Lighting Of The Square Illuminates The Holidays In Woodstock, Illinois

WOODSTOCK, Ill., Nov. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Woodstock, in collaboration with the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and Real Woodstock, announced today that the "Lighting of the Square" will kick off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving, on Friday, November 24, 2017, on the historic Woodstock Square.  An annual tradition in Woodstock, thousands of people come together for this one night event to experience the magic and charm of the Square.

To accommodate additional children's activities, charitable organizations and restaurants, this year's event has been extended from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The traditional Lighting Ceremony, held at the gazebo in the Park in the Square, begins at 6:45 p.m. with caroling and a flip of a switch as tens of thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the Woodstock sky and surrounding buildings.

"Lighting of the Square is one of my family's favorite holiday traditions in Woodstock," said Woodstock city council member Maureen Larson.  "Everyone who comes to the Square that night gets into the spirit of enjoying simple things in a beautiful place. It's a great start to the holidays."

For the first time, E. Jackson Street will be closed off for Elf Escape - a heated tent with local food and non-profit vendors offering treats and surprises. Visitors can enjoy food from Lucky Bernie's and Rendezvous Bistro in the Elf Escape, Pixie Dawgs near Rudolph's Retreat located at 136 Cass Street, My Sister's Tomato food truck located in front of the Woodstock Square Mall at 110 S. Johnson Street, and various restaurants on and near the Woodstock Square.

Children can participate in various holiday activities around the Woodstock Square.  The Woodstock Public Library will have holiday craft making at Rudolph's Retreat located at 136 Cass Street and Wonder Works Children's Museum pop-up will be located at Santa's Workshop at 100 Cass Street with holiday face painting and other children's activities.  A highlight for children and parents alike will be a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa's Hut in the Park in the Square after the Lighting Ceremony.

Visitors can marvel at the creative array of gingerbread houses at the Old McHenry County Courthouse, 101 N. Johnson Street, which are on display through December 14. The annual Christmas Tree Walk at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren Street, has decorated trees from over 30 local organizations, and will be on display until December 30 during normal Opera House hours.

Real Woodstock is about fostering and celebrating creativity and having fun with friends and family in one of the prettiest towns anywhere. Woodstock is easily accessible via the Metra line, with the train station just one block off the historic Woodstock Square.  If traveling by car, take the I-90 Tollway to Illinois Route 47.

Visit Real Woodstock for more information, http://www.realwoodstock.com.  Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/realwoodstock.

Contact:
Charles Colley            
314.651.2901
a5 Inc.                        
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SOURCE Real Woodstock