SAVE THE DATE: November 30 - December 2, 2012 (below is 2011)

Celebrating Dundee's Community Spirit
During the Holiday Season

Now in it's 24th year (2011), Dickens in Dundee was formed in 1988. It began as a small community gathering, with caroling and the search for Tiny Tim's crutch in local stores. With the financial support of local businesses and the Villages of East Dundee, West Dundee and Carpentersville, it has grown into a weekend holiday festival which attracts a people from all over the Dundee area.

The Dundee Jaycees (now disbanded) organized Dickens in Dundee from 1995 until 2005. The Villages of East and West Dundee and a committee of community volunteers took the reigns in 2006 to keep the event alive. Dickens in Dundee is now planned by a volunteer committee with support from the Village of West Dundee.

The Dundee Lions Club, Dundee Historical Society and other organizations have also been very instrumental in the success of Dickens in Dundee throughout the years. Local churches traditionally support Dickens in Dundee by hosting holiday events and open houses to coincide with the weekend festivities.

The weekend kicks off each year on the first Friday in December, with tree lighting ceremonys in both East and West Dundee. Residents and visitors stroll up and down Main Street West Dundee to see local merchant's windows "come alive" during Living Windows.

Saturday begins with the cornerstone event: the Spirit of Christmas Parade. These days, the parade begins at Second Street in West Dundee and travels across the Main Street Bridge into East Dundee, ending at River Street. Other popular events include Gingerbread House Making, Festival of Trees, Santa's Petting Zoo and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus himself!

Events take place in West Dundee unless otherwise noted. See the Schedule of Events for a complete listing, event descriptions, dates, times and locations.

Want to Volunteer?

Dickens Committee Contacts

Village of West Dundee
Joe Cavallaro
Barbara Traver & Kim Tibbetts
(847) 551-3800
Email Village Hall

Christmas Tree Sales
Dundee Lions Club
Michael Dewey & Mike Buhrmann
(224) 392-1354
Email the Lions Club

Spirit of Christmas Parade
Tim Haley
(847) 428-5849
Email the Parade Committee

Festival of Trees
Decorating Contest
Dundee Lions Club
Dick Robertson
Email the Lions Club

Living Windows
Ellen Gross
Email the Living Windows Committee

2011 Sponsors:

Grand Marshall Sponsor:
Al Piemonte Chevrolet of Dundee

Petting Zoo Sponsor:
First American Bank

Santa Sponsor:
Schock's Towing

Christmas Tree Sponsor:
Davey Tree of East Dundee

Craft Tent Sponsor:
Starbucks

Tiny Tim Sponsor:
Francesca's Campagna
Law Offices of Harlovic & Perko

East Dundee Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, 6:00 pm

The Depot - 319 River Street, East Dundee

Join East Dundee officials for the lighting of the Village Christmas tree and an early visit from Santa.

West Dundee Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, 7:00 pm

West Dundee Village Hall - 102 S 2nd Street

Join West Dundee officials for the lighting of the Village Christmas tree and the joyful sounds of the Dundee Singers.

Living Windows & Warming House
Friday, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Main St between 1st and 2nd in West Dundee

Watch as the storefronts in downtown West Dundee come to life with the holiday spirit and Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

Warm up at Village Hall with a cup of hot chocolate, a visit with the Village Board and a performance by the Dundee-Crown Chorale.

Fezziwig’s Family Festivities
Friday, 7:30 pm

Emmett’s Tavern & Brewing Co - 128 W Main St

Wrap up the evening in the warmth of Emmett’s second floor party room for snacks, a cash bar and fellowship.

Sweets & Crafts Shop
Saturday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

First United Methodist Church - 4th & Main

Enter at the side of the church to the Fireside Room for a cup of chilli, grilled cheese, sweet rolls or hot cocoa while you shop for some Christmas candy, jams, baked goods and crafts. Items range from $1-$10. For more information, contact the Church office at 847-426-2113.

Cookie Walk, Bazaar & Nativity Walk
Saturday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

First Congregational Church - 900 S 8th St (31)

There's no need to bake this holiday season when you can purchase homemade cookies and candies at the "Church on the Hill".

Enjoy a holiday boutique sale, including handmade scarves and mittens and the cookbook "A Taste of Heaven" which includes recipes for many of the cookies being sold.

Proceeds go to charity organizations helping the hungry, the homeless and those in need.

This year's event will be even bigger and better! Donated nativity sets will be on display, along with a bit of their history. For more information, call 847-426-2161, ext 210.

Dickens of a Christmas Sale
Saturday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Bethlehem Lutheran Church - 410 W Main St (72)

Join the Dundee Township Historical Society for a "Dickens of a Sale", featuring items from Christmas past, present and future.

Spirit of Christmas Parade
Saturday, 10:00 am

Main St (72) from 2nd St in West Dundee to River St in East Dundee

Gather with friends and neighbors along Main Street in anticipation of Santa's appearance during this classic Christmas parade.

Parade Registration Form

Register by E-Mail or Fax: 847-551-3809 by Friday, November 25. Questions? call Village Hall at 847-551-3800 or Parade Coordinator Tim Haley at 847-428-5849.

See who's registered for the parade

Spirit of Christmas Parade 2011

  • Grand Marshall: Rich Carusiello, Al Piemonte Chevrolet
  • Artisticology
  • Carpentersville Fire Department
  • Citizens for Hartwell (Kane Co. Circuit Clerk)
  • Cub Scout Pack 36, Dundee Highlands
  • Cub Scout Pack 88, Sleepy Hollow
  • Cub Scout Pack 1047, Gilberts
  • Dundee-Crown Marching Chargers
  • Dundee Park District Dancers
  • Dundee Township Highway Department
  • Dundee Township Lions Club
  • Dundee Township Visitor's Center
  • East Dundee Fire Department
  • East Dundee President & Board of Trustees
  • East Dundee Police Department
  • East Dundee Public Works Department
  • F.I.S.H. Food Pantry
  • Girl Scouts of Broken Arrow
  • Girl Scouts of Northern IL
  • Golden Paws
  • Kane County Mounted Rangers
  • Leafs Ice Centre
  • Northern Kane County Chamber
  • swell gallery
  • VFW Color Guard
  • VFW Women's Auxiliary
  • VFW Men's Auxiliary
  • Village Green
  • West Dundee Fire Department
  • West Dundee Police Department
  • West Dundee Public Works Department
  • West Dundee President & Board of Trustees
  • Y103.9 FM
  • ...and of course, Santa on his sleigh!

Line-up starts at 9:10 AM
Parade starts promptly at 10 AM

Christmas Tree Sales
Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Grafelman Park Tennis Court - 5th & Washington

Purchase your Christmas tree from the Dundee Lions Club!

Sales begin on November 25 from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Regular hours will be Thursdays & Fridays from 6:00 - 8:00 pm and Saturdays & Sundays from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Tree sales will end around December 15.

The Dundee Lions will take collection of non-perishable food items and diapers for donation to the FISH Pantry, and also eyeglasses, cell phones and battery chargers, hearing aids and old keys for recycling.

Santa's Workshop & Petting Zoo
Saturday, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

Grafelman Park

Pay a visit to Santa and his animal friends, make a fun holiday craft and enjoy treats and hot cocoa.

Santa's Petting Zoo is sponsored by First American Bank.

Festival of Trees
Saturday, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Grafelman Park - Main St between 4th & 5th

Vote for the best decorated Christmas trees with your donations of loose change and dollars.

Trees are decorated by local school groups and clubs on Friday for voting on Saturday. Participating schools and clubs keep the donations made for their tree, and the group with the most donations wins an additional cash prize!

Sponsored by the Dundee Lions Club.

Community Giving Tree
Saturday, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

Grafelman Park Gazebo - Main & 5th

Get into the holiday spirit by giving to the less fortunate.

Help decorate the community giving tree with gently used hats, gloves, mittens and scarves to be donated to keep local families warm this winter.

Donations of non-perishable food items will also be accepted for the FISH food pantry.

Gingerbread Village
Saturday, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

First United Methodist Church - 4th & Main

Decorate your very own gingerbread house with candy and goodies. One kit per family.

While you're here, get your face painted by the Dundee-Crown Art Club.

Bethlehem Kitchen
Saturday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Bethlehem Lutheran Church - 410 W Main St

Cold outside? Come warm up and enjoy hot soup and sandwiches, and top it all off with a sweet holiday treat at the Bake Sale.

Reading of A Christmas Carol
Saturday, 1:30 pm

Cozy in and listen in while Dundee Highland's own Mrs. Wilbrandt reads a short version of Charles Dickens' classic tale of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, whose cold and embittered heart is warmed by the joys and rewards of love.

The Muppet Christmas Carol movie
Saturday, 3:00 pm

Dundee Township Library - 555 Barrington Ave, East Dundee

Head over to the library to warm up and enjoy a free screening of the Muppets live-action musical comedy adaptation of "A Christmas Carol", narrated by Gonzo the Great as Charles Dickens, featuring Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge and Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit.

This event is hosted by the Teen Action Group.

Free popcorn and refreshments will be served. Registration is not required. Children under 9 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Victorian Christmas Open House
Sunday, 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Centerville School - Randall Oaks Park, 1150 N. Randall Road

The Dundee Township Historical Society presents a Victorian themed open house, complete with craft projects for the kids and a visit from the man in the red suit.

Christmas Carol Sing
Sunday, 3:00 pm

St. James Episcopal Church - 516 Washington St

A united choir made up of members of several local church choirs will lead the audience in singing such popular Christmas carols as O Little Town of Bethlehem and Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.

All are welcome to join the choir - Rehearsals will be held on Sundays, October 30, November 6, 13, and 20 at 12:00 pm for approximately one hour, and at 1:45 pm on December 4 prior of the concert, all at St. James Church. Participants do not have to attend all rehearsals. Dress for the concert is white tops and black slacks or skirts. Please contact Phyllis Connelly to participate.