Lake County Gazette

Santa's Cottage is set to open on Saturday, December 7, at Courtland Commons Park in Mundelein. Families are invited to visit Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a team of elves for photo opportunities.

According to the Mundelein Community Connection website, Santa's Cottage will be accessible on December 7 from 2-5 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m., and it will reopen on December 14 and 21 from noon to 3 p.m. The cottage is located at Courtland Commons Park, 400 E Courtland St., Mundelein.

The inspiration for Santa's Cottage originated with Oscar Demski, a long-time resident of Mundelein who was the first recipient of the organization's Volunteer of the Year Award in 1993. He developed the plans, solicited donations, and enlisted volunteer carpenters, electricians, and other tradesmen to construct the first cottage in 1992. Although remodeled over time, it remains true to its original design. His concept was based on a similar structure he had encountered years earlier. Demski wanted children to experience visiting Santa in a unique setting away from the commercialized atmosphere of department stores or malls.

Demski believed that waiting outside during winter enhanced children's experience of meeting Santa in an intimate space. Although he passed away in 2023, his legacy continues through this initiative.

The website also states that Santa's Cottage was originally located at the northeast corner of Seymour and Park Streets from 1993 until 2015. After the completion of the new Village Hall in 2014, it was relocated to Plaza Circle. Operated by the Mundelein Community Connection as a cherished downtown tradition, it is maintained largely by volunteers. The Mundelein Public Works department handles setup, decoration, and off-season storage for Santa's Cottage each year. A team of dedicated elves assists Santa and Mrs. Claus annually at this event. Numerous local businesses contribute refreshments, gift bags, and financial support to sustain the cottage.