Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Lights Up Downtown Highland Park

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Come out to downtown Highland Park this weekend to celebrate the start of the holiday season with music, dance and family-friendly fun. The Holiday Lighting Ceremony is set for Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Participants in a scavenger hunt through downtown can win prizes, Santa is due to make a special appearance and a free, live version of The Nutcracker will be performed by dancers from the Irina Makkai Classical Ballet and Dance School at the intersection of Central Avenue and Second Street in Uncle Dan's store window.

There will also be horse-draw sleigh rides, face painting and live musical performances.

Other featured performers include the Elm Place Middle School Chorus,, #remixed from the Performer’s School and Soul2Sole Performance Company, and Lake Forest Country Day School.

Then, as the sun sets and the event wraps up at the end of the afternoon, Mayor Nancy Rotering will flip a switch and turn on the holiday lights in Port Clinton Square at 4:30 p.m., lighting up more than 200 trees.

Treats, activities and refreshments will be provided by participating local businesses, according to Downtown Highland Park. They include: Bar Method HP, Beanstalk Toys, Final Sale, Cy Fredrics Jewelers, Summer Classics Home, Highland Park Bank & Trust, Ami Ami, Freedom Home Care, JAYNE, Spaces and Views, Stationary Station and Michael’s Chicago-Style Red Hots.

There will be free parking throughout the Central Business District and extended hours for public parking lots on Nov. 18 as part of ceremony.

The entire Highland Park community is invited to come out early, shop local and enjoy the lights and festivities with family and friends.

Schedule of Events:

• 3:00 - 3:30 PM Lake Forest Country Day School Chorus
• 3:30 - 3:45 PM The Performer's School A Cappella Group
• 3:45 - 4:00 PM Soul2Sole Dance Inc.
• 4:00 - 4:30 PM Elm Place Middle School Chorus
• 4:30 - 4:45 PM Center Stage Lake Forest Carolers
• 4:45 - 4:50 Raffle Drawing
• 4:50 Mayor and Lighting

» More information is available from the office of the Highland Park City Manager at 847-926-1000.

_{Top photo: Downtown tree lighting | Courtesy the City of Highland Park}