Polo's 8th Annual Christmas Festival Draws 35 Vendors for Dec. 5 Celebration
The free event features Santa at Centennial Elementary, a downtown winter carnival, and a parade of lights concluding at Paul’s Park.
By Khalid Khalil ·
More than 35 crafters and vendors will gather at Centennial Elementary School on December 5 for the eighth annual Polo Christmas Festival. The event is open to the public at no cost and runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The festival has grown since its first iteration, now supported by sponsors including PNC, Inc., Polo Co-Op, and the Polo Fire Department. Organizers cite these partners as essential for maintaining the community tradition.
The day begins at the school with two concurrent activities. From 9 to 11 a.m., families can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in the cafeteria. Magician TJ Regul will provide entertainment during this time. Simultaneously, the craft and vendor show operates from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering handmade gifts and holiday décor.
In the afternoon, activities shift to downtown Polo. The Polo Historical Society will lead guided tours of the local area. The Polo Area Community Theatre will host a holiday craft session for families.
From 4 to 7 p.m., businesses and organizations open their doors for a winter carnival. Participants can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, and face painting. The Polo Lions Club will host an Italian beef dinner at the Polo Senior Center to benefit the Polo Kidz Cafe, with options for dining in, driving through, or ordering delivery.
Live music by the Rock River Valley Barbershop Chorus begins at 6:45 p.m. The Parade of Lights starts at 7 p.m. and ends at Paul’s Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by firetruck to light the community tree immediately after the parade concludes.
