Illustration of Santa in a red suit sitting in an armchair as a small child shows him a paper list beside a lit fireplace (Light Up The Holidays Festival & Parade)
Christmas Lights

Light Up The Holidays Festival & Parade

Visitors can celebrate the holiday season with a festival and parade in downtown Joliet. Guests can explore the downtown area and dine at local restaurants during the festivities.

Fri, Nov 27, 2026 All ages Free.

Website / Tickets

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Plan Your Visit

Hours

12:00pm - 5:30pm.

Neighborhood

Downtown Joliet

Food & Drink

Food is available at local restaurants in downtown Joliet.

Parking

No parking allowed in the staging areas; there are no designated parking spots; parking is first come, first served. Parking is free on Saturdays/weekends.

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Downtown Joliet · Joliet, IL Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and visitors looking for a community holiday outing

Vibe

Festive and community-focused

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to find a parking spot, since there is no designated event parking and downtown spaces are first come, first served.
  • Don't try to park in the parade staging areas, because they are closed off during the festival and parade.
  • Plan to eat at one of the downtown Joliet restaurants, since that is where food is available during the festival.
  • Every event and activity during the festival and parade is free, so the whole family can enjoy the full day of holiday fun.

Links & Contact

Run by Joliet City Center Partnership

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be food at the festival and parade?

Food comes from the many local restaurants in downtown Joliet, so you can grab a meal nearby during the festivities.

Where can I park?

There are no designated parking spots, so parking is first come, first served. The parade staging areas are closed off and can't be used for parking.

How can my business support the event?

Businesses can sign on as sponsors, and a sponsorship packet is available to download. The event also takes sign-ups from people who want to take part.

Where can out-of-town visitors stay?

Visit Joliet keeps a list of hotel options around Joliet.

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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