The more the better!

Montgomery Merry & Bright lights up the night starting Sunday, December 8th with the annual tree lighting and visit from Santa at 5:00 p.m. in front of Village Hall (200 North River Street). The event will include Santa Claus, giveaways, musical performances and the opening of the Festival of Trees, which will run through Dec. 26 at Village Hall and along River Street.

The Village of Montgomery, along with the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, has hosted this event for 27 years. It begins with the grand arrival of Santa Claus and his wife in the Montgomery-Countryside Fire District fire truck on River Street just after 5 p.m. This year, Santa Claus and Village President Brolley will light the village tree and another 20 trees along the street, which will be decorated by local businesses and organizations.

Next, Santa and Mrs. Claus head to Village Hall for visits and photos, along with the Oswego East Tri-M Music Honor Society, who will perform in the boardroom for those waiting in line or warming up. Additionally, guests can enjoy live outdoor musical performances by students from the local Oswego East Jazz Ensemble and listen to professional Christmas singers, the Festive Singers, along River Street.

Businesses in the 200 Block of North River Street are also joining in the festivities. Guests can enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate at Atrevete Confections (216 North River Street) or stop for a cookie at Gray’s Mill Estate (211 North River Street). Organizations such as the Rotary Club of Montgomery will also be on hand at the Village Hall Multi-Purpose Room with giveaways, children’s crafts and letters to Santa. In addition, Rotary gives a special reward to children who bring non-perishable foods to help fill the Rotary Free Little Pantry at Village Hall for families in need of food year-round. Toys for Tots will also have collection bins available in the hall during the event for those who would like to donate a new toy for a child this holiday season.

The event, parking and activities are free.

For more information about the event, visit montgomeryil.org or the Village’s Facebook page.