Montgomery Merry & Bright Holiday Events

  1. 1 Crowd at Tree lighting 2019
  2. 2 Visit with Santa 2019
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Celebrate the Season on River Street

Montgomery comes together during the holidays each year to make our community merrier and brighter. Join us for one or all of the fantastic holiday events and activities held each year in December. 

Sunday, December 7 | 5-7P
TREE LIGHTING & VISIT WITH SANTA

December 7-27
FESTIVAL OF TREES
On Display at Village Hall and Along River St.


Celebrate at your home. 
Enter the Holiday Decorations Contest sponsored by the Montgomery Beautification Committee Each Year.



Download the 2025 Tree Lighting Event Map

Montgomery Merry Bright Map for 2025 Event

ABOUT THE TREELIGHTING & VISIT WITH SANTA

The Village of Montgomery and the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce host their annual Tree Lighting in front of the Village Hall on the first Sunday in December. The event features Santa Claus's prompt arrival at 5P by the Montgomery-Countryside Fire Protection District fire engine, musical performances by area school groups and local singers, strolling carolers, free hot chocolate and cookies, and kids' giveaways. Participants should dress for the weather, as most activities are outdoors. 

In addition to lighting the tree outside Village Hall, the Festival of Trees kicks off, which includes trees decorated by residents, families, businesses, and organizations both indoors at Village Hall and outdoors along River Street (between Webster & Mill). 

All are invited. Bring the family to meet Santa, he arrives promptly at 5P and will be onsite until 7P for visits and pictures. Area residents are invited to bring the whole family to meet Santa, have cookies and cocoa, and vote for their favorite tree. For those unable to attend the Sunday event, the Festival of Trees will remain on display throughout December. Indoor trees will be available for viewing during business hours at Village Hall, 8A-4:30P, Monday through Friday.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Village Hall (200 N. River St.)
- Visit Santa- Stop by our little lending library for storytelling time. You can also write your letter to Santa while you listen to stories.- McDole Elementary's Choir will perform in the Village Hall Board Room at 5:30P.- Oswego East High School's Spotlight Vocal Jazz Band will perform in the Village Hall Board Room at 6P. 
- Oswego East Tri-M Honor Society Band will perform in the Village Hall Board Room at 6:30P.
- Stroll the building and view the Festival of Trees submissions from local community groups and businesses
- Stop in the Multi-Purpose Room for free hot cocoa, courtesy of the Montgomery Historic Preservation Commission, and visit Schaefer's Greenhouses pop-up shop to buy your holiday poinsettias.
- Drop off your ornament for the Community Tree in the vestibule at the River St. entrance.

Settler's Cottage (Outside Village Hall on River St.)
- Visit our holiday gift shop inside Settler's Cottage and purchase Montgomery merchandise for all your friends and family.
- Learn all about the history of Montgomery as you walk through the Settler's Cottage museum.
- Follow the smell and get some free popcorn.

Gray's Mill Estate (211 N. River St.)
- Stop in Gray's Mill Estate and pick up your free cookie to nibble on while you stroll - check out their gorgeous holiday decor.- Visit the Rotary Club of Montgomery's craft station. Make a craft there or take it home.
- The restaurant and bar will be open this evening. Make reservations in advance if you want to stay for dinner!

VFW Post #7452 (121 N. River St.)
- Stop in the VFW to meet the Grinch.

River Street DJ & Performances (centrally located in front of Village Hall)
5:00P | Get festive in the street with holiday music by a local DJ
5:05P | Santa's Arrival & Tree Lighting
5:15P | Welcome
5:20P | Live Performance by professional carolers, the Festive Singers

2025 Event Sponsors

Gold Sponsor
Schaefer's Greenhouses

Silver Sponsors
Orchard Road Animal Hospital
Ivy Hall

Red Sponsors
Dieterle Memorial Home and Cremation Ceremonies
Fox Valley Park District
JMB Property Management 

Friends of Montgomery
 

Festival of Trees Participants 2025

OUTDOORS
Amazing Vehicle Sales
Accredited Data Centers
Bauman Family Funeral Home
CASA Kendall County
Cub Scout Pack 331
Dieterle Memorial Home and Cremation Ceremonies
Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
Ivy Hall
Paparella Family
Redstone
Rosary College Prep National Honor Society
ServPro Aurora/Montgomery/Sugar Grove
State Rep Matt Hanson and Valley Sheltered Workshop
The LaKone Company
The Montgomery Beautification Committee
The Montgomery Historic Preservation Commission
Trustee Doug Marecek & Family



INDOORS
Aurora Township Youth Center
Blain's Farm and Fleet
Cub Scout Pack 316
Fox Valley Park District
Fox Valley United Way
Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
Ivy Hall
Lakewood Creek Elementary Girl Scout Troop 202
Old Second National Bank
Orchard Road Animal Hospital
Oswego Public Library District
Oswegoland Park District
Rotary Club of Montgomery
Ryan Watson Farmers Insruance
Taking Control Counseling Services
Trendy Rental Company




Sponsorship Opportunities are Available.
Spread holiday cheer and support the Montgomery community. Sponsor support goes directly into the event to cover the cost of entertainment, add more lighting displays, and provide additional giveaways and activities for the community in the future years.

Email rboeing@montgomeryil.org or call 331-212-9008 for more information.

DOWNLOAD THE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsor the Event

FESTIVAL OF TREES REGISTRATION INFORMATION & GUIDELINES

CLICK TO REGISTER

Register for River Street Festival of Trees

OUTDOOR TREE PARTICIPANT

GMACC Member Fee $100
Non-GMACC Business Fee $150
Non-Profit (501c3) Fee $75
A live tree is provided. Tree Partner must provide outdoor weather-proof décor and lighting.


Feature your business or organization from December 7 through 27 along River Street for all to see. This is a great way to show support for the Montgomery community and showcase your brand to all who attend the Tree Lighting, visit River Street, or come to see the River Street Lights. The fee includes a 5-6' Douglas Fir purchased locally and includes installation, staking, and watering by the Village of Montgomery Public Works. Additionally, all outdoor tree sponsors will receive a 24"x18" corrugated sign with their logo to be staked in front of their tree and have a chance to win the 2025 Mayor's Choice Award. 

Decorating must occur between December 1 beginning at 8:30A and complete by December 7 at noon. 

CLICK TO REGISTER

Register for Village Hall Festival of Trees

INDOOR ARTIFICIAL TREE PARTICIPANT
GMACC Member Fee $0

Non-GMACC Member Business Fee $10
Non-Profit, School, or Resident Fee $0
Indoor Festival of Tree Partners must provide an artificial tree, decor, and lighting. 

The Village will continue offering the traditional indoor tree festival, complete with community voting as in previous years. Participation in this contest is a great way to showcase your business or organization, highlight your mission, celebrate milestones, and support Montgomery indoors at Village Hall to showcase to all who attend the Tree Lighting or visit Village Hall between December 7 and 27. There is no fee for participation by GMACC members, nonprofits, school groups, or residents, but space is limited to 20 trees. Participants must provide a minimum 5' and maximum 9' artificial tree with decor and lighting. A sign will be distributed to each group to incorporate into your tree decor for proper labeling for the contest.
Tree decorating must occur between 8A-4:30P December 1 through December 5.