LMK_HolidayStroll_2024 by Wednesday Journal

■

Brook eld Holiday Celebration PAGE 14

Holida y Stroll 2024

Santa Claus and children celebrate the Christmas tree lighting during last year’s Holiday Stroll. | TODD BANNOR

Walking through a vintage wonderland

Annual Riverside Holiday Stroll packed with family activities, music and fun

By JACKIE PISANO Contributing Reporter

For nearly 50 years, Riverside’s Holiday Stroll has been a beloved local tradition of camaraderie and Christmas cheer, marking the village’s official kickof f to the holiday season in partnership with the Riverside Chamber of Commerce and local organizations.

And on Friday, Dec. 6, the 49th annual event will be held across Riverside’s downtown and business district from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., providing an evening of yuletide cheer with bustling open houses, entertainment and activities for all ages

Amy Re gan, a Riverside resident and local Realtor who serves on the stroll’s committee, says the event always proves to be “a festive night,” where people not just from Riverside, but the surrounding sub-

urbs come for a friendly, relaxed evening to kickstart their holidays.

“The village is so pretty to see decorated with all of the holiday lights, and people always talk about how they love the horse and car riage rides — they absolutely love it,” she said. “The local shops go all out with their festive treats and the stroll just gives of f a warm glow of the community. It’s the perfect way to kick of f the season, all while supporting Riverside.”

Around 5:30 p.m. is when the magic begins, as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive atop a fire truck at Centennial Park (Longcommon Road and Forest Avenue), mingling with everyone before helping village officials and kids illuminate the grand Christmas tree at 6 p.m.

Following the tree lighting, stick around the Centennial Plaza/East Avenue/North

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

HOLIDAY TROLLEY STOPS

Complimentary trolley rides

Kris Kringle Market, 10:00am-4:00pm, Brookfield Village Hall

Holiday Walk 2024 mug pick up at Brookfield Chamber tent while supplies last

Giant Inflatable snow globe pictures at SE Gross Carolers & holiday music

SE Gross School Band, 2:00pm-2:30pm, at SE Gross Middle School

SE Gross Choir, 2:40pm-3:00pm, at SE Gross Middle School

Historic Grossdale Station Museum will be open for visitors, 10:00am-4:00pm, $1 Admission

Irish Times Pub & Restaurant Santa Claus meet and greet, 2:00pm-4:30pm Wood carver, 2:00pm-5:00pm, near Grossdale Train Station

LSF Brookfield Library hosting activities include library winter craft activity and hot chocolate

Live petting zoo, 2:00-5:00pm

Betty’s Flower and Gifts, refreshments

EVENT ATTRACTION PLATINUM SPONSORS

SE Gross Gym, activities include iceless skating rink, inflatables and kids activities, 2:00-5:00 pm

First National Bank Brookfield, ice sculptor, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Fill My Jar, holiday character visit and make your own reindeer food

Ink Your Wear, hot chocolate …PLUS MORE throughout town!

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Complimentary trolley rides

Kris Kringle Market, 10:00am-4:00pm, Brookfield Village Hall

Holiday Walk 2024 mug pick up at Brookfield Chamber tent while supplies last

Giant Inflatable snow globe pictures at SE Gross Carolers & holiday music

SE Gross School Band, 2:00pm-2:30pm, at SE Gross Middle School

HOLIDAY

SE Gross Choir, 2:40pm-3:00pm, at SE Gross Middle School

Historic Grossdale Station Museum will be open for visitors, 10:00am-4:00pm, $1 Admission

Irish Times Pub & Restaurant Santa Claus meet and greet, 2:00pm-4:30pm

Wood carver, 2:00pm-5:00pm, near Grossdale Train Station

LSF Brookfield Library hosting activities include library winter craft activity and hot chocolate

Live petting zoo, 2:00-5:00pm

Betty’s Flower and Gifts, refreshments

SE Gross Gym, activities include iceless skating rink, inflatables and kids activities, 2:00-5:00 pm

DON’T MISS UPCOMING WINTER/SPRING PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS.

Come out and celebrate with Santa early for a delicious taco brunch served at our local VFW. We will have crafts, goodies and pictures with Santa from 10am-1pm right before the Trolley route begins. Joshua W. Harris Memorial Brookfield VFW Post 2868, 8844 Ogden Avenue, Brookfield, IL. To RSVP please call 708.485.9670.

The Trolley runs from 3726 Prairie Ave down Grand Blvd. to the Broadway business district. It runs the full length of Broadway Ave. before returning back down Grand Blvd. Trolley takes approximately 25 minutes to return to the trolley stop dependent on the number of riders and traffic flow.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Complimentary trolley rides

Kris Kringle Market, 10:00am-4:00pm, Brookfield Village Hall

Holiday Celebration

Holiday Walk 2024 mug pick up at Brookfield Chamber tent while supplies last

Giant Inflatable snow globe pictures at SE Gross

Carolers & holiday music

HOLIDAY TROLLEY STOPS

SCAN THE QR CODE TO VIEW AND REGISTER

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024

Trolley Stop 1

SE Gross School Band, 2:00pm-2:30pm, at SE Gross Middle School

SE Gross Choir, 2:40pm-3:00pm, at SE Gross Middle School

Activities & Schedule

Historic Grossdale Station Museum will be open for visitors, 10:00am-4:00pm, $1 Admission

Irish Times Pub & Restaurant Santa Claus meet and greet, 2:00pm-4:30pm

Fill My Jar, 3726 Prairie Ave

HOLIDAY TROLLEY STOPS

Grossdale Station

SCAN THE QR CODE TO GET THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION FOR THIS YEARS HOLIDAY CELEBRATION EVENT FOR BROOKFIELD!

Fill My Jar, 3726 Prairie Ave Holiday character visits

UPCOMING

WINTER/SPRING PARKS RECREATION AND EVENTS.

CODE TO VIEW REGISTER

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Complimentary trolley rides

Kris Kringle Market, 10:00am-4:00pm, Brookfield Village Hall

Holiday Walk 2024 mug pick up at Brookfield Chamber tent while supplies last

Giant Inflatable snow globe pictures at SE Gross

Carolers & holiday music

SE Gross School Band, 2:00pm-2:30pm, at SE Gross Middle School

SE Gross Choir, 2:40pm-3:00pm, at SE Gross Middle School

Historic Grossdale Station Museum will be open for visitors, 10:00am-4:00pm, $1 Admission

CODE TO UP TO DATE FOR THIS CELEBRATION BROOKFIELD!

Irish Times Pub & Restaurant Santa Claus meet and greet, 2:00pm-4:30pm Wood carver, 2:00pm-5:00pm, near Grossdale Train Station

LSF Brookfield Library hosting activities include library winter craft activity and hot chocolate

Live petting zoo, 2:00-5:00pm Betty’s Flower and Gifts, refreshments

SE Gross Gym, activities include iceless skating rink, inflatables and kids activities, 2:00-5:00 pm

First National Bank Brookfield, ice sculptor, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Fill My

Ink Your Wear, 8838 Brookfield Ave Hot chocolate

Complimentary trolley rides

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Kris Kringle Market, 10:00am-4:00pm, Brookfield Village Hall

Holiday Celebration

Trolley Stop 4

Wood carver, 2:00pm-5:00pm, near Grossdale Train Station

Betty’s Flowers & Gifts, 9138 Broadway Ave

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024

LSF Brookfield Library hosting activities include library winter craft activity and hot chocolate

Live petting zoo, 2:00-5:00pm

Petting Zoo at the corner of Grand Boulevard and Washington Avenue, west of Beach Ave BBQ

Betty’s Flower and Gifts, refreshments

Activities & Schedule

SE Gross Gym, activities include iceless skating rink, inflatables and kids activities, 2:00-5:00 pm

Ice Carver @ First National Bank of Brookfield 9136 Washington Ave 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Trolley Stop 1

Trolley Stop 4

Fill My Jar, 3726 Prairie Ave

First National Bank Brookfield, ice sculptor, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Betty’s Flower and Gifts, 9138 Broadway Ave Refreshments

Holiday Celebration

Fill My Jar, holiday character visit and make your own reindeer food

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Kris Kringle Market 8820 Brookfield Ave 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Holiday Celebration

Betty’s Flowers & Gifts, 9138 Broadway Ave

Petting Zoo at the corner of Grand Boulevard and Washington Avenue, west of Beach Ave BBQ

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024

Trolley Stop 5

Ink Your Wear, hot chocolate …PLUS MORE throughout town!

Historic Grossdale Station, 8820 ½ Brookfield Ave Museum Open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Ice Carver @ First National Bank of Brookfield 9136 Washington Ave 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

S.E. Gross Middle School, 9235 Broadway Ave

DECEMBER 7, 2024

Wood Carver 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tree Lighting Ceremony 5:30 pm - 6:00pm

Betty’s Flower and Gifts, 9138 Broadway Ave Refreshments

Activities & Schedule

Complimentary trolley rides

Brookfield Breakfast, 3755 Grand Blvd

Holiday Walk 2024 mug pick up at Brookfield Chamber tent while supplies last

Kris Kringle Market, 10:00am-4:00pm, Brookfield Village Hall

Trolley Stop 2

Metra Brookfield

Giant Inflatable snow globe pictures at SE Gross Carolers & holiday music

Holiday Walk 2024 mug pick up at Brookfield Chamber tent while supplies last

SE Gross School Band, 2:00pm-2:30pm, at SE Gross Middle School

Giant Inflatable snow globe pictures at SE Gross

SE Gross Choir, 2:40pm-3:00pm, at SE Gross Middle School

Trolley Stop 1

Carolers & holiday music

Fill My Jar, 3726 Prairie Ave

SE Gross School Band, 2:00pm-2:30pm, at SE Gross Middle School

Trolley Stop 2 3735 Grand Blvd

SE Gross Choir, 2:40pm-3:00pm, at SE Gross Middle School

Trolley Stop 3

Historic Grossdale Station Museum will be open for visitors, 10:00am-4:00pm, $1 Admission

Brennan Massage & Spa, 3700 Grand Blvd Offering gift card sales

LSF Brookfield Library, 3609 Grand Blvd

Historic Grossdale Station Museum will be open for visitors, 10:00am-4:00pm, $1 Admission

Trolley Stop 3

Trolley Stop 4

LSF Brookfield Library hosting activities include library winter craft activity and hot chocolate

Iceless Skating Rink 9200 block of Broadway Ave 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Fill My Jar, 3726 Prairie Ave Holiday character visits

Ink Your Wear, 8838 Brookfield Ave Hot chocolate

Irish Times Pub & Restaurant Santa Claus meet and greet, 2:00pm-4:30pm Wood carver, 2:00pm-5:00pm, near Grossdale Train Station

Trolley

Trolley Stop 5

Inflatable Snow Globe for photo opportunities 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Brookfield Breakfast, 3755 Grand Blvd Extended hours 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Trolley Stop 4

Flowers & Gifts, 9138 Broadway Ave

S.E. Gross Middle School, 9235 Broadway Ave

Petting Zoo at the corner of Grand Boulevard and Washington Avenue, west of Beach Ave BBQ

Iceless Skating Rink 9200 block of Broadway Ave 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Crafts, Inflatables and Fun Activities Inside S.E. Gross Middle School Gym 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Trolley Stop 2 3735 Grand Blvd

Ice Carver @ First National Bank of Brookfield 9136 Washington Ave 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Inflatable Snow Globe for photo opportunities 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Betty’s Flower and Gifts, 9138 Broadway

Crafts, Inflatables and Fun Activities Inside S.E. Gross Middle School Gym 2:00 pm

and Gifts, 9138 Broadway Ave Refreshments

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY!

Photos with Santa Claus in The Cottage at Irish Times 8869 Burlington Ave 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Fire Breather at Burger Antics 3740 Grand Blvd 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

AT GROSSDALE STATION 8820 ½ Brookfield Ave

Brennan Massage & Spa, 3700 Grand Blvd Offering gift card sales

Trolley Stop 5

Trolley Stop 5 S.E.

Betty’s Flowers & Gifts, 9138 Broadway Ave

Live petting zoo, 2:00-5:00pm Betty’s Flower and Gifts, refreshments

Irish Times Pub & Restaurant Santa Claus meet and greet, 2:00pm-4:30pm

Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library 3609 Grand Blvd (Opposite library parking lot)

Trolley Stop 5

Wood carver, 2:00pm-5:00pm, near Grossdale Train Station

SE Gross Gym, activities include iceless skating rink, inflatables and kids activities, 2:00-5:00 pm

S.E. Gross Middle School 9235 Broadway Ave

Activities for tree lighting begin at 5:30pm with the RBHS choir caroling!

Trolley Stop 3

Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library 3609 Grand Blvd (Opposite library parking lot)

First National Bank Brookfield, ice sculptor, 2:00pm-4:00pm

LSF Brookfield Library hosting activities include library winter craft activity and hot chocolate

The library will be offering free hot cocoa in the lobby and crafts for all ages in the Maker Studio

Fill My Jar, holiday character visit and make your own reindeer food

Live petting zoo, 2:00-5:00pm Betty’s Flower and Gifts, refreshments

Ink Your Wear, hot chocolate …PLUS MORE throughout town!

SE Gross Gym, activities include iceless skating rink, inflatables and kids activities, 2:00-5:00 pm

Santa will be arriving via fire truck at 5:45pm where countdown to the lighting of our tree (lighting at 6pm) will begin!

The library will be offering free hot cocoa in the lobby and crafts for all ages in the Maker Studio

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY! AT GROSSDALE STATION 8820 ½ Brookfield Ave Activities for tree lighting begin at 5:30pm with the RBHS choir caroling! Santa will be arriving via fire truck at 5:45pm where countdown to the

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY! AT GROSSDALE STATION 8820 ½ Brookfield Ave

Activities for tree lighting begin at 5:30pm with the RBHS choir caroling! Santa will be arriving via fire truck at 5:45pm where countdown to the lighting of our tree (lighting at 6pm) will begin! We

First National Bank Brookfield, ice sculptor, 2:00pm-4:00pm

SUPPORT BROOKFIELD! SHOP LOCAL!

Fill My Jar, holiday character visit and make your own reindeer food

Ink Your Wear, hot chocolate

…PLUS MORE throughout town!

Kris Kringle Market

recommend walking since the trolley can get very busy

Grossdale Station

Kringle Market

Merriment, cheer and supporting local this holiday

Brook

eld’s annual Holiday Celebration returns with focus on Kris Kringle Market, celebrating with small businesses

By JACKIE PISANO Contributing Reporter

Brookfield’s Holiday Celebration, the village’s beloved annual event which unites locals, village officials and business owners in yuletide fun, returns to kick of f the season of holiday festivities this Saturday, Dec. 7.

And, back by popular demand — and double the size from last year’s inaugural event — will be the celebration’s newest activity, the Kris Kringle Market, located at Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Setting the tone for the day of celebrations, the Kris Kringle Market will show-

case more than 70 local vendors selling an array of one-of-a-kind finds from local entrepreneurs and business owners, including jewelry, home goods, bakery and more.

In between browsing, visitors can purchase specialty market mugs designed by a student from Riverside Brookfield High School (while supplies last), and visitors ofage can satisfy their taste buds with mulled wine from Glunz Family Winery of Grayslake and crafted beers from Brookfield’s own Imperial Oak Brewing. Kids can visit the Letters to Santa station, where they’ll not only receive help in writing letters from elves, but also be guaranteed a letter back from Kris Kringle himself!

While at Village Hall, stop for a family photo op with a retro truck and Christmas trees — precisely, 12 in total, 10 of which will be donated following the celebration to Brookfield’s Share Food Share Love Food Pantry and two which will be raffled of f to the public.

“The Market and Holiday Celebration is such a family-friendly event and a great way to support everybody in our town,” said Gina Sharenow, a Brookfield resident and event organizer. “I think it’s a really great draw for people from even outside of Brookfield, to show the charm and camara-

derie that Brookfield has to offer.”

Sponsored by both the Village of Brookfield and Brookfield Chamber of Commerce, the rest of the festivities of the Holiday Celebration will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. along the Grand Avenue and Broadway Avenue business corridors, with a few festive stops featured in between.

Throughout the celebration, two courtesy trolleys will run continuously along five stops — Fill My Jar (3726 Prairie Ave.), 3735 Grand Boulevard, the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Public Library (3541 Park Ave.), Betty’s Flowers & Gifts (9138 Broadway Ave.) and S.E. Gross Middle School (3524 Maple Ave.)

Along the Fill My Jar route (Trolley Stop 1), visit the Historic Grossdale Station (8820 ½ Brookfield Ave.), where the museum will be open until 4 p.m. and a wood carver will show of f their rustic art talent until 5 p.m. Keep note — the station will also be the new site for this year’s tree lighting ceremony, which will close out the evening from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Fill My Jar will feature holiday

TODD BANNOR

Children with a snow-making Santa at the Brook eld Kris Kringle Market during the Brook eld Holiday Celebration last year.

A giant walk-in snow globe (le ) and a child (right) poses for a pho the Brook eld Holiday Celebration last year.

character visits and a station for kids to make their own reindeer food; Ink Your Wear, 8838 Brookfield Ave., will offer guests free hot chocolate; and Brookfield Breakfast, 3755 Grand Boulevard, will open its doors for extended dining hours through 5 p.m. — just in case mid-day pancakes or an omelet sound like just the thing you need to give you a yummy afternoon pick-me-up.

While down near 3735 Grand Boulevard (Trolley Stop 2), pose for photos with Santa until 4:30 p.m. at Irish Times, 8869 Burlington Ave.; catch a mythical fire breather at Burger Antics, 3740 Grand Boulevard; and stop inside Brennan Massage & Spa, 3700 Grand Boulevard, for gift card sales to give someone the gift of ache and pain relief this holiday season.

At the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Public Library (Trolley Stop 3), library staf f will be passing out free hot chocolate in the lobby and organizing crafts for all ages in their state-of-the-art Maker Studio.

At Betty’s Flowers & Gifts (Trolley Stop 4), take a break for some complimentary refreshments and sneak a peek at beautiful seasonal decor. Animal lovers can check out the fan-favorite petting zoo at the corner of Grand Boulevard and Washington

Avenue, west of Beach Avenue BBQ; and don’t forget to be wowed by the ice carver at First National Bank of Brookfield, 9136 Washington Ave.

At the celebration’s S.E. Gross Middle School stop (Trolley Stop 5), warm up inside the school and be entertained by the musically inclined youngsters of Brookfield and LaGrange Park with performances by the school’s band and choir throughout the afternoon. Inside the gym, a giant inflatable snow globe will be blown up for goofy photo ops for the kids, and holiday crafts, fun activities for the whole family and more active inflatable games will be available through 5 p.m. And, once you’re ready to brave the winter elements again, check out the iceless skating rink in the 9200 block of Broadway Ave. No need to lace up skates, just come as you are!

Of course, make sure you don’t miss the evening’s grand finale — the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Grossdale Station. At 5:30 p.m., carolers from Riverside Brookfield High School will set the mood with holiday tunes in anticipation of Santa’s arrival via fire truck at 5:45 p.m., where he will merrily lead the crowd in a countdown to light the tree promptly at 6 p.m.

TODD BANNOR

A young woman paints faces at Santa’s Toy Shop at the Brook eld Kris Kringle Market y Celebration last year.

Holiday Stroll 2024

RIVERSIDE

from page 11

Longcommon Road corridor for an array of fun activities, including an edible marshmallow craft sponsored by Riverside Parks and Recreation at the Water Tower; cookie treats at Riverside Plumbing Heating and Cooling, 3 Longcommon Ave.; holiday face painting at Riverside Prehop Cleaners, 9 Longcommon Ave.; a model train display and popcorn, hot chocolate and karaoke at Riverside Masonic Lodge, 40 Forest Ave.; holiday music and cookies at The Sandtrap Grill and Tap, 31 Forest Ave.; tamales and Mexican fruit punch at La Estancia, 25 Forest Ave.; and a petting zoo, pony rides, and hot chocolate and s’mores around the fire pit at Riverside Garage, 19 East Ave.

And, new this year bringing the libations outside of Riverside Garage will be BuckleDown Brewing from Lyons with their festive mobile beer garden — a Christmas-light wrapped truck offering adult patrons five different types of craft beers on tap for sale.

Riverside’s historic train station will be bustling all evening long with entertain-

ment and the new Santa’s Holiday Market. Catch holiday dance performances from the Riverside Brookfield High School poms team at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m., or jump in the fun yourself with learn-to-dance offerings at various times throughout the evening

The new Santa’s Holiday Market will feature vendors offering unique gift finds for everyone on your gift giving list, including hand stamped cards from Crafted by Sheila Gentile; felt and glass ornaments and paper house gifts by Gelse Tkalec; “Not your Average Oatmeal” children’s books by Riversider Abby Re gan; handmade artisan bath and body products including soy wax candles, shampoo bars and gift sets by Hilary Quinn of Hilary’s Soap Box; one-of-akind hand-crafted handbags and accessories by Mary Margaret Collins of Two Crazy Daisies; and homemade popcorn by Liz Carey of Carey Corn. Don’t forget to grab a balloon art piece by Tommy Twister while you’re at the market too.

Over at the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, stop for a photo and gifts with Santa and Mrs. Claus, children’s crafts and a Christmas book sale. Next door at Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, catch the music from the Riverside School District 96

HAPPY

HOLIDAYS from THE CORDIAL INN

The cordial inn is a great place to meet friends, catch a game, and enjoy the oldest neighborhood bar in the area. Open at 7am Mon-Sat and 11am on Sundays!

We serve great cheeseburgers, ice cold beer and seltzers, and excellent cocktails!

Visit our Facebook page for upcoming events and holiday hours!

9207 31st St., Brookﬁeld, Il 60513 • 708-485-9753 • thecordialinn@gmail.com Mon-Thursday 7am to 1:30am, Fri-Sat 7am - 2:30am, Sun 11am to 1:30am.

JAVIER GOVEA

Adults and children enjoy the model trains during the Riverside Holiday Stroll last year

Choir from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; watch Mr. D’s Magic & Illusion shows at 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.; visit the “Riverside 150” sesquicentennial street sign drawing ticket sales; and peek at Erika Vazanna’s solo art exhibition, “That Was Then, This Is Now,” on behalf of the Riverside Arts Center.

On the Quincy Street South corridor, pop into Black Book Studio, 33 E. Quincy St., for churros and Mexican hot chocolate; say hello at the Riverside Parks and Recreation Community Center, 43 E. Quincy St., for a Grinch photo opp and fun holiday crafts for the kids; and enjoy festive pony rides loading across from Jeff ’s Auto Garage, 20 E. Quincy St. While at Jeff ’s, catch Sugar Glider demonstrations, enjoy live music, and snack on Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs and chili. Along the Riverside Road/Quincy Street North area, go to Centre Physical Therapy, 1 Riverside Road, for performances by the Riverside Brookfield High School choir, and enjoy popcorn, kids crafts, and beer and wine; snap a Christmas selfie and catch giveaways at The Treehouse, 1 Riverside Road; enjoy hot chocolate, giveaways and face painting at both Next Level Wellness and Dulce Mami Cafe, 1 Riverside Road; hear The Maple Trio Jazz Band at First American Bank, 15 Riverside Road; visit the pop-up shop selling holiday art, artists exhibits and open studios for all ages at the Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St.; and see Santa’s Toy shop and grab a mylar balloon at Metal Mites, 26 E. Quincy St Over at Burlington Street South, see the

Elvis tribute artist performances from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Riverside Bank, 17 E. Burlington St.; listen to the Frozen Robins Carolers at @ Properties, 21 E. Burlington St.; enjoy cookies and a surprise that glows at Riverside Pilates Studio, 27 E. Burlington St; try a $5 brandyspiked holiday eggnog at The Chew Chew, 33 E. Burlington St.; sample the drinks and snacks at Northwood Oaks Investments, 37 E. Burlington St.; and be wowed by chocolate grappa and a limoncello tasting at Landmark Kitchen Design, 39 E. Burlington St

Finally, across the street along Burlington Street North, enter La Barra Restaurant, 2 E. Burlington St., for live music by Matt Scharpf, hot chocolate and holiday cheer; check out the baked goods sale, reindeer food and bows by Girl Scout Troop 45434 outside; visit Mike Adelsbach State Farm Insurance, 18 E. Burlington St., for giveaways, snacks and coloring books; say hello to the clergy and parishioners of St. Paul VI Parish and St. Mary School, 40 E. Burlington St., for kids activities, Christmas music, snacks and tamales; sample beer and wine at Riverside Foods, 48 E. Burlington St.; and decorate your very own felt Santa hat at Salon D’Amore, 52 E. Burlington St

And, as always, the old-fashioned Christmas vibes will abound as horse-and-wagon rides will convey visitors up and down Burlington Street. Loading and unloading will take place outside of Riverside Foods. Don’t forget to take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate the season like Riverside’s early residents did in the late 1800s!