LAKEVIEW — Holiday festivities will kick off in east Lakeview with the annual tree lighting ceremony.
The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce will host the event from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of Treasure Island Foods, 3460 N. Broadway.
The tree will be lit at 6:30 p.m. The chamber will offer free hot cocoa and roasted chestnuts.
Girl Scouts and the Cabaret Project will sing holiday carols, and Santa will be on hand for photos with the little ones. Anna from Disney's never-endingly popular "Frozen" will greet children, and a holiday movie will play in the lot.
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A live ice-carving demonstration is planned, and goodie bags will be given out during the tree lighting ceremony, as well.
Lakeview East is also bringing back its holiday treat stroll, which is set for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Shoppers can sample treats from 25 Lakeview businesses, ranging from mini cannolis from Cafe L'Appetito, 3332 N. Broadway, to hot chocolate shots at KC Chocolatier, 545 W. Diversey Pkwy.
Savvy shoppers can get 25 percent off Lakeview East gift cards from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday. The cards are accepted at 150 businesses along the corridor.
New York Deli, 2921 N. Clark St., will have French toast casserole, and the Lakeview Kitchen and Market, 3109 N. Broadway, is offering a host of assorted treats from its various vendors.
Shoppers can also catch "A Christmas Story" for free at the Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, at 2 p.m. The theater will sell hot cocoa, tea and coffee during the movie.
Get the full list of participating businesses here.
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