Joliet City Center Partnership to Host 26th Annual Light up the Holidays Parade & Festival in Downtown Joliet
The Joliet City Center Partnership (CCP) is proud to host the 26th annual Light up the Holidays Festival Parade, sponsored by the University of St. Francis, in Downtown Joliet. This event is held on Friday, November 29th with free activities beginning at 10 a.m. and culminating in the annual parade at 5:30 p.m. Sponsors of these activities include University of St. Francis, City of Joliet, Old National Bank, Midland States Bank, First Secure Community Bank, Harrah’s, Ascension St. Joseph’s, Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network, CoVantage Credit Union, Adler Roofing, D’Arcy GMC Buick, R. Berti Building Solutions, Duke’s Landscape Services, Austin Tyler Construction, AMS Industries, Busey Bank, Arkas Restaurant Group, AFSCME Joliet Employees Local 440, and Aflac.
The day begins with the North Pole Christmas Market at the Renaissance Center from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. where shoppers can find unique and personalized Christmas gifts. Kids and adults alike will enjoy photos with characters from their favorite movies throughout the day at the Renaissance Center as well as visits with Santa at the Joliet Area Historical Museum. The North Pole Park, located at the corner of Cass and Joliet Street will provide free activities from 1:00-5:00 p.m. including an iceless skating rink, ice carving demonstrations, gingerbread slide, sleigh photo opportunity, and a kiddie Ferris wheel. In addition, visitors will enjoy the horse-drawn carriage rides which will be available from 1:30-4:30 p.m. The Rialto Square Theatre will once again host the popular Teddy Bear Tea with seatings at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The Joliet Public Library and the Joliet Area Historical Museum will host various performances throughout the day. Visit Santa at the museum from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. as well. Downtown businesses will also provide activities throughout the day, so stop in at a business on Chicago Street and support your local small business.
Join the Joliet Central Madrigal Singers before the tree lighting ceremony which will take place on Ottawa and Clinton at the Joliet Public Library and will begin at 5:15 p.m. followed by a firework show. The 26th annual parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. at Benton and Ottawa Street. The recommended viewing area is on Ottawa Street from Webster to Jefferson Street and on Jefferson Street between Ottawa and Scott Street. The following bands will be featured: Laraway School Band, Joliet Central High School Band, Joliet West High School Band, Troy Middle School Marching Band, Joliet Police Pipe and Drums, Joliet Central High School Marching Band, and playoff schedule permitting, Wilmington High School Marching Band and Color Guard. For the third year in a row, children 11 and under can enter a raffle to ride the float with Santa Claus.
Due to the timing of street closures, we strongly recommend families arrive before 4:00 to enjoy festivities before the tree lighting and parade. Please note, anyone parking in the Ottawa Street Parking Deck located at 110 N. Ottawa will be unable to exit the deck after 4:00 p.m. until the conclusion of the parade. Other event parking will be readily available throughout downtown.
“With so much to see and do, Downtown Joliet is a festive destination for celebrating the holiday season. We invite people to visit, enjoy the festivities, have a meal at one of our many restaurants, and shop at some of our retailers for that unique gift.” stated Priscilla Cordero, Executive Director of the City Center Partnership.
The Light up the Holidays Festival and Parade is one of many downtown events produced by the Joliet City Center Partnership in order to provide an opportunity to showcase and promote downtown businesses and boost community pride among Joliet residents and visitors. For more information and ongoing updates on this event visit www.jolietccp.com/holidays.
