transform a block of ice into a masterpiece from 6:30 - 8 p.m., and of course, take a seat on Santa’s lap at the North Pole any time throughout the evening. Professional photos with Santa will be available from Shannon Range Photography.
The traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 6 p.m. by Mayor Valerie Burd, with caroling by the Plano Lamplight Singers.
Check out Gold Star Academy of Dance’s exciting holiday performance from 5:30 - 6 p.m., Then rock around the Christmas tree with the Yorkville Big Band from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Parkview Christian Academy, 201 W. Center Street.
Plus, there’s tons of brand new exciting events you won’t want to miss!
Beginning at 5:00 p.m., play new ice toss and ice tic-tac-toe games, or keep moving at our larger all-weather skating rink – skates included – open all night long!
Tasty selections will be available all evening long from a variety of local vendors as a fundraiser for their programs. Coffee and hot cocoa will be sold by the Yorkville Optimist Club, warm chili and homemade candy will be sold by the St. Patrick’s Women’s Club, fresh cinnamon nuts will be sold by Mothers of Preschoolers, and hot dogs, cheesecake, and more will be sold by Parkview Christian Academy. Stop by Trinity Church United Methodist’s baked goods sale, and pick up some popcorn and House Walk tickets from the Jr. Women’s Club.
Just for kids: Jacob’s Well is offering free make-and-take ornaments! And Mom and Dad can pick up free coupon books from the Yorkville Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We are so excited to have so many community groups joining us this year,” says event organizer Glory Spies. “This event really brings the community together.”
In the main tent, get in the holiday spirit with a D.J. from 5:30 - 8:30, while kids can decorate their very own free holiday cookie to eat or take home from 5 - 9 p.m.
Beginning at 5:30 p.m., hop on one of the NEW Holiday Lighting Tour trolleys for a magical ride through beautifully lighted homes in the area. Each ride includes a story read by Yorkville Public Library staff, so settle in and enjoy the tour. Trolleys leave from the corner of Bridge and Main Street in Town Square Park and last about 15 - 20 minutes.
Want to settle down with some cozy stories? Brand new this year, professional storyteller Lynne Clayton will warm your heart with stories for all ages at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 p.m. at the historical Chapel on the Green, adjacent to Town Square Park. You won’t want to miss this brand new event sure to please the entire family!
But it’s not all just fun and games. Show how big your heart is this season by bringing new hats, gloves, and other warm winter clothing to benefit those in need this winter. Stop by the main warming tent at any time during the festival, where the city’s Human Resources Commission will collect the items for the Kendall County Food Pantry.
“Our main focus for Holiday Under the Stars has always been to maintain the spirit of giving,” says Spies. “We’re offering a free event to families to bring some holiday cheer, but also asking that you bring something in return to help those that may be struggling this season.”
Parking will not be available surrounding Town Square Park. Free shuttles will be available at Yorkville Academy and Yorkville Grade School between 4:30 – 9:30 p.m. Handicap parking will also be available at Parkview Christian Academy. So bring your family and friends, and let the second annual United City of Yorkville holiday event spark your spirit this season. We’ll see you there!
For more information, contact 630-553-8564 or visit http://yorkville.il.us/UnderTheStars/.
