What You Need To Know If You Go: Miracle On Main

ALGONQUIN, IL — A holiday tradition that kicked off the year before the COVID-19 virus hit — and gained traction after as more people opted for outdoor events while socializing — will celebrate its fourth year in Algonquin this year, village officials told Patch Friday.

Public work crews and employees with the village are hard at work Friday putting the finishing touches on this year's Miracle on Main event in Old Town Algonquin, said Katie Gock, recreation superintendent for the village.

The festivities will kick off at 3 p.m. with the Merry Market, which is new this year and will include 23 vendors selling handmade gifts and Christmas-themed goodies on Main between Washington and Madison streets.

Also new this year is a trackless train, which will have two stops — one near the historic village hall and the other on Fern Hill near the Merry Market, Gock said.

With temps expected to be in the 40s — with a slight chance for precipitation — the event is expected to see a record turnout this year, Gock said. The holiday event, along with most events along Main Street, have seen an increase in attendance in recent years and since the village unveiled improvements to the Old Town area.

This year, between 4,000 and 5,000 people are expected if the temps cooperate and it stays dry, Gock said. Between 2,500 and 3,000 have made it out in the past.

The Miracle on Main launched in 2019 — and then had to take a break during the 2020 holiday season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But returned again in 2021.

The outdoor event was a welcome outing during the holiday season and has gained traction ever since.

"Since it is a somewhat new event, it has created a tradition for people and it's become how they kick off their Christmas season. So, it's a good way to start a tradition with your family and is a way to stop out and be a part of the community," Gock said.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will make their grand entrance to the fest between 5:10 and 5:15 p.m. They will be escorted on a old-school pick-up truck, and there will be police cars and decked out public work vehicles also taking part in the festivities.

Also new this year will be a Main Stage where performers, including Classical Blast, will perform. Other highlights from this year's event include a live ice sculptor, live entertainment, reindeer and visits with Santa, the village's official tree lighting and more.

The full schedule of events can be found below:

More information on this year's Miracle on Main, including information on the best places to park, can be found here.