View the lighting of the Village Christmas tree via live stream at the Dickens in Dundee 2020 Facebook event page. (Click here for a direct link to the Tree Lighting.) Help us count down to the moment of illumination and catch an appearance by Jolly Old Saint Nick!

Please be reminded that this event is being held virtually. In-person attendance at the tree lighting cannot be accommodated this year.

Cozy in virtually to hear Victoria Wilbrandt read a shortened version of Charles Dickens' classic tale of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, whose cold and embittered heart is warmed by the joys and rewards of love.

This event will take place via live stream at the Dickens in Dundee 2020 Facebook event page.

Take a stroll through Downtown West Dundee to enjoy beautifully decorated storefront windows this holiday season!

Numerous themed windows will be on display between First and Second Streets and along Main Street. Some will feature traditional holiday decor, while others will be adorned with handpainted designs by area artists Kathryn Eli, Cherylyn Gnadt and Hallie Morrison.

We strongly encourage you to start at Village Hall and make your way east on the south side of Main Street to Around the Corner Candy. Then cross Main at First Street and make your way back on the north side, ending at Emmett's.

Shop With A Cop of Dundee Township works to build positive relationships between police officers and the children of our community. Each year, area police officers join area children in need on a shopping trip at Wal-Mart to select a Christmas treat.

To support this program, you may purchase a chance to win exciting raffle prizes. Shop with a Cop Raffle chances are $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. This year's prizes include:

• $1,000 Cash - Sponsored by Pete's 'A' Towing & SWAC
• Vizio 60" 4K UHD Smart TV - Sponsored by Walmart of Carpentersville
• HP 14" 1080 Laptop - Sponsored by SWAC
• Ring Doorbell - Sponsored by Pilarski Group; Keller Williams
• Spa Bleu $50 gift card & gift basket - Sponsored by Spa Bleu

Drawing will be held on Friday, December 18 via live stream at the SWAC Facebook page.

To purchase raffle ticket sales, please visit any of the following police departments:

• Carpentersville Police Department - 1200 L.W. Besinger Drive, Carpentersville
• East Dundee Police Department - 115 E. Third Street, East Dundee
• Gilberts Police Department - 86 Railroad Street, Gilberts
• Pingree Grove Police Department - 1 Police Plaza, Pingree Grove
• Sleepy Hollow Police Department - 1 Thorobred Lane, Sleepy Hollow
• West Dundee Police Department - 555 S. 8th Street, West Dundee

The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve "Toys for Tots" Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys to distribute as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted, thereby providing a message of hope to these youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

Toys for Tots donations will be collected at West Dundee Public Safety Center No. 1 this holiday season. A collection box is available within the front entry of the West Dundee Police Department, for contactless toy drop-off 7 days per week, 24 hours per day. Collections end at 8:00 am on Thursday, December 10.

The Villages of West Dundee, East Dundee and Elgin have joined forces with Explore Elgin Area for a fun and friendly regional holiday lights competition!

REGISTRATION:

Residents and businesses are invited to register, decorate and compete for a change to win up to $300 in prizes! (Residents from each town will be included in separate voting pools.) The top business winners will be eligible to win free promotional opportunities. Registration ends November 30!

To register or learn more, please visit https://exploreelginarea.com/lights-registration/.

VIEWING AND VOTING:

Begining December 5, visit the Explore Elgin Area website for a map of participating locations and the opportunity to vote online for your favorites. All voters will be entered into a random drawing for local gift card giveaways! We encourage you to get out to enjoy and explore the Elgin area's holiday lights!

Purchase your Christmas tree from the Dundee Lions Club!

Sales will begin on "Black Friday", December 4 from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Regular hours will be Thursdays & Fridays from 6:00 - 8:00 pm and Saturdays & Sundays from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Tree sales will end on or about December 13.

In addition to trees, wreathes and garland are also available for purchase. All profits from sales go to support community charities.

The fascinating real-life story of The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore chimes to life told by Martina Mathisen, along with the stories of our American Christmas Traditions. Why do we kiss under a mistletoe? Why do we decorate with poinsettias? Where did the jolly old man in the red suit come from, anyway? So many more traditions explained!

To view the above program, visitthe Fox River Valley Public Library District website anytime between the dates noted above.

Join the fun at home with some simple winter themed and Christmas ornament crafts using houshold materials.

Click here for details regarding Make and Share Star Ornaments.

Handmade Christmas ornaments can be hung on the Community Tree in the Grafelman Park gazebo!