More Top Picks Best Wine Cellars
player ready...A popular annual event with a long history in Clarendon Hills returns to the downtown area from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday with a new name.
After 65 years of calling the early December event the Christmas Walk, the updated name is the Clarendon Hills Holiday Walk and Market.
The updating of the name from Christmas Walk to Holiday Walk was necessary in order to comply with the bylaws of the event’s sponsor, the Clarendon Hills Chamber of Commerce, said Derek Berg, that organization’s president.
The Chamber bylaws state that its activities shall be nonpartisan, nonsectional and nonsectarian.
“The Chamber understands that this event is a cherished tradition for many families and residents, as well as our businesses,” Berg said. “We want to assure everyone that their favorite features from the past will continue, along with the opportunity to gather as a community during this most wonderful time of the year.”
Expected highlights of the Holiday Walk and Market include horse-drawn carriage rides, a visit from Santa, food available for purchase and eight vendors selling holiday-related items in a tent.
“I think that the Holiday Walk is a great event for the community because it continues the theme we have all year of casual family interactions in the village,” Village President Len Austin said. “This gives all the new families and their children an opportunity to meet and have fun.”
Austin said he also thinks the Holiday Walk provides downtown businesses a great opportunity to show off their offerings and remind people what is available when they shop local.
“And I also think it’s a great start to the festive holiday season, which can be stressful at times, but a celebration for all that we have to be thankful for,” he said.
Along with the Holiday Walk and Market, the Chamber of Commerce also is sponsoring a tree decorating contest in the village, which allows families, businesses and organizations to participate.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.