BERWYN – Berwyn families are invited to celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Deck the Depot from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9.
Seventeen businesses in Berwyn's Depot District will open their doors and offer free kid-friendly activities or crafts, special performances, hot chocolate or other goodies.
The event, which is now organized and sponsored by merchants in the depot, is a great way for residents to enjoy holiday activities while visiting local businesses, said Jen Mitchell, owner of Solace Divorce Mediation and co-coordinator of the event.
“This event is purely focused on families and kids. It’s so fun for the kids to get to go to all the different shops where they’ll be able to do so many activities,” she said. “It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Businesses in the depot benefit because families can get to know more about them and learn about all the wonderful things they have to offer.”
Check-in begins at The Outtaspace, an art and music venue that is owned by Mitchell’s husband, Aaron Mitchell. Families can pick up a map of participating businesses, as well as enjoy food samples from City Barbeque. From there, they’ll make their way around the depot, and they can take advantage of the Berwyn Park District’s free holiday shuttle bus for transportation between merchants.
Some of the participating businesses include Flapjack’s Brewery, The Garage, Lavergne’s Tavern, Goldiloxx Hair Studio, Urban Mutt, Cuban Café, Kim’s Kreations and more. Peggy Rose Academy of Dance and Acrobatics also will put on a holiday dance performance at 6:30 p.m.
Families who visit at least 10 of the businesses and get their maps stamped will be entered to win one of several prizes from participating merchants that will be auctioned off at 9:15 p.m. at The Outtaspace.
Santa Claus will make a special appearance at Dwelling’s Real Estate, and kids can get their picture taken with him for free. Melissa Kowalski, owner of Dwelling’s and event co-coordinator, said he’s always a popular attraction.
“I love giving back to the community and seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces,” she said. “It’s great to see so many families tour the Depot District. We want to encourage the community to come out and shop small businesses and make the Depot District a destination location.”
Students from Berwyn South School District 100 will be spreading holiday joy as they sing Christmas carols around the depot, and at 6 p.m., Mayor Robert Lovero will host a special tree-lighting ceremony at the Berwyn train station. The tree is decorated with ornaments provided by students in Berwyn School Districts 100 and 98, and the Berwyn Park District.
Jeff Janda, executive director of the Park District, said he enjoys working with all of the businesses to put on the successful event.
“We’re out there with the city businesses, working together to improve the quality of life in Berwyn,” he said. “We want to make Berwyn a better place to live, work and play, and this is a fantastic holiday event and a great way to celebrate the season in Berwyn.”
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If you go
WHAT: Deck the Depot
WHEN: 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9
WHERE: Berwyn Depot District, Windsor and Stanley avenues between Oak Park and Home avenues
COST: Free
INFO: shawurl.com/36u2