"Three! Two! One! Light the tree!" 

And just like that, it was the holiday season in Downers Grove.

Hundreds of residents braved the cold weather Friday for the kickoff of the 2012 Gingerbread Festival, hosted by the Downers Grove Downtown Management Corporation.

Santa Claus and Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully hit the switch on the village's tree Friday afternoon, marking the official start of a weekend packed with holiday activities—including a storybook reading at the library, breakfast with Santa, a middle school play and complimentary carriage rides.

Festival patrons were also busy visiting various downtown establishments to vote for their favorite gingerbread house. The winners will be announced after voting ends Sunday, and will receive $50 in gift certificates.

Have photos from the Gingerbread Festival? Click the "Upload Photos and Videos" button to share them with Patch!

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