Thank You for a Wonderful 2025 Tree Lighting Extravaganza!

Thanks to everyone who joined us for this year’s Tree Lighting Extravaganza! The evening was filled with community spirit, holiday cheer, and a few playful Grinch shenanigans. Special thanks to the West Chicago Community High School Choir, the Rotary Club of Carol Stream, and the Carol Stream Public Library and Park District for helping plan a memorable event.

A very special thank you to 12-year-old Owen Lopez, a Carol Stream resident and Make-A-Wish recipient, whose courage and bright spirit made the tree lighting moment truly unforgettable.

This year’s celebration also featured a Village-wide collaboration to ensure Santa arrived safely, despite the Grinch’s mischief. The Santa-and-Grinch video premiered on the event Jumbotron, with special thanks to:

• Sergeant Dannae Pope (Police Department) for lending his voice-over talent
• Rich Schaffer (Public Works) for his acting debut as the “distraught mechanic”
• Chris Larson (Building Maintenance) for embodying the Grinch on screen and in person
• Nicole Silva (IT) for the remarkable artwork, animation, and video production that brought the story to life

👉 Watch the Santa/Grinch Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YrcmJ254s1c

Many thanks to all the partners, volunteers, and staff who make this community tradition possible each year, including the Carol Stream Fire Department, Police Department and volunteers, Public Works, and Maintenance teams.

🎥 HOLIDAY VIDEO MONTAGE

Please view this festive holiday video montage created by Village Trustee Jeff Berger, celebrating the season and the community connections that make Carol Stream special.

👉 Watch the Video Montage Santa/Grinch Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SUAp450LQtE

View more event photos and videos at our event page and social media.