Holiday Season In Mokena Begins With Festival, Parade

MOKENA, IL - Mokena residents will ring in the holiday season this weekend with a number of activities planned throughout the day across town. It's a day packed with fun planned by the Mokena Chamber of Commerce. A day that will culminate with the annual "Parade of Lights" through the village downtown.

The day gets started with the "Christmas Fest" activities planned at Mokena Elementary School from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17. Here's a look at what to expect through the day via the Chamber:

Santa’s Workshop, Crafters 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Mokena Elementary School, 11244 Willowcrest Lane

- Your child can join Santa’s workshop and create Christmas decorations, write letters to Santa and more.

Lunch & Pictures with Santa 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Mokena Elementary School

Lunch: Supplied by The Creamery, $5 Hot dog or Sloppy Joe, with chips and soda or water. Nachos $3. Pictures: $5 (you can also take your own)

- Get those holiday pictures with Santa right here in Mokena.

Mitten Bin: Please bring mittens, hats and scarves to be donated to local families in need.

Entertainment: Balloon Artist and Magic Show 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Mokena Elementary School

Village Tree Decorating noon to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Corner of Front & Mokena Streets (northeast end of Metra Lot)

- Everyone’s invited to create their own decorations to proudly hang on the tree.

Group Photo:

Location: Front and Mokena streets 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

- Please join us to recreate the group photo that was taken 10 years ago on the corner of Front and Mokena Streets. Photos will be available for sale at a later date. Photo to be taken at exactly 3:30.

READ MORE: Mokena Residents Sought For Historic Aerial Photo Of Town

Hot Chocolate & Cookies 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Location: FNBC Bank, 11100 Front Street

- Stop in and take the chill off with a cup of hot chocolate and some cookies.

Parade of Lights 5 p.m.

Location: Front Street - Downtown Mokena

The 15th annual Christmas Fest “Parade of Lights” will kickoff at 5 p.m.

- Join Santa in the holiday excitement with the traditional Parade of Lights.

Tree Lighting Ceremony & Caroling Immediately following the parade

Location: Corner of Front & Mokena Streets (northeast end of Metra Lot)
- Light up your eyes with the Spirit of Christmas, dazzling lights, and singing.

Family Christmas Dance Immediately following Tree Lighting – 10 p.m.
Location: Mokena VFW Post #725, 19852 S. Wolf Road
Adults - $5, Kids - $3, Under 2 – Free.
- The whole family can have fun while our DJ supplies the music & good times.

Photo courtesy of Mokena Chamber of Commerce