Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Metropolitan Square - Friday, Dec. 5 | 4-6:30 p.m.

Join the City of Des Plaines for live entertainment, a special appearance by Santa, and admire the trees decorated by local community groups. Don’t forget to drop off your letter to the North Pole at our mailbox! 

The mitten tree will be available for donations of new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves of all sizes. Nonperishable food donations for the Des Plaines Self Help Closet and Pantry are welcome. Please visit their website for a list of current most needed items.

Featured fun and entertainment:

• Say hi and snap a photo with Santa (and the Grinch!)
• Roasted Chestnut demonstration by the History Center
• Name a Des Plaines snowplow contest (2024 winner: Clearopatha)
• Hot Chocolate from the Salvation Army
• Drop off your letter at Santa’s mailbox
• Variety of activities sponsored by local organizations
• Glow products will be available for purchase

Food Vendors

E.J. Pierogi

Sweet Ride

Menu items available for purchase include pierogi, Polish sausage, churros, cookies, and more. Food trucks will accept a variety of payment types, including cash and card.

Due to the weather, a few trucks previously scheduled are unable to attend. Please note that Metropolitan Square has a variety of restaurants including: Takito Grill, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Giordano's, KOW Korean BBQ, and 5th Ave Sushi .

We sincerely appreciate your patience as you may experience longer wait times at this highly popular event. Food service ends at 6:30 p.m. Trucks may cutoff their queue lines to ensure those in line are served before the event ends.

Schedule of events:

4 p.m. Students and community groups decorate holiday trees in the Square

4 - 6:30 p.m. Food Trucks will have food available for purchase

4:30 – 6:15 p.m. Live performances on stage

4:45 p.m. Santa arrives in grand style

6:30 p.m. The tree is lit for the season by elected officials

Parking

Free parking is available in the Metropolitan Square Parking Garage (entrances off Lee St. and Miner St.) and the Civic Center Garage (behind City Hall).

Thanks to Holy Family Medical Center, who donated hand warmers that will be handed out at the event, and to Sysco, for providing cookies and hot chocolate, which will be passed out at the Salvation Army Canteen. Thank you for your generosity! 

Winter Fair at Des Plaines Public Library - Saturday, Dec. 6 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The City of Des Plaines is excited for its fourth annual Winter Fair! Shop your way through the indoor artisan market featuring local makers and hop on a trolley to experience a historic tour of the City with the Des Plaines History Center as your guide. You’ll have an additional chance to post your letter to the North Pole at our mailbox and submit name ideas for the Name a Snowplow contest!

The mitten tree will be available for donations of new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves of all sizes. Nonperishable food donations for the Des Plaines Self Help Closet and Pantry are welcome. Please visit their website for a list of current most needed items.

Trolley Tours

**Trolley Tours are FULL. Waitlist option available.** 

Advance registration is required for the trolley tours. Once tours reach capacity, a waitlist option will become available. Please follow this link or click the graphic below to join the waitlist. 

About the trolley tours: The City of Des Plaines and Des Plaines History Center offer six 45-minute trolley tours that will begin and end at Library Plaza in Des Plaines. Hop on board and get ready to discover the rich history and fascinating stories that make Des Plaines so special. Grab your friends and family and join the History Center as you embark on this journey through Des Plaines!

Please note:

• Seats are limited, and pre-registration is required. 
• Limit your sign-ups to less than 6 people per group.
• Check-in is required 20 minutes prior to your tour time. Step inside the library at 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines, and head to the Winter Fair Information Desk on the first floor in front of the program rooms. You will get your boarding ticket there.
• All riders must sign a required waiver to participate at check-in.
• The trolley cannot accommodate child car seats, strollers, walkers, or wheelchairs. There are no seat belts in the trolley.
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Parking is available in the Library Parking Garage, 1448 E. Prairie Ave. in Des Plaines

Winter Fair Artisans

Shop from a variety of local artisans at the Winter Fair inside the Des Plaines Public Library (1501 Ellinwood St.). Delicious treats, handmade products, jewelry, and more will be available for purchase. The market will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors will accept a variety of payment methods (cash, card, Venmo, PayPal, etc.). Check back often as we will continue to add participating artisans!

Handmade by Jacki - Handmade clay earrings and greeting cards

Soapie Squad - Handcrafted soap, shower steamers, lotion, and more

SimplyBySam - Holiday signs, ornaments, and custom paintings

JD Steiner Art & Story - Hand painted art, upcycled furnishings, books, and more

The Pretzel Place - Hand dipped chocolate covered pretzels

Jeanne's Jewels - Handmade jewelry, suncatchers, and ornaments

Angels and Dragons Emporium - Candles, jewelry, incense, crystals, and more

Birzeit Jewels - Jewelry and handmade decor

Withlovebyamalia - Personalized holiday goods including reindeer bags, cocoa mugs, and more

Crafts by Paula Z - Handcrafted holiday decor including angel ornaments and fabric bags

Rose Likes Crochet - Handmade crochet items

Barbara Wrona - Handmade tree skirts, table runners, and more

Crafty Cottage - Bowl cozies, pet items, slime, and more

GloAmore - Candles, room sprays, and permanent jewelry

Nava Sisters Creation - Handmade beaded items including pens, keychains, and jewelry

Crochet with Elena - Crochet stuffed animals, keychains, and tooth pillows

DeZigns by Jules -Pot holders, placemats, bowl holders, and more

Kaiser Family Studio - Indigo items, original prints, greeting cards, and painted items

Pat Simpson - Felted items, glass decor and ornaments, scarfs, and more

Photos and Bows - Handmade photo greeting cards

Achkiy -Water color greeting cards (handmade in Peru)

Chef Seba - Artisan sourdough bread

Flavor Chain Peppers - Variety of hot sauce

Love, Your Diamond Girl - Diamond art bookmarks, ornaments, decor, and more

Parking

Free parking is available in the Des Plaines Public Library Parking Garage (1448 E. Prairie Ave.).