NEW LENOX – The largest illuminated Santa Claus in the U.S. makes its home not in the country’s northernmost states, such as Alaska and Minnesota, but in New Lenox.

The village earlier this month welcomed the 36-foot-tall, 5,000-pound, 18,500-LED-light Santa from international company Artistic Holiday Designs. Mayor Tim Baldermann said the village first was approached by the company in the spring.

“They know we’re a fast-growing town with a lot of families,” Baldermann said. “They thought it’d be a good fit for us. And we thought it’d be special for people in our community and a draw for people from communities all over.”

So far, it’s proving to be true. Baldermann said hundreds of vehicles have come to view and get pictures with the giant Santa at Village Hall.

The village didn’t budget any new money for its holiday decorations. It will cost about $300,000 over three years to pay for the entire arrangement, which includes illuminated trees and other light displays, along with an ice-skating rink. New Lenox will use its marketing budget funds and private donations to pay for it all.

Baldermann said there was some initial criticism about the decorations, but that quickly was outweighed by extensive support from the community and visitors.

“People here are absolutely loving it,” he said. “They’re getting out and taking pictures with it, and putting letters in the mailbox [for] Santa.”

The village is collecting Santa letters until Dec. 18 in a mailbox by the display.

“Every single letter will receive a response from Ole St. Nick,” a news release from Artistic Holiday Designs stated. The village will host its Christmas in the Commons event from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 4 at 1 Veterans Parkway.

The official lighting ceremony for the entire display will be at 5 p.m. that day, but Baldermann said the Santa is getting so much attention that the village already is lighting it up at night.

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IF YOU GO

WHAT: New Lenox Christmas in the Commons

WHEN: 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 4

WHERE: New Lenox Village Hall, 1 Veterans Pkwy., New Lenox

COST: Free