Celebration of Lights Kicks off Batavia’s Holiday Season on Nov. 30

BATAVIA, IL –Santa Claus is coming to Batavia’s Peg Bond Center on Nov. 30 to light the large community tree and visit with children as the community gathers to kick off the holiday season with music, lights and festivities.

Presented by the Batavia Park District and T-Fiber, this free event celebrates the magic of the season with festive and fun holiday activities, song and ceremony, culminating in Santa’s arrival and a welcome by Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke and Park District Executive Director Allison Niemela, followed by the ceremonial tree lighting.

"This festival is a reminder that the simple moments like singing carols, creating holiday crafts, enjoying a wagon ride, visiting Santa and his reindeer and watching the trees come to life are often the ones that bring us together in the most meaningful ways,” Niemela said. “This is where our hometown spirit shines brightest. It's pure Batavia magic.”

From 5 to 7 p.m., make merry with hayrides, a family photo opportunity, a performance by the Batavia Community Band, a peek at live reindeer, a seasonal exhibit at the Batavia Depot Museum, a stroll on Christmas Tree Lane and a holiday craft activity at Callahan Community Center. Festive drinks will be available for purchase.

Explore the colorful lights and festive decorations along Christmas Tree Lane, a stretch of Riverwalk path featuring trees decorated by 35 community organizations and businesses. All decorated trees will be entered into a contest and eligible to win a prize in one of three categories: Most Original Theme, Best Holiday Spirit and People's Choice. Everyone can vote for the People’s Choice winner via the Batavia Park District’s Facebook page from noon on Nov. 25 to noon on Nov. 29.

"Celebration of Lights is my family’s official, cherished annual tradition that kicks off our entire holiday season with a burst of excitement,” said Jen DeCarlo. “Our boys eagerly anticipate the array of festive activities, especially the pride of seeing their AGS Pack 103 Cub Scout tree, which was beautifully decorated last year by the Tiger Den.”

To prepare for Santa’s arrival, Craig Foltos of Foltos Tonsorial Parlor will lead a community sing-along at 5:15 p.m., encouraging all to enjoy singing a few beloved holiday tunes such as “Frosty the Snowman” and “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Santa arrives at 5:30 p.m., just in time for the ceremonial tree lighting.
At 5:45 p.m., the Peg Bond Center becomes Santa’s Warming House, open for visits and photos with jolly ol’ St. Nick.

Across the Depot Pond, the Batavia Depot Museum will host “Holiday Cheer,” an exhibit featuring local holiday traditions, and a story time in the lower-level Gustafson Research Center presented by the Batavia Public Library from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Special guest readers will share their favorite holiday tales. Enter the research center from the lower-level doors off Depot Pond for story time.

Story readers will be Megan Newman, Batavia Mothers' Club, at 5:50 p.m.; Batavia Fire Chief Craig Hanson at 5:55 p.m.; Kathryn Hubbard, Batavia Public Library, at 6 p.m.; Batavia Police Officer John Kahl at 6:05 p.m.; Kate Garrett, Batavia Depot Museum, at 6:10 p.m.; Allison Niemela, Batavia Park District, 6:15 p.m.; and Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke and his wife Linda at 6:20 p.m.

Head to Callahan Community Center for fun holiday craft activities and games for kids. Make and take home a snowman magnet and Christmas tree ornament. Or try your hand at a candy cane ring-toss and ball tossing game.

“From the hot cocoa to the hay wagon ride through the dazzling Christmas tree lane to the sheer thrill of encountering the live reindeer, every moment is special,” DeCarlo said. “The most exciting moments for all of us is joining the community to watch the spectacular tree lighting and waiting for Santa’s arrival—it truly is a perfect, spirited moment that embodies the magic of the holidays."

Celebration of Lights is presented by T-Fiber and sponsored by Bree’s Beverage Bar, Elite Remodeling Group, Garrett Popcorn, Goldfish Swim School, City of Batavia, New Adventures PlayLab and Batavia Depot Museum.
For more information, visit bataviaparks.org.


Santa will light Batavia’s community tree Nov. 30 at the Celebration of Lights event at the Peg Bond Center.


Children will have an opportunity to share their wish list with Santa at Celebration of Lights in Batavia on Nov. 30.


Explore 35 trees decorated by local businesses and organizations Nov. 30 at Celebration of Lights at Peg Bond Center in Batavia.


Sing along to favorite holiday songs at Celebration of Lights in Batavia Nov. 30 at the Peg Bond Center. 


Take a ride on a festive wagon and view trees along Christmas Tree Lane. 
 
All photos credit Mark Black for the Batavia Park District