Also this weekend, the Des Plaines Theater Preservation Soceity will present two holiday films at the downtown Des Plaines Theater. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5 the society will present an evening of Max Fleischer Christmas cartoons from the 1935 film classic "Scrooge."

While the actual holiday lighting occurs at 6:30 p.m. when Mayor Tony Arredia lights the trees, the fun starts at 6 p.m. with the Cook County Jazz Commission, under the direction of Steve Kelly, warming up the crowd with some saxophone renditions of popular seasonal melodies. Other entertainment outside in Library Plaza will include Paul Margolis with I Mak Em Laf providing entertainment for kids of all ages, plus an ice sculpture presentation. Inside the Library in Meeting Rooms B & C, enjoy the music of pianist Craig Kamptner accompanied by a vocalist.

Holiday refreshments, compliments of Sysco Food Service and Grazie! Ristorante and Banquet, will be served. This year, as suggested by Boy Scout Troop 25 from Christ Church, red barrels will be placed in Library Plaza for food donations for the Des Plaines Self-Help Closet and Pantry. Donations of non-perishable food items would be appreciated.

For a different touch, enjoy a trolley ride for $1, facilitated by the members of the Des Plaines Historical Society who will be sharing historic tidbits along the route. Following your trolley ride, the Historical Society cordially invites you to visit the nearby History Center, 781 Pearson St., to experience holiday traditions of different cultures and get a glimpse of holiday seasons of the past. Enjoy roasted chestnuts, hot cider, crafts, a cookie sales and a history hunt.

But, the lighting ceremony is just the beginning! The fun continues on Saturday morning, Dec. 4, when jolly ol' Santa arrives between 10 and 10:30 at the Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Co-sponsored by the Library and the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the morning will include entertainment, holiday refreshments, free photos with Santa and giveaways. The kids will love Kiwi the Clown, Games the Clown, the Cardinal from Cardinal Fitness, a Library Elf and a player from the Chicago Rush Arena Football Team. You won't want to miss it! For additional information on Santa's arrival, please call the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry at 847-824-4200.

And what a perfect end to the weekend: The Des Plaines Historical Society's Holiday Gala, 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 5, at the History Center, 781-789 Pearson St. Don't miss the wonderful tradition of sizzling roasted chestnuts, hot apple cider, cookies, entertainment, crafts for the kids, live musical entertainment and holiday cheer! Call the History Center at 847-391-5399 for additional information on the Gala.

Holiday fun continues after the big weekend as Santa Claus and his elf will be greeting children at the Historical Society's Kinder House, 2 to 4 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Friday, Dec. 13, 14 and 17 and 10 a.m. 'til noon, Thursday, Dec. 16.

Expanding on Santa's visits to City Hall the past two years, the old man in red will now be greeting children in the warm comfy surroundings of the 1907 Kinder House. In addition to sharing their wish lists with Santa, children will receive a free photo, goodie bag and a treat and have the opportunity to make a craft. For additional information on Santa's visit at the History Center call 847-391-5399.

Des Plaines holiday activities are being coordinated by the members of the Holiday Decorations Committee, headed by Christine Bajor, Environmental Services Coordinator. Other Committee members include Tom Becker, City of Des Plaines Alderman, 6th Ward; Tom Christiansen, City of Des Plaines Alderman, 2nd Ward; Rick Ornberg, Chamber of Commerce & Industry Director; John Hecker, Des Plaines Park District Director; Sandra Norlin, Des Plaines Public Library Administrator; Joy Matthiessen, Des Plaines History Center Director; Angelo Bernar, Assistant Public Works Director; Mindy Ward, School Dist. 62 Community Relations Director; Linda Forman, Special Events Commission; Eric Palm, Media Coordinator; and Karen Henrikson, Public Relations Officer.

In addition, Becky Wenzel, Des Plaines Library Assistant I, and Chris Posinger, Librarian, Adult Services, assisted with the coordination of the City's holiday activities. The Des Plaines Public Works Department coordinated the placement of trees in Library Plaza and City Hall. School children from the City's elementary schools, both public and private, will provide the handmade ornaments hung on the trees.

Schools participating in the tree decorating, which occurs from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 1 in the Plaza, include: Algonquin Middle School, Plainfield Elementary School, Chippewa Middle School, Cumberland Elementary School, Central Elementary School, Forest Elementary School, Terrace Elementary School, South Elementary School, SPARK/Early Childhood, Iroquois Community School, North Elementary School, Orchard Place Elementary School, Friendship Junior High, Immanuel Lutheran School, Brentwood Elementary School, Des Plaines Home Schoolers, the Science & Arts Academy, Our Lady of Destiny School, St. Emily's School and St. Zachary Catholic School.

This year the large 18-foot tree used for the Holiday Lighting was donated to the City as a result of a request that went out to the community. Public Works coordinated the removal of the tree and assisted with the decorating.

According to Environmental Services Coordinator Christine Bajor, "Our 2004 Lighting will be another ceremony to remember with creative trees decorated by our local school children, and a memorable lighting initiated by Mayor Tony Arredia. This event could not have been possible without the assistance of the Holiday Decorations Committee along with dedicated staff and volunteers. We hope that the residents of the City of Des Plaines, as well as other surrounding residents, come and enjoy the beginning of the holiday season with us. Happy Holidays.