Aurora's Winter Lights Parade, Celebration and Fireworks Are This Friday

The city of Aurora will officially kick off the holiday season with its Winter Lights Parade and Celebration this Friday.

The celebration will take place in the area of Downer Place and Stolp Avenue in downtown Aurora. The parade will step off at 6:30 p.m. An official lighting of city of Aurora's Holiday Tree, which will be located in front of the Grand Army of the Republic Museum, at 23 East Downer Place, will be held at 7 p.m. Mayor O’Connor, Miss Merry Christmas and Mr. Jack Frost will take part in the tree lighting. An award presentation for the winners of the Downtown Window Decorating Contest will follow.

Fireworks along the Fox River will be held at 7:30 p.m.

After the fireworks, follow Santa and Mrs. Claus to the GAR Museum where he will be listening to Christmas wishes, plus, Mrs. Claus has a special treat for those who have been good all year, according to the news release.

In addition, visitors can check out the holiday "Pop-up Shops" on Stolp Avenue from 5 to 9 p.m. for music, art, gifts and good things to eat, according to city of Aurora news release. The twinkling lit streets will be filled with costumed characters, festive photo-ops, live reindeer and much more.

Photo via the Winter Lights Facebook page