Last year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the village of Deerfield provided a livestream of Mayor Harriet Rosenthal flipping the switch on the holiday Christmas tree.
This year, amid the sights and sounds of the season, Mayor Dan Shapiro lit the holiday tree during an in-person ceremony held Nov. 24 at Deerfield Village Centre Plaza.
Deerfield’s tree lighting event provides a kickoff to the holiday season.
This year’s event co-hosted by the village of Deerfield and the The Deerfield Bannockburn, Riverwoods, Chamber of Commerce, offered festive holiday music with complimentary treats and beverages provided by area businesses.
Shapiro plugged in the tree lights at 5 p.m. with help from Deerfield holiday helpers Bella Piro and Imogen Fry, both age 5.
David Fitzgerald, Deerfield’s communications director, says everyone is tired of virtual events and people want to engage and celebrate with friends and neighbors in a safe, outdoor setting.
“This is an important community tradition since 2015, the tree lighting brings a sense of place to the community, and highlights the small-town, neighborly feel of downtown Deerfield,” Fitzgerald said.
Public works crews estimated more than 25,000 holiday lights were installed throughout downtown Deerfield, including those that adorned the Centre Plaza tree and those that light the poles and corner park at Deerfield and Waukegan roads, Fitzgerald said.
“Now, more than ever too, we want to encourage our residents to shop local whenever possible,” Shapiro said.
Rebecca Piro attended the lighting ceremony.
“After COVID, it’s nice to have the chance to ring in the holiday season outside together with friends and family,” Piro said.
“From shopping to dining there’s no need to go anywhere else. We hope our residents and visitors will consider local first, when there are so many great options right in your hometown,” said Victoria Street, executive director of the chamber.
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter.