YMCA Invites Community to Festive Holiday Extravaganza

The holiday spirit will get an extra boost for families attending the annual North Suburban YMCA Holiday Extravaganza, sponsored by Lowe’s of Northbrook and scheduled for Sunday, December 10 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. The Y will open its doors to the public for an afternoon of seasonal fun, featuring free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, art activities, tasty treats, holiday caroling, and a chance to win decorated wreaths in the Deck the Halls raffle.

“Children love visiting with Santa, and this year the Y will offer free photos for families to take home,” exclaims Kim Nyren, NSYMCA Director of Community Investment. “We believe traditions like this are wonderful way to bring our community together.”

Another growing tradition is the Deck the Halls event. Businesses, organizations, and families are invited to decorate wreaths for $20 to $30. The finished wreaths will be displayed in the Community Gallery beginning Thanksgiving weekend.

“Our Deck the Halls event is becoming a popular tradition for everyone, as well. People are already lining up to participate again and the beautifully decorated wreaths transform our Y into a holiday wonderland. It is definitely something worth seeing,” notes Kim Nyren.

During the display, visitors to the Y will be able to buy raffle tickets for their favorite wreaths, with the grand drawing being held at the Holiday Extravaganza. Last year’s Deck the Halls had more than 90 wreaths and raised $2200 for Y programming.

Caryn Shulman of the Chicago’s North Shore Visitor’s Bureau, one of last year’s participants, said, “The other participants’ wreaths were so beautiful, it made us want to get competitive on creativity. It gave my business extra marketing, while supporting an organization we believe in during a festive time of the year!”

To end the Extravaganza on a high note, the Y will continue into the evening with holiday caroling and a magnificent tree lighting event. Lowe’s of Northbrook will donate and decorating eight 12-foot trees which will be lit around 5:30pm. Immediately following, everyone is then invited to join a caroling party to sing holiday songs to residents of the Covenant Village senior community center next to the Y.

“Our partnership with the Y has continued to grow this year and we are thrilled to support and contribute to this special event,” commented Dan Camp, Lowe’s of Northbrook Store Manager. “Lowe’s strongly believes in what the Y does for our communities and we love helping organizations like them, especially during the holidays.”

The North Suburban YMCA is located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook. The Holiday Extravaganza is open to the public free of charge. To learn about sponsorship opportunities for Deck the Halls and the Holiday Extravaganza, contact Kim Nyren, knyren@nsymca.org, or call 847 272 7250.

Photo 1 Caption: Santa and Mrs. Claus will pose for free family pictures at the North Suburban YMCA’s Holiday Extravaganza on Sunday, December 10.

Photo 2 Caption: Local organizations create elegant or whimsical decorated wreaths for the YMCA’s Deck the Halls raffle. Proceeds from the raffle benefit the YMCA’s community programs.

About the North Suburban YMCA

The North Suburban YMCA provides individuals in Northbrook and the surrounding areas with programs and tools that help them become healthier, more connected, and confident. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our community and each other. Every day we work side by side with our neighbors throughout 15 surrounding communities to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. We focus on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. The NSYMCA is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.