Holida y Stroll 2025
annual Holiday Stroll PAGE 17
A re breather during the Brook eld Holiday Celebration last year.
BAnnual holiday celebration returns along village’s business dist ricts Dec. 6
By JACKIE PISANO Contributing Reporter
rookfield’s beloved Holiday Celebration — the village’s annual Christmastime event uniting residents, business owners and village officials in yuletide joy — is back to kick off the holiday season this weekend.
Co-sponsored by the village and Brookfield’s Chamber of Commerce, this year’s Holiday Celebration will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 from 2 to 6 p.m. along the Grand Boulevard and Broadway Avenue business corridors, with festive stops in between, including Brookfield Village Hall and Historic Grossdale Station.
Throughout the afternoon, guests are welcome to park for free in the village’s business districts, stroll
on foot or hop aboard a courtesy trolley, which will run continuously among six stops: Brookfield Village Hall (8820 Brookfield Ave.), The Shop Salon & Style House (3735 Grand Boulevard), the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Public Library (3541 Park Ave.), the 9100 block of Broadway Avenue, S.E. Gross Middle School (9235 Broadway Ave.) and the 3700 block of Grand Boulevard
Bob Uphues, communications and marketing manager for the Village of Brookfield, says the event — now several decades in existence — is just one of the village’s many ways in which it showcases prioritizing providing locals with an old-fashioned, hometown-feel event to start the holiday season of f on the right foot.
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PHOTO BY TODD BANNOR
BROOKFIELD
from page 11
“While some towns may have scaled back from these large-scale events, Brookfield has been expanding its offerings,” he says. “The holiday celebration has gone on for many decades, and people count on it to kick off the holiday season. It showcases the businesses in our community and is important for the community to feel like they have an event they can show off.”
And though the event has existed for many years, Uphues adds that Brookfield’s newest residents have shared seeing great value and pleasure in the celebration as well.
“The community really appreciates that Brookfield is able to exude this small-town aura,” he said. “A lot of the new, young families who have moved to Brookfield over the last decade really appreciate that the village is still leveraging that small-town feel, and this event helps tie people to the community.”
Back for its third year is the fan-favorite Kris Kringle Market — this year, all weekend long. Located at Brookfield Village Hall, the market will run Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6
p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., bringing more seasonal magic and two full days of soaking in the holiday spirit
The market will showcase more than 70 local vendors selling an array of unique finds from local entrepreneurs and business owners, including jewelry, home goods and gourmet bakery. Shop and stroll through a sparkling winter wonderland with the market’s exclusive collector’s mug in hand (while supplies last) and be inspired by the creativity of vendors, including kids who are part of the Brookfield Far mer’s Market’s Young Entrepreneurs program.
With the help of Santa’s elves, kids are invited to write heartfelt letters to Santa, and all postmarked letters are guaranteed to receive a response. Afterwards, strike a pose at one of the market’s many holiday-themed photo backdrops.
“The market is very loved, and every year we’re growing with vendors,” said Gina Sharenow, a Brookfield resident and market organizer. “I think it’s a nice, cherished community event where you don’t have to go into Chicago or Aurora to enjoy a Christmas market. And we’re really giving
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HAPPY
The cordial inn is a great place to meet friends, catch a game, and enjoy the oldest neighborhood bar in the area.
HOLIDAYS from THE CORDIAL INN
Open at 7am Mon-Sat and 11am on Sundays!
We serve great cheeseburgers, ice cold beer and seltzers, and excellent cocktails! 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.
Additional Free Parking at the corner of Maple and 31st
Visit our Facebook page for upcoming events and holiday hours!
Santa Claus during the Brook eld Holiday Celebration last year.
Holiday Stroll 2025
BROOKFIELD
from page 13
to our community in regards to local usinesses being represented at the market and independent local vendors really capitalizing. It’s about giving back to small community shops.”
Both days at the market will also feature a new “Gift of Giving Tree” — an opportufor visitors to bring a non-perishable item or winter clothing item (like hats, es, coats and scarves). Each item donated earns donors a raffle ticket, and a $250 ash raffle winner will be chosen on Sunday “We’re hoping that in light of everything going on these days that we can help families in the community,” Sharenow added.
While along Trolley Stop 1, visit Historic Grossdale Station (8820 ½ Brookfield Ave.), here the museum will be open until 4 p.m.; and catch live woodcarving demonstrations wcasing rustic art talents until 5 p.m. ep note — Grossdale Station is now the permanent home of the celebration’s Christmas tree lighting, which will close out the evening from 5 to 5:30 p.m.
Along Trolley Stop 2, keep warm with the
Help set the table for change
The expression, “putting food on the table”, has taken on a deeper meaning this holiday season. Our food pantry is facing an unexpected challenge. e food bank that supplies the majority of our food has put us on notice: We will not receive the usual volume of holiday food supplies this year, due to federal cuts in funding.
We’re all neighbors here. at’s how it’s been since we started out 10 years ago in a local church basement. It wasn’t long before we became an independent, 501(c)3 non-pro t organization. And when the church went out of business, the sale of the church property was donated to the pantry. at assured the launch of the pantry, helping to pay for the 7,000 square foot former factory building we
now occupy.
e Share Food Share
Love food pantry is a place where everyone can truly “make a di erence”. Our two-fold mission is to help reduce hunger in our area and the causes of that hunger. We have set out to do this by “connecting the four corners of community”. Bringing together all who are shareholders in a shared cause: Neighbors in need, volunteers, donors, and strategic partners.
Back in 2015, our small food pantry was visited by 860 neighbors. Last year, the pantry was visited nearly 5,000 times. Along the way, we’ve learned that setting the table for community driven change really is possible, when enough of us come together to upli all of us.
chill in the air and indulge in free hot chocolate at Ink Your Wear/Computech Pro (8838 Brookfield Ave.); meet-and-greet with your favorite characters from Disney’s “Frozen” and make your own reindeer food at Fill My Jar (3726 Prairie Ave.); snap a family photo during your wish list sharing visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Irish Times (8869 Burlington Ave.); catch mythical fire performers at Burger Antics (3740 Grand Boulevard); and grab a second cup of hot chocolate while shopping for one-of-a-kind natural, botanical skincare products — all for 20% off — at Luxxe Honor (3745 Grand Boulevard).
At Trolley Stop 3’s Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Public Library, staff will be passing out free hot chocolate and organizing crafts for all ages in their state-of-the-art Maker Studio until 6 p.m.
When making your way down to Trolley Stop 4, enjoy even more hot chocolate, kids holiday crafts and a Mom-Made Market from 1 to 3 p.m. at Winnie’s Playroom (9039 Monroe Ave.) — Brookfield’s new children’s indoor play space. Want to snack on some fun treats while shopping for hair products? Then head over to GoodxTimes Barbershop (3501 Maple Ave.), where you can buy two items, get $5 off your total for hair products, shirts and hats. Animal lovers can check out
woman and child at Brook eld’s Kris Kringle Market last year.
the fan-favorite petting zoo from 1 to 4 p.m. at the corner of Grand Boulevard and Washington Avenue, west of Beach Avenue BBQ Have you ever tried playing tic-tac-toe with ice? If not, then now’s your chance at the interactive ice game station at First National Bank of Brookfield (9136 Washington Ave.)
Along the S.E. Gross Middle School route (Trolley Stop 5), warm up inside the school and be entertained by the musically inclined youngsters of Brookfield and La Grange Park’s with performances by the school’s holiday band and choir throughout the afternoon. Inside the gym, a giant inflatable snow globe will be blown up for fun photo ops for the kids, along with other inflatables and fun activities for the kids. If you’re ready to showcase your twists, twirls and speed on skates, check out the iceless ice rink inside the school.
Across the street, join neighbors for fellowship over hot chocolate and another chance at making reindeer food at Palacky Lodge Odd Fellows (9234 Broadway Ave.) While there, don’t forget to purchase $10 raffle tickets for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch 2 and other exciting gift basket options. For the cycle-minded visitors, come say “hello” at Gears2You (9219 Broadway Ave.) and get a free bike headlight with your tuneup. More warm beverages, including free hot apple cider, can be found at Just Wallpaper (9219 Broadway Ave.). Join in the creative fun for free ornament making at Compassion Factory (9210 Broadway Ave.) and grab free s’mores at Beach Avenue BBQ (3453 Grand Boulevard).
Holiday Stroll 2025
And, this year’s introduction of the Brookfield Shops to town means even more opportunities for holiday cheer at the celebration! Located at Progress Park (9202 Broadway Ave.), the village’s innovative retail incubator program features local entrepreneurs and artisans with one-of-akind finds in seasonal mini retail sheds. At Four Star Coffee, kids can indulge in a winter wonderland hot chocolate bar, and adults can try out holiday espresso martinis. Frost With Us will be passing out holiday-flavored sweets and a holiday hot chocolate flight. At New Book Joy, adults can enjoy a complimentary glass of red wine, and book purchases come with complimentary holiday glasses. Adults looking for more fun Christmas libations can visit Rites of Wellness for spiked spiced cider or mulled wine, taste hot chocolate chai and see what shopping discounts are available. Organic Jewelry will have holiday specials and The Shop/Style House Boutique will be featuring a sale of buy one full-priced item, get an accessory for half of f. When you’re shopped out, test your hand at a frozen game of ice bags at the park — just don’t forget your gloves and mittens!
Of course, make sure you don’t miss the evening’s grand finale — the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Grossdale Station. At 5 p.m., carolers from RiversideBrookfield High School will set the mood with holiday tunes in anticipation of Santa’s arrival via fire truck, where he will merrily lead the crowd in a countdown to illuminate the tree at 5:30 p.m.
Fi y years of holiday cheer
By JACKIE PISANO Contributing Reporter
For half a century, the Village of Riverside has joyfully kicked of f the Christmas season with its beloved Holiday Stroll — an early December tradition spreading yuletide cheer and neighborly camaraderie in the old-fashioned way only Riverside can. And this year, the holiday magic returns on Friday, Dec. 5, where from 5:30 to 9 p.m., the heart of downtown Riverside and the business districts will be abuzz with festive open houses, seasonal entertainment and engaging activities for guests of all ages
Longtime Riverside resident Amy Re gan, who serves on the Holiday Stroll’s committee, says this year’s milestone celebration of the event is a continued point of pride for business leaders and residents alike and truly illuminates Riverside’s sense of hometown pride.
“This year, we’re celebrating 50 years of a fantastic holiday tradition,” she said. “The entire village opens up — it’s festive and fun, and it’s great to see so many people come out. The streets being blocked of f means that ev eryone is in the middle of the celebrations and it’s so welcoming and fun in a locally
Holiday Stroll 2025
centric way. It doesn’t matter what the weather is, so many people come out because they want to celebrate the season.”
And for the first time, the stroll’s Christmas tree lighting will be officially christened as “The Brian Brennan Memorial Tree Lighting Ceremony” in memory of the late Brian Brennan, a beloved longtime Riverside resident, Realtor and coach who served as the lead organizer of the Holiday Stroll for 30 years and passed away suddenly this past February. For his service and generosity to the village, Brennan was even honored for his contributions in 2004 as Riverside’s Man of the Year.
“He single-handedly organized the Holiday Stroll for three decades, and to celebrate his le gacy and generosity to our village, the tree lighting will forever be named in his honor,” Re gan said.
Stroll magic officially starts at 5:30 p.m., when Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive via fire truck at Centennial Park (Longcommon Road and Forest Avenue), mingling with guests before helping village officials and local children illuminate the grand Christmas tree at 6 p.m. To commemorate 50 years of the event, members of the RiversideBrookfield High School poms squad will be carrying 50 colorful lanterns leading the fire truck and the Clauses to the park.
Immediately following the tree lighting, stick around the Centennial Plaza/East Avenue/North Longcommon Road corridor for an array of fun activities. Riverside Parks and Recreation will be hosting a sugar-filled make-and-take holiday treat station at the Water Tower; Riverside Plumbing and Cooling, 3 Longcommon Ave., will feature an open house with yummy cookie treats; Salon Elia, 5 Longcommon Ave., will have hummus cups, gluten-free cookies and face painting for kids; Rosie’s Tailor Shop and Cleaners, 9 N. Longcommon, will be home to Christmas stocking decorating; Riverside Masonic Lodge, 40 Forest Ave., will feature a model train display, popcorn, hot chocolate and open mic karaoke; and Riverside Garage, 18 East Ave., will also be featuring its fan-favorite model train display, petting zoo, pony rides, hot chocolate and s’mores around a warm fire pit (courtesy of Young Life and the Boy Scouts). For adults looking for some fun libations, BuckleDown Brewing will also be in the area selling craft beer out of their trailer
Riverside’s historic train station will be
bustling all evening long with entertainment and the second season of the Santa Holiday Artisan Market. Catch upbeat holiday dance performances by the RB poms team — which is headed to the National Dance Team Championships this winter — every 15 minutes from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Join their workshops and perform with the squad in their next performance!
Vinette, Riverside’s new boutique wine shop located inside the train station, will offer wine samplings and tastings for adults looking to add a special something to the holiday celebrations
Back for the second year, the Santa Holiday Artisan Market will feature local 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; Riverside apparel and throw pillows by the Riverside Junior Woman’s Charity; handcrafted popcorn by Liz Carey of Carey Corn; one-of-a-kind hand-crafted handbags and small accessories by Mary Margaret Collins of Two Crazy Daisies; handmade artisan bath and body products including soy wax candles, shampoo bars and gift sets by Hilary Quinn of Hilary’s Soap Box; “Not Your Average Oatmeal” children’s books by Riversider Abby Regan; and “Olmsted’s Riverside: Stewardship Meets Innovation in a Landmark Village” book sales by author Cathy Jean Maloney. 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 family photo and gifts with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy children’s crafts, and purchase 2025 Riverside ornaments or a Christmas book at the book sale Next door at Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, sit back to the cheerful sounds of Christmas music from the Riverside School District 96 Fourth and Fifth Grade Choir from 6:30 to 7 p.m.; witness wild fun with an interactive bug and reptile presentation by The Reptile Den from 6 to 9 p.m.; and browse at two-dimensional snow globe art and water color paintings by District 96 fifthand seventh-grade students
Along the Riverside Road/Quincy Street corridor, visit Centre Physical Therapy, 1 Riverside Road, for free crafts, adult beverages and unique vendors; The Treehouse, 1 Riverside Road, for savory hot chocolate and a holiday dance party in partnership with Hauser Junior High School’s PTO; First American Bank, 15 Riverside Road, for popcorn and surprise prizes; Jeff ’s Auto Garage, 20 E. Quincy St., for live sugar glider demonstrations, Italian beef sandwiches,
dogs and classical winter music by Winter’s Night Orchestra; Metal Mites Inc., 36 E. Quincy St., for Santa’s workshop, colorful balloons and popcorn; the Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., for hot chocolate and bourbon apple cider (for the adults), a ceramics pop-up shop and to create your own luminary lantern to light up the Sculpture Garden; and the Parks and Rec Community Center, 43 E. Quincy St., for a photo op with everyone’s favorite holiday curmudgeon, The Grinch, and inclusive holiday crafting sponsored by the West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA).
As always, Riverside’s old-fashioned Christmas vibes will abound outdoors as pony cart rides will take place all evening long, with loading and unloading taking place this year in front of the Parks and Rec Community Center. Take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate the season like Riverside’s early residents did in the late 1800s! Over at Burlington Street South, jam out with ’50s and ’60s rock ‘n’ roll hits with Elvis tribute performances at Riverside Bank, 17 E. Burlington St.; listen to the Frozen Robins Carolers while enjoying scrumptious holiday treats at @Properties, 21 E. Burlington St.; enjoy a $5 brandy-spiked holiday eggnog at The Chew Chew, 33 E. Burlington St.; and
Holiday Stroll 2025
sample a variety of refreshments presented by Ride Riverside at Northwood Oaks In vestments, 37 E. Burlington St. Finally, across the street along Burlington Street North, enter La Barra Restaurant, 2 E. Burlington St., for live holiday music; be one of the first 250 visitors for tote bags with water, candy, calendars and holiday cheer at Mike Adelsbach State Farm Insurance, 18 E. Burlington St.; say hello to the clergy and parishioners of St. Paul VI Parish and St. Mary School, 40 E. Burlington St., while enjoying Christmas caroling and popcorn; and decorate ornament crafts, try your hand at holiday “carol-oke” and purchase ornaments with proceeds benefiting Lurie Children’s Hospital at Salon D’Amore, 52 E. Burlington St. In front of Village Center will be tents this year featuring a bake sale of homemade cookies and dog greats by Girl Scouts; light-up holiday novelties by Baird & War ner La Grange and Oak Park; education on recreational cannabis and free swag by Star Buds Dispensary; bags of coffee for sale by Sloan Coffee Roasting; raffles and hot chocolate with Next Level Wellness; sensory bins and kids crafts by Le Village Cowork/ Old Route 66; and an opportunity to meet local athletes and learn about joining local club soccer with the RBFC Soccer Club.
TODD BANNOR
A young boy views a Christmas window dur ing the Riverside Holiday Stroll last year
