Clare Kaiser, 3, and her sister Caroline, 7, work at a craft table during Lake Bluff's annual "It's a Wonderful Life" event to draw in holiday shoppers. | Brian O'Mahoney~for Sun-Times Media

Clare Kaiser, 3, works at a craft table during Lake Bluff's annual "It's a Wonderful Life" event to draw in holiday shoppers. | Brian O'Mahoney~for Sun-Times Media

Eliza Tarvi reads a story to Natalee Hoel, 4, during Lake Bluff's "It's a Wonderful Life" event earlier this month. Several such special events in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff are designed to draw customers to both downtown shopping districts. | Brian O'Mah

Morrison Hoel enjoys an activity during the Lake Bluff "It's a Wonderful Life" event. | Brian O'Mahoney~for Sun-Times Media

Anna Hirst, 3, works at a craft table during Lake Bluff's "It's A Wonderful Life" event earlier this month. Drawing families to their business districts is a key component of special events in both Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. | Brian O'Mahoney~for Sun-Ti

Eliza Tarvi reads a story as part of the Lake Bluff's "It's a Wonderful Life" event earlier this month. Special events draw foot traffic downtown. | Brian O'Mahoney~for Sun-Times Media