The Joliet City Center Partnership (CCP) is proud to host the 27th Annual Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade, sponsored by Bays Tower, in Downtown Joliet.

This beloved tradition will take place on Friday, Nov. 28, with free activities beginning at 10 a.m. and culminating in the annual parade at 5:30 p.m.

“We are thrilled to welcome families and visitors to Downtown Joliet for a day filled with joy, entertainment, and holiday magic,” said Emmanuel Lopez, Executive Director of Joliet City Center Partnership.

“I invite everyone to enjoy all this free event has to offer while visiting our local stores and restaurants along the way.”

Event Highlights

• North Pole Christmas Market at the Renaissance Center (10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) featuring unique holiday gifts and treats, kids crafts, holiday character photo ops, and live entertainment.
• North Pole Park (Cass & Joliet Streets, 1–5 p.m.) with free activities including an iceless skating rink, ice carving demo, gingerbread slide, photo ops, games, and kiddie Ferris wheel.
• Horse-drawn carriage rides (1:30–4:30 p.m.) departing from North Pole Park
• Joliet Public Library: Reindeer games (1–5 p.m.) and holiday singalong (3:30 p.m.).
• Joliet Area Historical Museum: Free admission and photos with Santa (10 a.m.–3 p.m.).
• Downtown restaurants and shops offering specials and activities throughout the day.

City of Joliet Tree lighting and parade

Join the Joliet Central Choir before the City of Joliet’s tree lighting ceremony, which will take place for the first time in the new City Square at 5:15 p.m., followed by a fireworks show. The 27th annual parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. at Benton and Chicago streets.

CCP is excited to announce the 2025 Grand Marshal: Mike Veeck of the Joliet Slammers! Veeck expressed his excitement about participating in the celebration:

“It is an honor to be included in such a wonderful event for the city, and the Slammers are delighted to be mentioned in a sentence that includes the Holidays and Joliet; not that kind of sentence.”

After the parade, families can continue the holiday fun and visit Santa at an afterparty hosted by Bays Tower located at 311 N. Ottawa.

“Light Up the Holidays is a celebration of everything that makes Joliet special—community spirit, family traditions, and the magic of the holiday season,” said Mayor Terry D’Arcy. “From our new City Square tree lighting to the parade and fireworks, this event is a wonderful way for residents and visitors to come together and experience the heart of downtown Joliet.”

Recommended viewing areas include Chicago Street from Benton to Jefferson Street, and Jefferson Street between Chicago and Scott Streets. The parade will feature up to seven bands including six marching bands.

Parents can enter children 11 and under for a chance to ride on Santa’s float by visiting www.jolietccp.com/santa. The deadline is November 19.

Street Closures & Parking:

Chicago Street and Jefferson Street will close at 3 p.m. for the duration of the event. Free parking is available throughout downtown, including the Ottawa Street parking deck (110 N. Ottawa) and the Old Will County parking lot (Jefferson & Scott Streets). A downtown City Shuttle will run from 1–5:15 p.m. between Chicago & Scott and the Renaissance Center. Handicap parking is available in the Ottawa Street Parking Deck and on Clinton Street between Chicago and Ottawa Streets.

Sponsors of these activities include Bays Tower, City of Joliet, Old National Bank, Midland States Bank, Adler Roofing, D’Arcy Motors, First Secure Community Bank, Chicagoland Speedway, Harrah’s Joliet, Busey Bank, Todays Dental Joliet, Elliott Electric Inc., Emediate Cure, Stantec Consulting, The Flooring Guys, AMS Industries, Arkas Restaurant Group, Hella Obscura, and Committee to Elect Richard Raasch.

For more information, visit www.jolietccp.com/holidays.