There's something warm about a community coming together in the cold, hot chocolates in hand, holiday music twinkling, waiting for the oohs and aahs as the city or village tree is lit. Here's a list of tree lighting ceremonies around the Chicago area to see this holiday season.
Festival of Lights Tree Lighting
When: Nov. 16
Where: The Promenade Bolingbrook, 631 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook
Visit with Santa and enjoy holiday activities before the lighting of the tree. Activities include cookie decorating, ornament making, costume character meet & greet, balloon artists and more. Tree lighting begins at 6:15 p.m.
City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Nov. 22
Where: Millennium Park's Wrigley Square, Michigan Ave. & Randolph St., Chicago
Enjoy the family fun with live music, performances and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tree lighting begins at 6 p.m.
Winter Lights Holiday Walk
When: Nov. 22
Where: Water Street Mall, 24 E. Downer Place, Aurora
Enjoy a holiday parade ushering in Santa and Mrs. Claus. It's followed by a grand fireworks display along the banks of the Fox River. The official City of Aurora Holiday Tree, located in front of Grand Army of the Republic Museum, will be illuminated by Mayor Irvin, and Little Miss Aurora and Little Mr. Aurora. The twinkling lit streets of downtown Aurora will also be filled with costumed characters, festive photo-ops and much more.
Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade
When: Nov. 29
Where: Chicago Street between Van Buren and Jackson, Joliet
Activities begin downtown as early as 10:00 a.m., and include the Fantastic Fun Fair in the Joliet Area Historical Museum’s auditorium, as well as activities in the Joliet Public Library, Jitters Coffeehouse, Chicken-n-Spice, Chevere Latin Cafe, JJC City Center Campus and more.
Holiday Lights in Homewood
When: Dec. 6
Where: Martin Avenue between Chestnut Road and Kroner Avenue, Homewood
Watch Santa flip the switch for the annual tree lighting ceremony. Throughout the downtown, costumed characters and carolers spread holiday cheer, follow a parade of brightly, decorated antique cars to Hickory Road, and watch live ice sculpting demos, take photos with Santa, hot cocoa, bonfire, and holiday music.
Geneva's Great Tree Lighting and Christmas Walk
When: Dec. 6
Where: Geneva Court House, 100 S. Third St., Geneva
Santa Lucia arrives by horse-drawn carriage and Santa arrives to open the Gingerbread House. Enjoy carolers, the Great Tree lighting, old fashioned candy cane pull, roasted chestnuts, Swedish cookies and shopping.
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This article originally published on Nov. 9, 2018. It has been updated with the most recent information.
