Santa to light Christmas trees up and down Montgomery’s River St. at Merry & Bright event Dec. 5

Santa Claus greets children while making his way to Montgomery's Christmas tree at the annual tree lighting ceremony at the Village Hall on Sunday. After lighting the tree, Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with local children inside of the hall.

Montgomery Merry & Bright, the village’s annual tree lighting and visit with Santa event, will kick off activities on Sunday, Dec. 5, with Santa and Mrs. Claus’s grand arrival on a Montgomery-Countryside Fire Protection District fire engine promptly at 5 p.m. on River Street in the village’s downtown.

This year Santa will not just be lighting the village tree in front of Village Hall, but also an additional 25 trees along the street, many decorated by local businesses and organizations. Next, Santa and Mrs. Claus will head indoors at Village Hall for visits and pictures, along with the Oswego East Tri-M Music Honor Society, who will perform in the board room for those waiting in line or looking to warm up from the outdoors.

In addition, guests can watch live musical performances from local Nicholson and McDole Elementary School students and enjoy professional strolling carolers, the Festive Singers, on the stage along River Street.

The businesses in100-200 block of North River Street are joining in the festivities this year. Guests can wander to Atrevete Confections at 216 N. River Street and pick up a free cup of hot chocolate. Gray’s Mill Estate at 211 N. River Street will be handing out cookies, Farmers Insurance/Ryan Watson at 109 N. River Street will have glow giveaways for kids and Best Homes/Fox Valley and the Montgomery Economic Development Corporation at 200 Webster Street will be open for a kid’s coloring contest. Kids can color their entry onsite or pick it up to drop off at a later date.

Other businesses and organizations, such as the Rotary Club of Montgomery, will be in the Village Hall multi-purpose room with giveaways, crafts for kids and letters to Santa.

For years Village Hall has welcomed community groups to decorate trees for public display. The public can vote on the trees at Village Hall, with a winner announced each year.

This year the village and Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce are offering indoor and outdoor space for the trees.

“We are starting to see new growth along River Street with our cornerstone Gray’s Mill now open and the high-quality pastries served by Atrevete,” says Cindy Ferchen, GMACC Membership Director. “We hope people enjoy walking up and down River Street and seeing all the trees decorated and visit our local businesses.”

The event, parking, and activities are all free thanks to Ozinga, Waubonsee Community College, and MetroNet, who will graciously sponsor this year’s event, as well as many businesses who have agreed to fund an outdoor tree and activity. As a result, there is some space available both indoors and outdoors for the Festival of Trees. Businesses, families, or organizations looking to support this event or show some holiday spirit can visit the village website to find out more or email knemetz@montgomeryil.org. Space is limited, first-come, first-served.

For more information on the event, visit montgomeryil.org or the Village’s Facebook Page.