The Christmas Walk is comin' to town

Break out those long johns and parkas and prepare to enjoy Hinsdale's traditional kickoff to the holiday season this Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Presented by the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce and Bella Cosa Jewelers, the 58th annual Hinsdale Christmas Walk will take place in the heart of the village and feature wintery wonders and treats for all, said Amanda Wagner, marketing director for the chamber.

The evening will begin with the three lighting ceremony on the lawn of the Memorial Building, led by Village President Tom Cauley.

"There are many things I like about being village president. The tree-lighting ceremony every December is near the top of the list," Cauley said, noting that he has missed only one Christmas Walk in the last 15 years.

"I enjoy greeting Santa when he comes to village hall in the fire truck and the parents and kids counting down to when I light the tree. It's kind of a Norman Rockwell moment."

Cauley revealed that the button he pushes to light the tree doesn't really work - a message is relayed to an engineer in the basement of the Memorial Building to turn on the lights. "For the last 15 years it's worked out perfectly," he said. "I hope it works this year, too."

Across the tracks, 25 to 30 local businesses and organizations will occupy tents along Hinsdale's downtown streets, which will be closed to vehicular traffic.

"The downtown area will have a lot of people walking around," said Hinsdale resident Joseph Molfese, owner of Bella Cosa Jewelers. The annual Christmas Walk is one of the many things he and his family enjoy about Hinsdale, and he said he's excited to participate again this year.

Early visitors to the Bella Cosa tent can take home a commemorative Hinsdale ornament to add to their home holiday decor.

"We definitely have a limited number," said Molfese, whose tent will be located near the carousel on First Street just west of Washington Street. Maltese said the event is a chance to give back to the community that supports his business, and to introduce Bella Cosa Jewelers to potential new customers just in time for the holidays.

The carousel has become a perennial attraction at the Christmas Walk, along with the trackless train. After some technical issues last year, Wagner said the chamber has been promised the train will run smoothly down First Street throughout this year's event.

Many participating businesses and organizations will have giveaways, treats, hot beverages, games and crafts to share, along with information about their products and missions.

"They're just trying to get the word out there," Wagner said.

Hinsdale residents, neighbors, families and friends aren't the only ones who will be strolling the streets of Hinsdale during the walk.

"You might see some familiar faces," said Wagner, including the Grinch himself.

"He'll be here throughout the entire event," Wagner said.

Downtown restaurants will be open during the walk, along with some shops and storefronts where visitors can gather for dinner, do a little holiday shopping or just warm up a bit before taking in the rest of the Christmas Walk.

Guests also can warm up around King Landscaping's fire pit, located near Phillip's Flowers and Gifts on Washington Street.

Wagner said Tesla plans to have a vehicle on display. Holiday displays will light up the storefronts and tents, turning downtown Hinsdale into a festive winter market.

Of course, no Christmas Walk would be complete without the chance to visit with Santa himself. After lighting the village tree, Santa will receive visitors at his workshop in Burlington Park until 7 p.m. For those who don't get the chance to visit with Mr. Claus on Friday, he will return to the workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21.

Hinsdale for the Holidays

The village will once again sponsor special holiday events at Hinsdale for the Holidays, set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, in Burlington Park.

In addition to visiting Santa, as mentioned above, families can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides and gingerbread cookie decorating.

- Pamela Lannom contributed to this story.