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.
This year, it feels even more special to take part of our favorite holiday traditions again. Kick off the holiday season with these exciting tree light ceremonies in Chicago and the suburbs.
City of Chicago Christmas Tree
Nov. 19, 2021
- Address: Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
Enjoy the family fun with live music, performances and a special appearance by Dreezy Claus, Chicago’s Black Santa. Tree lighting begins at 6 p.m. After the lighting, guests will be treated to a fireworks show.
Holiday Lights in Aurora
Nov. 19, 2021
- Address: 5 E. Downer Place, Aurora
Enjoy a holiday parade ushering in Santa and Mrs. Claus. The official City of Aurora Holiday Tree will be lit and after, the downtown area will have a fireworks display. The twinkling lit streets of downtown Aurora will also be filled with costumed characters, festive photo-ops and much more.
Light Up the Park in Rosemont
Nov. 26, 2021
- Address: Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont
Parkway Bank Park will turn on its tree lights and a spectacular display of more than 80,000 lights. Enjoy ice skating, caroling, festive characters, horse and carriage rides, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Light Up The Holidays & Parade in Joliet
Nov. 26, 2021
- Address: Van Buren Plaza, Joliet
Activities begin downtown as early as 10 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, JJC City Center Campus and more.
Winterland Tree Lighting Ceremony at Gallagher Way
Nov. 29, 2021
- Address: 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago
Spend an evening of holiday cheer with special performances before and after the official tree lighting. After the ceremony, guests can skate on the ice with Clark the Cub, witness performances from Chicago Ice Skating groups, and enjoy festive food and shopping at Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville.
Holiday Lights in Homewood
Dec. 3, 2021
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.
Christmas Walk in Geneva
Dec. 3, 2021
- Address: 8 S. 3rd St., Geneva
Santa Lucia and Santa arrives to help illuminate the lights in Geneva. Enjoy carolers, the Great Tree lighting, roasted chestnuts and late shopping.
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