The city of Elgin will kick off the holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and holiday activities on Saturday, December 6, 2014 in Downtown Elgin.
From 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., people of all ages can enjoy ice skating, music, hot chocolate and treats, as well visit the 16th Annual Window Wonderland, sponsored by the Downtown Neighborhood Association.
At 5:00 p.m., join Mayor David Kaptain, the Elgin city council and Santa Claus as they light the city's official holiday tree at Elgin's Civic Plaza, 150 Dexter Court. Parking is free in Downtown Elgin (click for map).
City Skate
Elgin's free ice skating rink is open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, with skate rental available for four dollars starting at noon. City Skate is located on Civic Plaza at 150 Dexter Court. Click here for information about City Skate's daily hours of operation or rental inquiries.
Elgin Police 4th Annual Winter Open House
The Elgin Police Department invites the public to its annual open house on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 151 Douglas Avenue. Activities include child fingerprinting, visits with McGruff, apple cider and hot chocolate, and equipment displays. Facility tours are available at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. A K9 meet-and-greet is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Click here for a full schedule of events.
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Elgin's Civic Plaza will be transformed into a winter wonderland as residents and visitors enjoy free ice skating; visits with Santa Claus, his reindeer and cast members from Frozen; and holiday songs from the Elgin Children's Chorus.
At 5:00 p.m., Santa Claus will lead Mayor David Kaptain and the Elgin city council as they light the city's official holiday tree.
The 2014 Tree Lighting Ceremony is sponsored in part by State Farm, John P. Sutton Agency.
Other events
Many downtown businesses are hosting holiday activities throughout the day on Dec. 6. Visit cityofelgin.org/events, downtownelgin.com or Facebook for more information.