MOUNT GREENWOOD — Shoppers in Mount Greenwood's Business District will find themselves walking in a winter wonderland from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 12.
Some 42 businesses along 111th Street between Lawndale Avenue and Whipple Street are participating in the inaugural Holiday Stroll.
Mary Gill, executive director of the Mount Greenwood Community And Business Association, is coordinating the event. It's intended to promote the many mom-and-pop shops in the area this holiday season.
"I really like a good holiday tradition, and I like to start them," said Gill, who expects upward of 1,000 shoppers to attend the event.
She's been overwhelmed by the creativity many of the store owners have shown in coming up with attractions for the special event, including:
Brandenburger Plumbing: Bring in five food items to be donated to a local food pantry, and you'll be entered to win four Chicago Blackhawks tickets with a parking pass.
Belle Up Maternity: Stop in to snap a photo with Santa.
Mount Greenwood Community and Business Association: Visit with a pair Santa’s reindeer and the elves who watch over them.
La Fiesta Restaurant: Feliz Navidad! Visit the restaurant for hot coffee or hot chocolate for $1.
Archer Bank/North Community Bank: Sip a cup of hot cocoa, munch on cookies and listen to the Cassell Elementary School Choir.
Chicago Lockbox: Write your letters to Santa here and have them mailed them to the North Pole.
Lindy’s Chili: Try a scoop of eggnog ice cream or peppermint ice cream.
Mount Greenwood Public Library: Come on in to decorate a Christmas tree and enjoy story time.
Posh Pet Day Spa: Get a holiday bow for your beloved pet.
Schools Are Us: Answer a holiday trivia question and be entered to win one of the largest Christmas stockings you have ever seen, filled with plenty of surprises, including a Kindle Fire.
Tata’s Pizzeria: Stop by and get a slice of pizza for $1.
Wonderburger: Grab a hot cup of chili for a $1.
J.J. Duffy Floral: Stop in and buy some mistletoe for your home.
United TV: The television repair shop invites visitors to stop in and watch a Christmas movie.
Alternate Reality: Come into the comic shop to hear a special Christmas story.
Baron’s Shoes: Enter a coloring contest and warm up with some hot cocoa.
Chicago Pulse: Witness a choking demonstration and enjoy some holiday music.
Elaborations: Browse the gift shop while warming up with a cup of hot cocoa.
Fat Tommy’s: Check out the special soup-tasting event.
Funkie Fashions: Let the kids color a picture while parents shop the special sales rack.
Southside Knockout: Get a $100 gift card for $25 for classes on MMA, wrestling, kickboxing and more.
19th Ward: A group of Christmas carolers will be singing their hearts out at the ward office.
Mount Greenwood Garden Club: The club will be decorating holiday pots in front of Funkie Fashions and Face to Face Salon.
St. Christina Elementary School: St. Christina's Children's Choir will entertain shoppers as they stroll past the church.
Face to Face Salon and Spa: Get 10 percent off all retail items.
Baptist Family Dental: Santa left some lucky visitor a gift bag of dental treats. Shoppers can also enter a raffle for a holiday wreath.
115 Bourbon Street: The popular bar and restaurant will open a pop-up booth where visitors can make reindeer food and buy gift certificates.
Marie’s Café and Catering: The sandwich shop invites visitors to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and some cookies.
Kurek Bros.: Come on over and check out the auto repair shop decorated for Christmas.
Little You: Decorate an ornament for your Christmas tree.
MG Embroidery & Screen Printing: Bring in a toy for a girl or boy and be entered to win a fleece of your choice.
Shrader’s Goods: Guess how many candy canes are in Dina’s jar and win a $25 gift certificate.
South Side Karate MMA Center: Buy gift certificates for the holiday.
The Lamp Shop: Stop in and enjoy some holiday spirits.
Tusher Signs: Check out custom-order holiday signs and ornaments.
111th St. ARC Wellness: Listen to Christmas stories and make some crafts.
