Veterans Park District, which includes a portion of Franklin Park, is hosting two holiday “Winter Wonderland” drive-thru events in Northlake and Melrose Park. Residents will be able to enjoy holiday decorations and Christmas music and wave to Santa Claus — all from the safety of their cars to limit social contact during the pandemic.
The park district will give each family a tote bag full of holiday-themed treats, prizes, and crafts, including a mini gingerbread hut kit, and a holiday goody bag for each child in the vehicle.
“We have had to reinvent the way we serve our residents this holiday season,” Assistant Director of Recreation Greg Stanczyk said in a news release. “Due to the pandemic, two of Veterans Park District’s most cherished winter traditions, Winter Fest and Breakfast with Santa, can’t happen. So, we hope the Winter Wonderland festivities will bring some warmth to what looks to be an otherwise cold winter.”
The Dec. 12 event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grant Park Recreation Center, 44 W. Golfview Drive, Northlake.
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The Dec. 19 event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bulger Park, 1601 Hirsch Street, Melrose Park.
Both events are free to anyone and don’t require registration.
In Northlake, children can wave to Santa, who will be in a horse-drawn sleigh. They can take photos with him from a distance, but only after they leave the car queue, said Terri Gregory, marketing and special events coordinator for the park district. Santa will also visit the event in Melrose Park.
“There will be holiday decorations, Christmas music, (and) hopefully, maybe, a little light, fresh snow — not too much,” Gregory said in an interview.
The park district serves all or portions of Northlake, Melrose Park, River Grove, Franklin Park, and Leyden Township. Visit vpdpark.org for more information about the events.