Let there be lights!

CHRIS FOX PHOTO

Thousands of people gathered in Lombard’s Lilacia Park on Saturday, Dec. 7, for the annual holiday lighting celebration. Darkness filled the park before the lighting at 5:30 p.m. Lombard Village President Keith Giagnorio joined Lombard Park District Board President Sarah Richardt and Santa Claus to welcome visitors and turn on the colorful lights. Richardt noted that this year’s display features over 650,000 lights. The lighting ceremony took place along with several other events during Saturday’s Jingle Bell Jubilee celebration. Jingle Bell Jubilee is hosted by the Helen Plum Library, Lombard Bible Church, the Lombard Historical Society, the Lombard Park District, Lombard Town Centre, the Maple Street Chapel and the Village of Lombard. Santa Claus will return to Lilacia Park from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15. Three more free visits with Santa will also take place at the park from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, Saturday, Dec. 21, and Sunday, Dec. 22.