Gingerbread Festival Returns to Downtown Downers Grove Nov. 24-26, 2017

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. - Nov. 15, 2017 - PRLog -- Complimentary Carriage Rides & visits with Santa in his Gingerbread House,  Breakfast with Santa, Gingerbread Story-time, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Gingerbread Man Hunt, vote for your favorite Gingerbread House, Small Business Saturday, Gingerbucks Reward Card, take a picture with the Gingerbread Boy & Girl perusing town, Breakfast with Santa, & don't forget to vote for your favorite Holiday Window Display.  The Gingerbread Festival offers something for all ages to enjoy!

The Gingerbread Festival will begin with Santa's arrival on Friday November 24th. The children are invited to attend "Gingerbread Story-time" at the Downers Grove Library at 3:30 p.m. Space is limited. Immediately following story-time the Downers Grove North 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. At 4:30 p.m., Mayor Tully and Santa will count down and bring a sparkle to the tree! After the tree is lit and the Christmas carols are sung, visit your favorite boutiques and restaurants, vote for your favorite Gingerbread House & Holiday Window Display at participating businesses.

Saturday, November 25th support your downtown Merchants with the Eighth Annual American Express Small Business Saturday. Downtown Downers Grove merchants will help you cross off your Christmas list with one-of-a-kind gifts. Enjoy a complimentary carriage ride 1-4pm (board at 1028 Curtiss). Children can participate in the Gingerbread Man Hunt and earn a prize, through Dec.23rd. 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 & Holiday Window Display at participating businesses.

Sunday, November 26th, bring the whole family and enjoy breakfast with Santa (Pinecone Cottage Tea House & Catering (10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. 630-963-9130) or Emmett's Brewing Co. (11:30 a.m. - 12:30p.m. 630-434-8500). Reservations required and can be made by calling the individual restaurants. Children can participate in the Gingerbread Man Hunt and earn a prize, through Dec. 23rd. While you shop, take a break and enjoy a complimentary Carriage Ride 1-4pm. Visit with Santa in his Gingerbread House from 1-4pm. Do not forget this is the final day to vote for your favorite Gingerbread House at participating businesses. Can't make breakfast with Santa on the 26th, don't worry, the jolly old man will be back for breakfast with Santa on December 3rd at Ballydoyle Irish Pub (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 630-969-0600).

Santa will be in his Gingerbread House (at the corner of Main and Curtiss) all season every Saturday & Sunday Nov. 25-Dec.17 from 1-4pm.

Shop & Dine Downtown Downers Grove this Holiday Season and you could win! Pick up your Gingerbucks Reward Card at a participating business. Receive a stamp for every $10 you spend at a participating business. Spend $100 at participating businesses and be entered for a chance to win $100.00 in downtown Downers Grove gift certificates, weekly!

Complimentary visits with Santa is in his house every Saturday & Sunday though Dec.17th, 1-4pm (don't forget your camera)! The Holiday Window Contest through Dec. 6th, the Gingerbread Man Hunt will run through Dec. 23rd, & The Gingerbucks Reward Card through Dec. 24th!

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