The villages of East and West Dundee will host their annual holiday celebration, “Dickens in Dundee,” on Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, with family friendly activities planned on both sides of the Fox River.

East Dundee’s Depot kicks off the festivities at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 with a tree lighting accompanied by the Dundee-Crown High School Chamber Choir The short ceremony will be followed by horse-drawn trolley rides, strolling Victorian Carolers and pictures with Santa at The Depot. New this year are Neu Family Dental’s “Winter Wonderland” and photos with live reindeer.

At 7 p.m., the high school choir will perform at the Village of West Dundee tree lighting ceremony. Visits with Santa and Shop with a Cop Raffle will take place at Village Hall; 6-8p. Bikini Bottom Bar will also be hosting a “Toys for Tots Collection” from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. in West Dundee.

A cornerstone event within the two- day celebration is the display of living windows celebrating the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol,” or just the season in general. The windows are showcased in  the storefronts of the downtown business district, along Main Street in West Dundee and River Street in East Dundee from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday Dec. 4.

At 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, everyone’s invited to West Dundee’s “Dickens Breakfast” at the VFW Post and at 9 a.m. for “Breakfast with Santa” at Randall Oaks Golf Club.  At 10 a.m. “The Spirit of Christmas Parade” will begin at Second Street in West Dundee and travel across the Main Street Bridge into East Dundee, ending at The Depot on River and Railroad Streets.

Following the parade are a multitude of activities for the whole family, including horse-drawn trolley rides at The Depot, nativity walks, community church open houses with baked goods, treats, unique gifts, and drop-in gingerbread house decorating. Children of all ages can enjoy Santa, crafts and a petting zoo at Grafelman Park. Or everyone can settle in for the reading of “A Christmas Carol” at Mansion Bed and Breakfast in West Dundee or a presentation on the “Hidden History of A Christmas Carol” at the Fox Valley Library in East Dundee.

For those with a competitive holiday spirit, Dickens in Dundee hosts two different contests.  Gingerbread House decorators can display their talents from Dec. 1 to Dec. 5, with final judging taking place at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.  Entries must be made of gingerbread, edible with a base size smaller than 18 inches. Drop off entries at Piece-A-Cake Bakery, 319 N. River St., East Dundee.

Local residents and businesses are encouraged to decorate with lights and displays throughout the holidays in a variety of categories in West Dundee’s Holiday Decorating Contest. Participants must register by December 1. For more information visit www.dickensindundee.org.

“We’re inviting everyone to enjoy the holiday season and to discover all that we have in our newly redeveloped downtown Dundee business district,” said East Dundee Village President Lael Miller. West Dundee Village President Chris Nelson added, “Dickens in Dundee is an event that is unique to the region, and one that brings together families and friends from not only the Dundees but also from communities throughout the Fox Valley.”

All those interested in learning more about Dickens in Dundee are encouraged to visit the website for specific times and locations at www.dickensindundee.org.

About Dickens in Dundee

Dickens in Dundee was established in 1988 as a small community gathering, with caroling and the search for Tiny Tim’s crutch in local stores. With the financial support of local businesses and the Villages of East Dundee and West Dundee, it has grown into a weekend holiday festival which attracts people from all over the Dundee area.

The former Dundee Jaycees organized Dickens in Dundee from 1995 until 2005. The Villages of East and West Dundee and a committee of community volunteers now dedicate their time and resources to continue this annual event.

The Dundee Lions Club, Dundee Historical Society and other organizations have also been very instrumental in the success of the event throughout the years. Local churches and businesses traditionally support Dickens in Dundee by hosting holiday events and open houses to coincide with the weekend festivities.

About the Village of East Dundee

The Village of East Dundee is located at 120 Barrington Avenue, East Dundee, IL and is home to 3,000 residents. Its downtown plan is to create a “culinary” district consisting of the right mix of restaurants, retail, and community events to serve as a destination attraction for both residents and regional visitors. For more information on the plan, visit the economic development section on the village website at www.eastdundee.net.

About the Village of West Dundee

The Village of West Dundee, with a population 7,331, offers a small town atmosphere and regional conveniences. The community is showcased by the beautifully maintained turn-of-the-century architecture in the downtown historic district, adjacent to the picturesque Riverwalk. Dining, shopping, entertainment and lodging opportunities include family-owned and national brand restaurants, Spring Hill Mall, Leafs Ice Center, Marriott and much more. For more information about the Village of West Dundee, please visit www.wdundee.org or visit us on social media at www.facebook.com/WestDundee and www.twitter.com/WDundee.

SOURCE: the villages of East Dundee and West Dundee