Westmont's annual Holly Days festival returns Dec. 5 with a parade, tree lighting and carol sing-along in downtown.

The evening begins at 4:45 p.m. with a Christmas carol sing-along at Addington Plaza near the Westmont Train Station, featuring members of the Westmont High School Choir, according to a Village of Westmont announcement.

The Frosty & Friends Parade follows at 5 p.m. with more than 30 entries. The village describes the route starting at Cass Avenue and Naperville Road, heading south on Cass Avenue, crossing the tracks and turning west on West Quincy Street. The Westmont Park District's event page lists the parade running down Cass Avenue from Chicago Avenue to Quincy Street.

"The Frosty and Friends Parade is a great kickoff to the Holly Days month-long festival," Mayor Steve Nero said in the village announcement.

After the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will light the village tree at Addington Plaza. Families can then head inside the Westmont Train Station for free pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Frosty.

The kickoff evening also includes downtown business open houses, according to the Park District.

Holly Days stretches through December with events and programs hosted by the Westmont Park District, the Westmont Public Library, the Westmont Historical Society, Westmont Special Events and the Village of Westmont.

Two charitable drives launch the same week. The Holly Days Giving Tree at the Westmont Community Center lets residents pick a star representing a neighbor in need and purchase a gift. Stars are available beginning Tuesday, Nov. 3, and gifts should be returned to the Community Center no later than Dec. 3.

A Holly Days Food Drive also begins Tuesday, Nov. 3. Residents can drop off non-perishable items at the Community Center or the Westmont Public Library through Dec. 18.

The full schedule will be posted at westmont.illinois.gov.

Upcoming Westmont, Woodridge and Downers Grove community dates:

  • Tuesday, Nov. 3 — Holly Days Giving Tree stars available and Food Drive collections begin at the Westmont Community Center
  • Dec. 3 — Deadline to return Giving Tree gifts to the Westmont Community Center
  • Dec. 5 — Holly Days kickoff: carol sing-along (4:45 p.m.), Frosty & Friends Parade (5 p.m.) and tree lighting at Addington Plaza
  • Dec. 18 — Last day for Holly Days Food Drive donations