Get ready, Elgin! The annual Holly Days celebration is setting downtown ablaze with holiday cheer this Saturday. Alongside the usual Sips of the Season Holiday Beverage Crawl, pop-up markets, and tree-lighting ceremony, organizers have added extra entertainment to bring the holiday spirit to life. Sarah Michaels, the event’s coordinator from the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA), shared that people wanted more fun activities this year. So, they've teamed up with local organizations to provide pop-up entertainment throughout the downtown area.

One highlight is the M3 Dance Company's performance of the battle scene from "The Nutcracker, " which you can catch before the full production at The Hemmens Cultural Center on Dec. 7 and 8. At 4 p. m. , Elgin Mayor David Kaptain will read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" in the renovated DuPage Courtyard. The city’s first live holiday tree will be lit at 5 p. m. , and a children’s choir will perform nearby at Festival Park.

Michaels said, “There will be loads of holiday cheer downtown. People love the lights and enjoy spending the day here. ” The annual Sips of the Season Holiday Beverage Crawl runs from 10 a. m. to 6 p. m. , with over 20 businesses serving festive drinks like hot cocoa, apple cider, and Mexican Christmas punch. Pick up your $25 commemorative cup online or at the DNA office.

The beverage crawl coincides with Small Business Saturday, encouraging you to sip and shop. Businesses will have special offers, making it a fun day for the whole family to discover downtown Elgin and support local businesses. There are also three pop-up markets featuring local vendors and handcrafted items.

Michaels added, "People love exploring downtown and supporting small businesses. The pop-up markets are a popular draw. " Additionally, 15 downtown windows will be adorned with holiday decorations, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Exciting Additions to Elgin's Holly Days Celebration

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