Light Up Vermilion

 While the weather looks frightful for the original date, our small-town holiday cheer won’t be stopped. Light Up Vermilion is now December 8th 5-9 pm. Feel like you have stepped back in time to enjoy the holidays the old-fashioned way, with family, neighbors, and friends in historic downtown Vermilion.

Main Street Vermilion is bringing back Light Up Vermilion for another season with family friendly events and special new traditions happening throughout downtown and in Exchange Park. Join friends and neighbors to enjoy family-friendly activities, fresh elements of surprise, shopping and dining and more. Many stores and restaurants will add extra hours that night to start, or finish, your holiday shopping.

Here’s what’s happening throughout the evening:

VERMILION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COLORING CONTEST WINNERS 5 pm. Be there to congratulate the winners of our Annual Vermilion Elementary School Coloring Contest, sponsored by Vermilion Arts Guild. It’s happening in Exchange Park.

SANTA ARRIVES IN DOWNTOWN! 6 pm. You’ll love how Santa arrives in the center of town to help the mayor count down to the Community Tree Lighting. His bag is full of small gifts (non-food) for the kids! Be there to welcome him and his helpers.

COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING, 6:15 pm. Main Street Vermilion hosts this tradition in the heart of downtown at Exchange Park. Join us for the highlight of the evening as the mayor and Santa turn the lights on to commence the holiday season surrounded by Christmas music, family, and friends. This year, there’s a big, bright new star on the top of the tree generously sponsored by Vermilion’s own Discount Drug Mart.

FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT 7 pm. The Ritter Public Library will host its annual Christmas concert performed by the Vermilion Community Band. Music starts at 7 pm and its free to all. Enjoy refreshments as well.

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE WINDOW DISPLAY. Vermilion businesses put their best displays forward during the holidays. Vote for your favorite and help a local business owner win a cash prize. Stop in Main Street Vermilion during Light Up Vermilion to pick up your ballot before you venture out. Ballot boxes are all over town, or come back to main street.

SCAVENGER HUNT. Main Street is hosting another scavenger hunt this holiday perfect for kids and families. Pick up clues at Main Street before you venture out for Light Up Vermilion. Those who discover all the hidden treasures will be put into a drawing to win $50!

CHRISTMAS ALPACAS. Vermilion’s answer to reindeer, alpacas are sweet, gentle wide eyed and love to be petted. You’ll find their decorated pen in Exchange Park. Stop and visit that evening.

SWEET TREAT STROLL. Many downtown merchants will be handing out treats to make your night extra special. Pick up a bag at Main Street to collect yours. Find the Kingston of Vermilion Lion as you walk around downtown.   

CHRISTMAS CAROLERS. The sounds of Christmas can be found at the Community Tree Lighting and throughout the downtown this evening courtesy of carolers from Lake Ridge Legacy Chorus and Local Girl Scouts. You’re invited to sing-a-long, too!

CHESTNUTS ROASTING. Vermilion Rotary Club brings this old-fashioned Christmas treat to Light Up Vermilion visitors. Sweet, buttery and soft, the members will be roasting and sharing throughout the night. Be sure to stop by for a free taste.

HOT CHOCOLATE? YES, PLEASE! Vermilion Lions Club will be downtown during Light Up Vermilion with free hot chocolate for everyone.

KIDS CAN HELP LIGHT UP DOWNTOWN, TOO! Vermilion Kiwanis will have glow sticks for the kids and bags of chips!

LETTER TO SANTA MAILBOX. It’s time to let Santa know your Christmas wishes this year. Stop at Main Street from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve and add your letter to the special mailbox on Main Street’s porch. Throughout the season, MSV will share a letter or two on Facebook (no names). All the letters we receive get packaged up on Christmas Eve, delivered to the Vermilion Post Office and sent straight to the North Pole. Promise!

Watch Main Street Vermilion’s Facebook for details or visit www.mainstreetvermilion.org for details!