The Oak Brook Park District’s popular free Winter Lights at Central Park program began Thursday Nov. 24 and continues through Jan. 8.
Visitors may walk each day from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. through a lit up and decorated one-half mile of Central Park, 1450 Forest Gate Road.
Decorations along the walk include dancing trees, colorful rainbow arches, cascading snowflakes, twirling icicles, colored butterflies, and musical hearts.
Park District staff said there are several good photo opportunities throughout the walk.
The walking path is a one-way, looped circle, which aids in social distancing, Park District staff said. The path will be closed at 9:30 p.m. each night and during inclement weather. Dogs are allowed if on a leash.
On some of the Winter Lights dates, participants will be able to warm up before, after, or during a walk through the park at the Cocoa Cabin, which is located at the Park District’s Central Park West, 1500 Forest Gate Road.
Park District staff said The Coco Cabin is decorated with snowflakes and lights, and there will be a variety of seasonal refreshments for sale, including cookies, candy canes and hot chocolate.
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The Cocoa Cabin is open from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 25-27, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 29. Dec. 1 is being billed as S’mores Night, and Dec. 15 features and appearance from Olaf, a fictional character from Disney’s “Frozen” franchise.
While Winter Lights is free to attend, donations are being accepted to benefit the Peoples Resource Center and The Oak Brook Park District Foundation.
The Wheaton-based People’s Resource Center states that it exists to respond to basic human needs, promote dignity and justice, and create a future of hope and opportunity for DuPage County residents.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.