Santa Claus arrives in DeKalb to light up the holiday season

DeKALB – The Scott family of DeKalb were unable to see Santa Claus in person in 2020 because of the pandemic,.

On Thursday, they were one of the first families to visit with Santa during the Lights on Lincoln and Santa Comes to Town event hosted by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce.

[ Photos: DeKalb welcomes Santa Claus to town during 'Lights on Lincoln' ]

This year’s event, which took place in downtown DeKalb in Van Buer Plaza, featured caroling by the Stagecoach Players’ cast of “Elf: The Musical,” a parade through downtown DeKalb, a tree-lighting ceremony, free hot chocolate and visits with Santa Claus in his house.

Members of the Stage Coach Players from DeKalb sing carols as the anticipation grows for Santa's arrival Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, during Lights on Lincoln and Santa Comes to Town. (Mark Busch/Mark Busch - mbusch@shawmedia.co)

Christopher Scott, 9, asked for Power Rangers, and his 6-year-old sister Elizabeth asked for a Play Doh pancake playset. Parents Steven and Jessica Scott said they are looking forward to spending time together as a family for the holidays, including going to Disney World for Christmas. Aunt Emily Tsai said she is excited for snow.

Marley Clarke of DeKalb, 8, attended the event with her mom, Bobbie Clark, and aunt Sydni Bornhuetter. Clarke said she is asking Santa for a karaoke machine this year for Christmas.

“I am looking forward to getting presents and giving people presents,” Clarke said.

Bornhuetter said she is looking forward to going sledding and spending time together with her niece.

“It’s nice to spend time together and celebrate the holidays,” Bornhuetter said. “We’re all looking forward to Christmas this year.”

Matt Duffy, executive director of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, said that Thursday’s event was the start of the holiday season in DeKalb.

“It’s great to be able to gather together and hold the event again,” Duffy said. “It has the feeling of Christmas past.”

Santa Claus and his elves wave to the crowd as they parade down Lincoln Highway Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, during Lights on Lincoln and Santa Comes to Town. (Mark Busch - mbusch@shawmedia.co)

Last year, the event was held in a drive-thru format due to the COVID-19.

The Cochrane family of DeKalb attended the downtown event for the first time. Levi Cochrane, 5, said he is looking forward to receiving LEGOs for Christmas, and his grandma, Lynn Cochrane, said she hopes to spend a lot of time with family.

If families were unable to visit with Santa Claus during the event Thursday evening, Santa can be visited in his house in Van Buer Plaza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18.