Watch St. Charles Light Up for the Holidays

Hundreds of people gathered in First Street Plaza in downtown St. Charles on Friday evening to usher in the holiday season with the annual Lighting of the Lights and welcoming of Santa and Mrs. Claus to their season’s residence in the plaza.

The activities are part of the city’s Holiday Homecoming celebration that culminates Saturday evening with the Electric Christmas Parade.

Friday’s ceremony included a combined performance by the St. Charles North and St. Charles East chorales, which sang several seasonal carols in front of a dais from which the local dignitaries spoke.

It also was the first public performance of “In St. Charles,” since the City Council adopted it as the city’s official song. Jim Masters, who wrote the song, returned to St. Charles to lead the performance. He was accompanied by his sister, Barbara, on keyboard.

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The night was a first also for Mayor Raymond Rogina, who presided over the actual lighting of the lights, although his wife, Diane, actually got to throw the switch.

Lynne Schwartz, the executive director of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership, which organizes the annual event, laid out for those attending the holiday-themed activities they can expect to see Saturday and in the coming weeks ahead.

Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013

Swan's Christmas Trees: Along the river, east of First Street Plaza, along the river, open through the holidays.

• 10:30 a.m. — Free showing of The Polar Express at The Arcada Theatre. The doors open for starting at 9:30 a.m.
• 1 to 3:30 p.m. — Free horse-drawn sleigh Rides on First Street Plaza.
• 1 to 4 p.m. — Visit with Santa, who will hold court to visit with kids during these hours every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 22.
• 5:30 p.m. — Electric Christmas Parade on Main Street, between 6th Street and 4th Avenue.

• Street Closures Set for Saturday's Electric Christmas Parade

Those viewing the parade this year should be aware that parking will be prohibited in some areas and there will be street closures as well:

• Street Closures Set for Saturday's Electric Christmas Parade

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