Downtown Downers Grove kicks off the holiday season with their annual Gingerbread Festival. The Gingerbread Festival offers something for all ages to enjoy: story time, tree lighting ceremony, gingerbread man hunt, gingerbread house contest, visits with Santa in his gingerbread house, celebration of small business Saturday, pictures with the gingerbread boy and girl perusing town, breakfast with Santa, complimentary carriage rides and a holiday window display contest. And, of course, great shopping in the unique boutiques and dining in delicious restaurants. All events are complimentary with the exception of breakfast with Santa.