Lake In The Hills Holiday Decorating Contest, Lights Tour Return In December

LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — Lake in the Hills residents will have several opportunities to celebrate the holidays in December, including visits with Santa Claus, a holiday house decorating contest and a guided bus tour of the village's festive lights.

The village's annual Holiday House Decorating Contest will run Dec. 16 through Dec. 22, with residents invited to decorate their homes and compete for community recognition, according to the village of Lake in the Hills. Categories include the Bing Crosby Award, Light Up the Village Award, Rocking Around the Tree Award and Judges' Choice.

The deadline to register a decorated home is Dec. 14, and winners will receive gift certificates and yard signs recognizing their displays, according to village officials.

Residents can also participate in the village's Holiday Lights Bus Tour from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17. The guided tour will take participants around Lake in the Hills to view decorated homes while helping judge the annual contest.

Registration is required, and the tour costs $10 for residents.

Earlier in the month, children can participate in Cookies with Mr. and Mrs. Claus from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at village hall, 600 Harvest Gate.

The event features holiday stories, cookies, cocoa, activities and an opportunity to take photos with Santa. The village is also offering personalized letters from Santa, with registration required by Dec. 7.

Additional information and registration details are available through Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation website.