2017 Lake Forest Tree Lighting Ceremony Schedule

LAKE FOREST, IL — The day after Thanksgiving becomes a "Bright Friday" in Lake Forest for the annual holiday tradition of lighting up the city's Christmas tree, which includes live entertainment, warm drinks, music, dance and Santa himself. There'll be lots of fun family activities going on all day and into the evening in Market Square, when thousands of twinkling lights will be lit up for the 34th Annual Lake Forest Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The magic of the tree lighting and choral music makes this an unforgettable yearly gathering of family, friends and visitors to the Lake Forest community. So if you've got a chance, come on down, maybe make an ornament for the city tree and kick off the holiday season with fellow Lake Forest residents and local businesses.

Here's the rundown for the day:

• 1 p.m. "Home Alone" will be shown at Gorton Community Center.
• 3 p.m. Family-friendly events will be held at Market Square, including an ice sculpting performance by Art Below Zero and an arts and crafts activity. Children will have an opportunity to make a holiday ornament to be hung on the Christmas tree.
• 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. For children and the young-at-heart, there will be a special visit from Santa Claus, along with free hot chocolate and donut holes.
• 4:30 p.m. A caroling concert by the Lake Forest High School Choristers.
• 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Lake Forest Dance Academy performs. Immediately after, the lights will be set aglow.

More information available from the Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation.

Tree Lighting Traffic Plan

The Lake Forest Police Department released the following image showing where free public parking will be available (green areas) and where barricades will be in place (red areas.)

Police said the following roads will be closed, starting at 2 p.m.:

• Western Avenue, between Deerpath Road and Westminster Avenue
• Bank Lane, between Deerpath Road and Westminster Avenue
• Northgate Street, at Forest Ave
• Southgate, at Forest Ave

_{Top photo: Santa Claus at a past Lake Forest Tree Lighting Ceremony | Courtesy Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department}