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Mundelein offers host of holiday activities
Mundelein, 3/23/01 --Pioneer Press Columnist, Millie Maughton.
Updated: January 2, 2012 8:14AM
As the holiday season revs up, that to-do list gets exponentially longer. Which is why it seems especially nice to find things to do close to home and not some far-flung activity that takes a full tank of gas in order to go.
An annual favorite is the tree-lighting ceremony in Mundelein, which takes place Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Kracklauer Park. Here is something to enjoy with your family, neighbors and friends. The Jazz Spectrum will provide music while guests are able to savor some hot chocolate and sweets. Of course the big jolly guy himself will be there to add to the merriment and delight in fireworks.
Also beginning Dec. 2 are visits to Santa’s cottage after the tree-lighting ceremony until 8 p.m. Santa will also be available to hear holiday wish lists from kids of all ages for the first three Saturdays of Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from noon-3 p.m. Good boys and girls will receive goodie bags from Santa as well hot cocoa and cookies. This annual event has been around since my kids were little and are sure to provide great memories so bring your camera.
Of course our police has always gotten into the holiday spirit. Why not round out the night and head over to the police department for the 3rd Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction? This fundraiser helps the Mundelein Police Academy donate items back to the MPD. The event goes from 5:30-8 p.m. with reasonable ticket prices and children under 4 can eat for free. Call (847) 968-3780 for more details. If you are headed over there, don’t forget that they also serve as a Toys for Tots location. Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off in the lobby until Dec. 16.
Over at Fremont Library, check out the North Central O Gaugers Holiday Train Run. They have a workshop on the second floor of the library, and it is always a sight to see. Viewing is available next weekend from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday.
For a way to get in the holiday spirit and avoid headaches at the mall, District 73’s PTO is sponsoring their annual Winter Boutique Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Hawthorn Middle South School. A great place to find some special holiday gifts, this event will also feature refreshments and unique activities such as Ed Gaus and his Community Drum Circle.
Our park district is hosting a unique way to get a little exercise in while helping others. Santa will be leading classes Sunday morning that only cost a non-perishable food donation to join him. You can decide if you want to Cycle with Santa, do some H20 Fitness with Santa, Total Body Conditioning with Santa or try some Core Combo with Santa. Check their website for details and times.
And those are just a few things around town just this weekend. Despite all of the running around, it is nice to be home (or at least stay close to home) for the holidays.
Contact Mundelein Musings at: millienaughton@att.net
