Seven-year-old Ben Baker wasn’t yet sure what he was going to ask Santa Claus for before the anticipated guest arrived at the annual Clarendon Hills Christmas Walk Friday riding a firetruck.
Ben was trying to decide between a yo-yo and a robot, but he definitely was excited about seeing Santa while attending his first Christmas Walk with his parents, Elissa and Dan Baker, and his little brother, George, 22 months.
Ben’s mom and dad were also quite impressed with what they saw during their first experience at what has been a longstanding tradition in the village.
“I love the idea of everyone coming together,” Dan Baker said. “It’s great to see all the kids playing and having fun.”
Presented by the Clarendon Hills Chamber of Commerce, mainly on Prospect Avenue, the Christmas Walk started at 6 p.m. with a tree lighting at Village Hall and included horse-drawn carriage rides, strolling carolers, ice sculptor Jacob Newton, roasted chestnuts and candied nuts, live music by Cirrus Falcon, games from the Clarendon Hills Park District and the 7 p.m. arrival of Santa.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to get together during the holiday season,” said Ben Petersen, who moved three months ago to Clarendon Hills from Connecticut with his wife, Teresa and son, Luke, 9.
Mary Woloszyn has lived in Clarendon Hills for six years, but had never been to a Christmas Walk before.
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“It’s lovely,” she said. “It’s everyone coming together, and it’s local.”
Woloszyn attended the Christmas Walk with her husband and two sons. Emmett McCarthy, 8, the younger son, was excited to be there.
“I’m going to explore the stores, have pizza and see Santa,” he said.
Village Board member Don Knoll, who has lived in the village for the past 17 years, said the Christmas Walk never gets old.
“I love to get out and meet new residents and see people interacting with each other,” he said. “We have a lot of young families now in Clarendon Hills, and it’s great to see so many of them here, having a good time.”