Grinchmas On The Green, Handmade Holiday Market Happening This Weekend

PLAINFIELD, IL — In between enjoying leftovers from Thanksgiving feasts, Plainfield residents can plan to head into town to attend one — or multiple — events ushering in the holiday season.

Saturday is stacked with happenings, including the Plainfield Park District's Grinchmas on the Green and Holiday Tree Lighting, Plainfield Public Library's Handmade Holiday Market, and the Lions Club Creche Lighting.

All events are coinciding with Small Business Saturday, which is sandwiched between the major Black Friday retail shopping holiday that tends to favor national brands and Cyber Monday, an online shopping event that this year takes place on Nov. 28.

RELATED: Small Business Saturday In Plainfield: See Special Sales, Deals

Here's a look at Saturday's slate of events:

Grinchmas on the Green and Holiday Tree Lighting

The park district's free annual event allows visitors to experience Village Green, 24121 W. Chicago St., glowing with holiday lights and sights.

• 4 p.m.: Free hot chocolate and cookies, while supplies last, under the pavilion
• 5 p.m.: Santa and the Grinch arrive via transportation provided by the Plainfield Fire Protection District
• 5:15 p.m.: Santa and the Grinch light up the Village Green Christmas tree
• 5:30 p.m.: Photo opportunities available with Santa and the Grinch in Whoville, located at the tennis courts

Handmade Holiday Market

Visitors can step out of the cold to shop more than 40 vendors set up at the Plainfield Public Library, 15025 S. Illinois St., between 5-8 p.m. Saturday. A full list of who is scheduled to attend— including merchants specializing in handmade gifts, treats and decor — can be found on the library's website.

Creche Lighting

In its 71st year, the Plainfield Lions Club's annual Creche Lighting is happening once again happening at Plymouth Congregational Church, 24022 W. Lockport. For guests visiting the Handmade Market, this will be an easy follow-up event as it's held just next door to the library.

A singalong of Christmas carols will begin at 6:45 p.m. ahead of the 7 p.m. start of the program, which features a Christmas story reading and traditional Christmas hymn singing. Once the program ends, the community will gather around the life-sized nativity scene to sing "Silent Night" and watch as the creche is lit for the first time this season.

The Plainfield Central Madrigals, directed by Nathan Rancantore, are performing as the event's special musical guests this year.

While the event is free to attend, organizers will hold a free-will offering to benefit the Plainfield Area Interfaith Food Pantry.