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 Message from Mayor Goczkowski
The holiday season is here, and Des Plaines is already looking festive. With the first snow on the ground, I want to thank our Public Works crews for keeping streets clear so residents can safely take part in this weekend’s holiday celebrations.
The annual Holiday Tree Lighting takes place Friday, December 5, at Metropolitan Square in downtown Des Plaines. Enjoy food trucks, live entertainment, and festive activities as we countdown to the lighting of the tree at 6:30 p.m.
The next day, Saturday, December 6, the City’s Winter Fair will take place at the Des Plaines Public Library from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The main attraction of this event is an indoor artisan market showcasing the work of talented local makers. It’s a perfect place to pick up unique holiday gifts while supporting small businesses in our community.
On Saturday, December 13, the Des Plaines Youth Commission presents the Holiday Hoopla, also at the library, with activities aimed at kids and families.
After the holidays, I encourage everyone to consider recycling your trees and lights to help keep the city green. More information on recycling opportunities can be found later in this newsletter.
In the meantime, please share this e-news with your family, friends, and neighbors, and encourage them to subscribe. If I can be of assistance to you, please feel free to contact me at 847-391-5301 or agoczkowski@desplainesil.gov.
Yours in service,
Andrew Goczkowski
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Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, December 5 | 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Metropolitan Square
Enjoy live entertainment, community group performances, and festive activities for the whole family at Metropolitan Square in downtown Des Plaines. Take photos with Santa and the Grinch, and don’t miss the magical moment as we light the holiday tree at 6:30 p.m. to kick off the season.
Visit desplainesil.gov/holidaylighting to learn more.
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Winter Fair & Trolley Tours
Saturday, December 6 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Des Plaines Public Library
Shop your way through the indoor artisan market featuring talented local makers, enjoy festive activities, and soak up the spirit of the season.
This event also includes historic trolley hosted by the Des Plaines History Center. All trolley tour spots are currently filled. You can find out more and join the waitlist at desplainesil.gov/winterfair.
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Guests can drop off letters to the North Pole and submit ideas for the City's annual Name a Snowplow contest at both the Holiday Tree Lighting and the Winter Fair.
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Family Fun at Holiday Hoopla
Saturday, December 13 | 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Des Plaines Public Library
The Des Plaines Youth Commission presents the annual Holiday Hoopla! We'll be at the Des Plaines Public Library (Meeting Room C) on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Visit with Santa Claus and enjoy crafts, games, cookies, juice and holiday cheer.
Admission is free and the event is open to the public. Registration is not required. Children must arrive by 2:30 p.m. to visit with Santa. Participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable item for the Self Help Closet and Pantry.
Community Connection: December
Catch the latest episode of Community Connection with Mayor Andrew Goczkowski, where we highlight good news from around Des Plaines!
In this edition:
- Shred Event and Drug Takeback Day Helps Keep Des Plaines Green and Safe
- Television Feature Highlights Local Postman's Decades of Service
- Wolves Forward Skates into District 62 School for Read to Succeed Program
Watch the full episode below and see what’s happening in your hometown.
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After The Holidays:
Tree & Lights Recycling in Des Plaines
The City of Des Plaines is committed to helping residents keep our waste to a minimum this holiday season!
Public Works and Engineering Department will be collecting holiday trees for recycling during the first full week of January, from Monday, January 5, through Friday, January 9, 2026 (weather permitting). Participating residents are asked to remove any decorative materials and place the bare trees at their curb before 7 a.m. on January 5.
If you miss this collection and are an LRS customer, trees will still be picked up by the refuse service through Friday, January 16, 2026 (also weather permitting). After that, bare holiday trees will need to be held until landscape waste collection resumes in April.
 Throughout January and February, Des Plaines residents can also safely recycle their holiday lights through weekly collections at the City's Public Works facility. Lights can be dropped off on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1111 Joseph J. Schwab (Campground) Rd. We accept C7 and C9 lights, rope lights, mini-lights, LED lights, and extension cords. Please note that strands still attached to wreaths, garland, or other decorations will not be accepted.
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Upcoming Meetings and Reminders
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12/05 - Holiday Tree Lighting | 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Metropolitan Square
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12/06 - Winter Fair | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Des Plaines Public Library
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12/13 - Holiday Hoopla | 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Des Plaines Public LIbrary
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12/15 - City Council Meeting | 7 p.m. at Des Plaines City Hall
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12/19 - Last Day for Bagged Leaf Drop-Off at Public Works | More info online
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12/25 - Christmas Day | City Offices Closed, One-Day Delay for Refuse Collection
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1/1 - New Year's Day | City Offices Closed, One-Day Delay for Refuse Collection
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1/5 - City Council Meeting | 7 p.m. at Des Plaines City Hall
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1/5 - Public Works Holiday Tree Collection Begins | Weather Permitting
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City of Des Plaines
Phone 847.391.5300 |
1420 Miner Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016 |
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