Grinchmas On The Green, Creche Lighting To Kick Off Holidays In Plainfield

PLAINFIELD, IL — Plainfield will ring in the holiday season on Saturday with a day packed with family-favorite activities.

Annual events returning include Grinchmas on the Green, which includes a tree lighting, the Handmade Holiday Market, and the Lions Club Creche Lighting.

The Plainfield Park District-organized Grinchmas on the Green will run from 4-7 p.m. at Village Green, 24121 W. Chicago St. Here's a look at the schedule:

• 4 p.m. – Free hot chocolate and cookies under the pavilion
• 5 p.m. – Santa and the Grinch will arrive in transportation provided by the Plainfield Fire Protection District
• 5:15 p.m. – Santa and the Grinch will light up the Village Green Christmas tree
• 5:30 p.m. – Photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch in Whoville (the tennis court)

Over at the Plainfield Area Public Library, the Handmade Holiday Market will take place from 5-8 p.m. More than 40 vendors — a list of participants is available on the library's website — will have booths set up to sell handmade decor, gifts and treats.

To close out the event-filled day, the Plainfield Lions Club will host its annual creche-lighting program from 6:45-8 p.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church, 24022 Lockport St.

Christmas carolers will kick off the event with a sing-along. The traditional program will begin at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary, followed by the lighting of the creche outdoors. Madrigals from Plainfield North High School will be the special musical guests for the event.

The Plainfield Area Interfaith Food Pantry will be the beneficiary of this year's free-will offering.