The 41st Annual Lake Forest Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration arrived on Friday, along with winter weather, and crowds in Market Square kept warm with coffee, hot cocoa, and holiday cheer.
“The event, presented by The Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation, is well-organized and well run — a short burst of magical moments that kick off the holiday season,” Mike Wick, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Lake Forest, said.
The celebration began at 3 p.m., featuring visits with Santa Claus, caroling with the Lake Forest High School Choristers, performances by the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra, the Lake Forest High School Festival Brass Ensemble, and the Lake Forest Dance Academy, with special treat giveaways and kids’ activities all culminating with the lighting of a 40-foot Norway Spruce in the center of Market Square, donated this year, by the Gray Family of Lake Forest.
According to Wick, a tree has historically adorned Market Square during the holidays since 1917, while the holiday tree lighting celebration began in 1984.
“Today the festive tradition has become a point of hometown pride with full participation from community members and local businesses,” Wick said.
Katie Feeney of Lake Forest says their family has plans to participate in many local holiday activities this year.
“Starting with today’s tree lighting, we are looking forward to doing all the special seasonal activities in our area — the holiday Lightscape at the Botanic Garden, the Lake Bluff History Museum’s holiday home tour, and much more, Feeney said.
This year’s 41st Annual Lake Forest Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration sponsors included Lake Forest Bank and Trust and Fields BMW and The Oaken Bistro, with activity sponsors including Sage Explorers with holiday crafts, and giveaways by The Compass Group with donuts and hot cider, the Rotary Club and Left Bank with hot dogs, Starbucks with coffee, the Deer path Inn with hot chocolate and Rosati’s with pizza, and more.
Stephanie Farrell of Lake Forest attended on Friday with her family.
“This is our first time attending the Lake Forest Tree lighting, and our first pre-Christmas outing of the season. We definitely came for the free cider and donuts.” Farrell said.
Wick says the longevity of the Lake Forest Tree Lighting Celebration is a testament to its success, and it has become a model for holiday gatherings that other communities seek to replicate.
“This festive showcase in Market Square is welcoming and free, offers a chance to get out of the house, walk off the turkey, shop local, and share in the spirit of the season,” Wick said. “Whatever you need that day after Thanksgiving, it checks all the boxes.”
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
