The Landmark, December 4, 2024
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■ Brookfield Holiday Celebration PAGE 14
Holiday Stroll
2024
Santa Claus and children celebrate the Christmas tree lighting during last year’s Holiday Stroll. | TODD BANNOR
Walking through a vintage wonderland Annual Riverside Holiday Stroll packed with family activities, music and fun
By JACKIE PISANO
F
Contributing Reporter
or nearly 50 years, Riverside’s Holiday Stroll has been a beloved local tradition of camaraderie and Christmas cheer, marking the village’s official kickoff to the holiday season in partnership with the Riverside Chamber of Commerce and local organizations.
And on Friday, Dec. 6, the 49th annual event will be held across Riverside’s downtown and business district from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., providing an evening of yuletide cheer with bustling open houses, entertainment and activities for all ages. Amy Regan, a Riverside resident and local Realtor who serves on the stroll’s committee, says the event always proves to be “a festive night,” where people not just from Riverside, but the surrounding sub-
urbs come for a friendly, relaxed evening to kickstart their holidays. “The village is so pretty to see decorated with all of the holiday lights, and people always talk about how they love the horse and carriage rides — they absolutely love it,” she said. “The local shops go all out with their festive treats and the stroll just gives off a warm glow of the community. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season, all while supporting Riverside.”
Around 5:30 p.m. is when the magic begins, as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive atop a fire truck at Centennial Park (Longcommon Road and Forest Avenue), mingling with everyone before helping village officials and kids illuminate the grand Christmas tree at 6 p.m. Following the tree lighting, stick around the Centennial Plaza/East Avenue/North See RIVERSIDE on page 16