Sleigh Rides, Santa Visits At Home For The Holidays In Oak Park

OAK PARK, IL --- The streets of downtown Oak Park will be transformed into a festive holiday wonderland on Dec. 8 for the village's annual Home for the Holidays celebration, which hearkens back to Christmases past. Visitors can ride in a horse-drawn sleigh, hob-nob with Charles Dickens-inspired characters, and take photos with Santa during this fun, family-friendly event.

The festivities start at 10 a.m. with a free showing of the classic holiday film "It's a Wonderful Life" at Lake Theatre. Free horse-drawn carriage rides sleigh rides start boarding at 11 a.m. at 106 N. Marion and will ferry guests through town until 3 p.m.

Throughout the Home for the Holidays event, carolers will sing live holiday tunes and performers will bring to life characters that seem to have stepped right out of a tale by Charles Dickens. Of course Santa Claus will make an appearance as well, giving kids a chance to share their holiday wish lists before he heads back to the North Pole.

If you get chilly, you can warm up with hot cocoa and freshly baked goods in the warming tent.

What: Home for the Holidays in Downtown Oak Park

When: Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Marion Street at Lake and North

Image via Shutterstock