Festival of Trees and Tree Lighting with Santa Visit

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Celebrate the Season on River Street.

Sunday, December 3
TREE LIGHTING & VISIT WITH SANTA AT 5P

Monday, December 4 through Friday, December 29
FESTIVAL OF TREES at Village Hall and along River Street

Merry n Bright

The Village of Montgomery and the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Tree Lighting in front of the Village Hall on the first Sunday in December. The event features Santa Claus's prompt arrival at 5P by the Montgomery-Countryside Fire District fire engine, musical performances by area school children and local singers, strolling carolers, free hot chocolate and cookies, kids giveaways, and a coloring contest sponsored by local River Street businesses. Participants should dress for the weather as most activities are outdoors. 

In addition to lighting the tree outside Village Hall, the Festival of Trees kicks off which includes trees decorated by residents, families, businesses, and organizations both indoors at Village Hall and outdoors along River Street (between Webster & Mill). 

All are invited. Bring the family to meet Santa, he arrives promptly at 5P and will be onsite until 7P for visits and pictures. Area residents are invited to bring the whole family to meet Santa, have cookies and cocoa and vote for their favorite tree. For those unable to attend the Sunday event, the Festival of Trees will stay during the month of December. Indoor trees will be available for viewing during business hours at Village Hall 8A-4:30P Monday through Friday.

Montgomery Merry Bright

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Village Hall (200 N. River St.)
- Visit Santa
- Listen to the Oswego East Tri-M Honor Society in the Village Hall Board Room from 5:15-6:30P
- Stroll the building and view the Festival of Trees submissions from local community groups and businesses
- Stop in the Multi-Purpose Room for free crafts and write a letter to Santa with the volunteers from the Rotary Club of Montgomery 

Atrevete Confections (216 N. River St)
- Stop by Atrevete, take in the smells of their delicious pastries, and grab a free 6oz hot chocolate or splurge on one of their custom coffee creations!

Gray's Mill Estate (211 N. River St.)
- Stop in Gray's Mill Estate and pick up your free cookie bag to nibble on while you stroll - check out their gorgeous holiday decor
- The restaurant and bar will be open this evening. Make reservations in advance if you want to stay for dinner!

River Street DJ & Performances (centrally located in front of Village Hall)
4:30 - 5:00P | Get festive in the street with holiday music by local DJ
5:05P | Santa's Arrival & Tree Lighting
5:15P | Welcome
5:20P | Oswego East Jazz Ensemble "Spotlight"
5:40P | Nicholson Elementary School
6:00P | Oswego East Jazz Ensemble "Spotlight"
6:20P | Live Performance by professional carolers, the Festive Singers

2023 Event Sponsors

COMING SOON!

Festival of Trees Participants 2023

OUTDOORS
COMING SOON!

INDOORS
COMING SOON!

Sponsorship Opportunities are Available.
Spread holiday cheer and support the Montgomery community. Sponsor support goes directly back into the event to cover the cost of entertainment, add more lighting displays, and provide additional giveaways and activities for the community in the future years.

Email knemetz@montgomeryil.org or call 331-212-9010 for more information.

DOWNLOAD THE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsor the Event

FESTIVAL OF TREES REGISTRATION INFORMATION & GUIDELINES

CLICK TO REGISTER

Register for River Street Festival of Trees

OUTDOOR TREE PARTICIPANT

GMACC Member Fee $150
Non-GMACC Business Fee $200
Non-Profit (501c3) Fee $75
A live tree is provided. Tree Partner must provide outdoor weather-proof décor and lighting.


Feature your business or organization from December 4 through 30 along River Street for all to see. This is a great way to show support for the Montgomery community and showcase your brand to all who attend the Tree Lighting, visit River Street, or come to see the River Street Lights. The fee includes a 5-6' Douglas Fir purchased locally and includes installation, staking, and watering by the Village of Montgomery Public Works. Additionally, all outdoor tree sponsors will receive a 24"x18" corrugated sign with their logo to be staked in front of their tree and have a chance to win the 2023 Mayor's Choice Award. 

Decorating must occur between November 29 beginning at 8:30A and complete by December 2 at noon. 

CLICK TO REGISTER

Register for Village Hall Festival of Trees

INDOOR ARTIFICIAL TREE PARTICIPANT
GMACC Member Fee $0

Non-Profit or Resident Fee $0
Non-GMACC Member Business Fee $10

Indoor Festival of Tree Partners must provide an artificial tree, decor, and lighting. 

The Village will continue offering the traditional indoor tree festival, complete with community voting as in previous years. Participation in this contest is a great way to showcase your business or organization and support Montogmery indoors at Village Hall to showcase to all who attend the Tree Lighting or visit Village Hall between December 4-30. There is no fee for participation by GMACC members, nonprofits, or residents, but space is limited to 20 trees. Participants must provide a minimum 5' and maximum 9' artificial tree with decor and lighting. A sign will be distributed to each group to incorporate into your tree decor for proper labeling for the contest.

Tree decorating must occur between 8A-4:30P November 29, November 30, or December 1.