Manteno, IL – Residents across Kankakee County are gathering today as the village transforms into a festive winter attraction for the annual Christmas in Manteno celebration, running from 3 PM to 8 PM at The Square on Second. The event is one of the community’s most attended winter traditions, drawing families from Manteno, Bradley, Bourbonnais, and surrounding areas.
According to the Village of Manteno, the festival will kick off with Santa’s Grand Entrance, followed by opportunities for children to visit with Santa throughout the evening. Organizers said the event will feature several new and returning attractions designed to support local businesses and boost holiday spirit.
Event highlights include sleigh rides, a Downtown Christmas Lighting Ceremony, the Holiday Market with vendors from the Community Arts Council, Christmas Tree Lane, a Jingle Bell Business Stroll, and Frosty’s Fun Zone. Seasonal music, entertainment, and food options will also be available to visitors.
Village officials said the five-hour festival is open to all ages and free to attend, though some attractions may have limited capacity based on crowd size. With more than 2,000 people responding as “interested” or “going” on Facebook, organizers are advising attendees to arrive early for parking and for the best viewing spots during the lighting ceremony.
The village noted that additional event updates may be released throughout the day.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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