Above / The 2017 holiday tree is now in place at the Dandelion Fountain near the Santa House. The Santa House is scheduled to open at 4PM on Fri., Dec. 1, 2017.
Beginning at 7AM this morning, crews began taking down the 2017 holiday tree for delivery to its traditional spot near the entrance to the Riverwalk Covered Bridge at Webster Street.
“The tree was selected by Park District staff for its size, appearance and accessible location,” noted Sue Omanson, Community Development Manager, for the Naperville Park District.
Since the tree came from a townhome association, there is not a homeowner’s story associated with it this year, she said.
By 10AM, the tree was positioned in place where the popular Dandelion Fountain attracts folks spring, summer and fall, just steps from all the hustle and bustle of shopping and dining in downtown Naperville.
See illuminated tree, visit Santa
Now in its 16th year, Santa House is a favorite tradition in downtown Naperville, where the pavilion at the corner of Jackson Avenue and Webster Street is magically transformed into Santa’s Naperville headquarters, hosting visiting hours with Santa for children and families.
Santa House opens to the public on Fri., Dec. 1. Weekend hours of operation for Santa House are Fridays 4-8PM Fridays, Noon to 6PM Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23. Santa House also will be open from 4-8PM on Tues., Dec. 19, Wed., Dec. 20 and Thurs., Dec. 21.
The Park District will host special evenings at Santa House by reservation only, including: Special Needs Nights, in partnership with WDSRA on Dec. 4-6 and Dec. 14, Pet Night on Dec. 11 and Military and First Responders Night on Dec. 12. Pet Night and Military and First Responders Night are completely booked; reservations for Special Needs Nights may be made online at http://www.napervilleparks.org/santahouse.
Free Admission / Photos with Santa $8 each or $15 for two
Admission to Santa House is free, with the option of purchasing photos with Santa for $8 each or two for $15. Santa House is made possible by community volunteers and sponsors, including presenting sponsor Woody Buick GMC and the following event sponsors: Rocket Ice, Buffalo Wild Wings, Living Well Dental, elisa and lynne homes, Shotokan Karate, Pump It Up, Dark Horse Pastries, 2 Toots Grill, 1 Vet at a Time, Prairie Path Foot and Ankle Centers, College Nannies and Tutors, Coldwell Banker – The Real Estate Group Naperville, Houlihan’s, Layer 3 TV, DeEtta’s Bakery and Dog Patch Pet and Feed.
Volunteer positions are still open for Santa House and other holiday events. For more information or to volunteer, check the volunteer page at http://www.napervilleparks.org/volunteer-with-the-naperville-park-district.
Story submitted by Sue Omanson, Community Development Manager, for the Naperville Park District. / PN Photos
