Lexington’s Christmas on the Prairie program returns Dec. 5. (Photo courtesy of
city of Lexington)

As the temperatures dip, Uptown Normal will serve as one of several hot spots of holiday merriment across McLean County this yuletide season.

The historic heart of the town of Normal has a variety of festive programs on tap, including the return of Santa Station from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. As they’ve done in years past, Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet Normal residents and visitors by traversing through the community in a horse and carriage.

Other festivities during Santa Station include a performance by a community marching band, whose members will officially usher in Santa and Mrs. Claus at the beginning of the program. Free hot chocolate, carriage rides and visits with Santa will take place throughout the four-hour program.    

Children can share their wishes with the jolly, red-coated wonder. Santa’s Station will remain in Uptown through Thursday, Dec. 24. It will be located between Uptown Station and Children’s Discovery Museum. Visits to the station are free, though donations will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit Special Olympics.

As with many community programs, Santa Station is a volunteer-intensive effort. Joe Tulley, marketing manager for the Uptown district, said the organization continues to seek persons willing to play Mrs. Claus, elves and other costume characters.

“Duties include posing for photographs with kids and families and assisting Santa with moving people through his house,” Tulley said. “Uptown Normal will provide all costumes.”

Elsewhere in McLean County, Thanksgiving gets its due with the Bloomington Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts’ 37th annual Turkey Trot, which will take place on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, at the Miller Park Pavilion.

The early morning, time-honored Bloomington tradition is a run-walk, but is more loosey goosey than the typical organized event. It is not timed, and formal awards are not given. But there are a series of give-aways, including T-shirts and frozen turkeys. In keeping with the spirit of the season, food items will be collected for Sweet Home Ministries.

Bloomington-Normal’s Concert Band will make a return appearance this season, performing a series of yuletide tunes from years long passed. The program, which includes refreshments, also will be held at the Miller Park Pavilion and runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3.

The Downtown Bloomington Association will pay homage to holiday celebrations of years passed with the Once Upon a Holiday program from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at the McLean County Museum of History.

The event, aimed at giving something for the entire family, includes such festivities as live window vignettes, music, refreshments — including adult eggnog, a model railroad display and readings from assorted Christmas stories.  

The holiday season, of course, is built around traditions that transcend the generations. The city of Lexington recognizes this concept with its annual Christmas on the Prairie craft show that makes its grand return from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the gym at Lexington High School.

According to event organizers, this year’s Christmas on the Prairie program includes exhibits from more than 80 vendors. As has been the case in years past, a variety of other festivities also are planned, including a rendition of Christmas carols by local musician Elliot Sedgwick.

–Holiday spirit taking hold across McLean communities–

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