To Do: Enjoy Christmas In The Commons Now Through Jan. 6

It’s the holiday season, and the village of New Lenox is celebrating with Christmas in the Commons events all month long. The annual event officially kicked off on Sunday with the lighting of the giant illuminated Santa Claus in front of City Hall, along with a host of activities for all to enjoy.

Christmas is the Commons is open daily for family and friends to enjoy now through January 6 at the Village Commons, located at 101 Veterans Parkway in New Lenox. Every evening at dusk, the holiday lights display can be viewed by all.

Parents can also bring their children to drop off letters in Santa’s Mailbox, next to the giant illuminated Santa Claus. All letters must be received by December 16 to receive a personal reply from Santa.

The Village of New Lenox and the New Lenox Community Park district are giving festival goers an opportunity to enjoy ice skating on two rinks this year. For those with their own skates, the rinks are open 24 hours a day. Skate rentals are also available for $5 ($5.50 with credit card) at varying times and days.

Special Christmas in the Commons events continue this weekend with ShareFest and a beer tasting featuring local breweries. Check out the list of weekend events:

· The ShareFest “Love Thy Neighbor” event will take place on December 8 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 50 pallets of gifts, including food, clothes and more, are expected to be given away to those in need.

· The Craft Beer Tastings are scheduled for December 8 and 15 and will feature local breweries including Arrowhead Ale House, Hickory Creek Brewing and Tribes Beer. This event will be held in the lower level of Village Hall. Drink tickets will be sold for $4 each (cash only). Attendees must be 21 years of age for all purchases.

· The Holiday Market is back again this year and will run every Saturday and Sunday through December 23 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Dozens of amazing vendors will be onsite and vary each weekend. The full list of vendors can be found here.

· The Holiday Sweets and Treats Sale will take place on December 22 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Candy, pretzels, baked goods and more can be purchased to enjoy or give as a gift for the holidays. The list of local businesses selling their sweets and treats can be found here.

The festival will be closed for the holidays on December 24 and December 25, as well as January 1. For all information on Christmas in the Commons 2018, visit the Village of New Lenox’s website.

Image via John Ferak/Patch Editor