Elgin’s Holiday by the Tracks will take place Saturday, Dec. 6, city officials announced during a City of Elgin information segment. Acting public information officer Stacy Ford Osborne introduced Megan Stewart, a contracted city event coordinator, who outlined the daylong schedule.

Stewart said the event combines the city’s lighted Christmas parade with the Elgin Chamber of Commerce’s Cocoa Stroll and vendor market, and that additional community organizations have added activities to create a full day of programming from morning through the evening parade. “It’s a full day of activity starting in the morning with breakfast with Santa, going through the evening with the lighted holiday parade,” Stewart said.

Planned activities include a “Breakfast with Santa” breakfast at the fire station on Avenue C; library programming with crafts, carols and book readings typically running from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and the Cocoa Stroll, which the chamber plans to run roughly 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Store specials and vendor markets are scheduled downtown. Stewart said the Cocoa Stroll operates as a fundraiser for the chamber: attendees buy a commemorative mug, visit participating businesses offering hot cocoa samples and vote for a favorite.

The Elgin Education Foundation will stage a wreath auction in downtown Elgin; proceeds will support Elgin Independent School District programs, Stewart said. She also noted a “merry and bright” pink bus planned to host a Kendra Scott pop‑up, vendor services such as chair massages and other family‑oriented activities. Stewart said Santa sightings will be scheduled around town and that organizers will publish a schedule so families know where to find him.

Organizers asked residents to consult the city’s event postings for final times and locations. Stewart emphasized the community nature of the event and encouraged residents to participate in daytime family activities as well as the evening parade.

The City of Elgin’s news segment did not include permit details, road‑closure specifics, public‑safety plans, vendor fees or an exact time for the lighted parade; organizers said a schedule would be released before the event.