About
Crete Country Christmas is a subsidiary of the Crete Area Chamber of Commerce. This subset committee was created due to the nature of the event. The planning and execution of Crete Country Christmas involves a collaborative effort of the chamber, the Village of Crete, Crete Park District, the Crete Public Library, Crete Township, local businesses, civic groups, and residents.
Executive Board
Jamie Healy - President
Judy Petrungaro - Vice President
Mark Wiater - Treasurer
Dave Sieffert - Secretary
Board Members at Large
Gina Chavez
Janel Geary
Michael Liccar
Amy Heim
There are 10 committees, each with a specific focus, that meet throughout the year. These committees are made up of board members, business owners, local civic groups, and residents.
Board meetings are held the 3rd Monday of each month at the Crete Public Library at 6:00pm.
Everyone is welcome!
Entertainment
Candy Cane Lane Tent (Cass St. between Main & Wood)
Friday, December 4, 2026
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Line Up TBD
Saturday, December 5, 2026
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Line Up TBD
Activities
For details about each activity, please visit our Crete Country Christmas website!
Thursday, December 3, 2026
Memorial Lights, Tree Lighting, Christmas Sing-along
Time TBD​​
Friday, December 4, 2026
Cocoa & Cookie Crawl
5:00-7:00pm​​​
(Pre-Registration Required)
Visits with Santa at the Gazebo
5:00-7:00pm
Saturday, December 5, 2026​
Grinch 5K
Check-In @ 7:00am
Race @ 8:00am
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Grinch Breakfast
9:00-10:30am
(Pre-Registration Required)
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Community Events
Throughout the Day​​​
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Kris Kringle Market
@ Crete Elementary School
9:00am-3:00pm
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Reindog Contest & Pet Blessings
@ Evil Horse
12:00pm
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Visits with Santa at the Gazebo
1:00-4:00pm
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Parade of Lights
6:00pm
Sunday, December 6, 2026
Bloody Mary BINGO
10:00am - 2:00pm​​​
Monday, December 7 & Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Santa Sleigh Parade
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Monday & Tuesday​​
Parade departs at 5pm each night
Monday, December 7
In-Town Crete
Tuesday, December 8
Lincolnshire/Lincolnshire East Areas
Forms
Sponsorship
Help support Crete Country Christmas! Learn more about the different sponsorship levels and download the form.
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Parade Application
Be a part of the Parade of Lights! Parade travels northbound on Main St. from ILHS to First St. beginning at 6pm on Saturday, December 5th.
Entries must be in by November 21. Late entries and day-of entries will NOT be accepted - NO EXCEPTIONS.
Community Events
Sign your business or organization up to host a Community Event on Saturday, December 5th.
Kris Kringle Market
Apply to be a vendor at the Kris Kringle Market, held at Crete Elementary from 9am - 3pm on Saturday, December 5th.
Raffle/Event Fundraiser Application
Apply to host a raffle or event inside the Crete Country Christmas tent to raise funds for your organization on Saturday, December 5th or Sunday, December 6th.
APPLICATIONS CLOSED FOR 2026
Tinseltown Tavern Volunteer Application
Apply to be a volunteer at Tinseltown Tavern inside the Crete Country Christmas tent, on Friday, December 4th or Saturday, December 5th to raise funds for your organization. All volunteers must be 21+.
APPLICATIONS CLOSED FOR 2026
