Winter Lights 2023: Parade, Fireworks, Santa Visits Planned In Aurora

AURORA, IL — The beloved Winter Lights tradition will kick off the 2023 holiday season Nov. 17 in downtown Aurora.

Taking place on Stolp Avenue, the free family-friendly event will feature a parade, fireworks and visits with Santa as well as music and food trucks. This year's theme for window displays is "holidays around the world."

Officials will also use Winter Lights as the time to flip the holiday switch and light the city's holiday tree. The lighting will take place after the parade, which will step off at 6:30 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will participate in the illuminated parade "filled with reindeer, elves, special guests and other holiday favorites."

Following the tree lighting, the downtown Aurora sky will shine bright with a grand display of fireworks along the banks of the Fox River. Officials say the best viewing spot for both events is on the East Downer Place bridge.

Once the big three festivities come to an end, guests can take to Stolp Avenue between Downer Place and Galena Boulevard to indulge in food vendors, hot cocoa and artisan vendors while listening to holiday music and interacting with costumed characters.

Streets will begin to close for the event at 6 p.m., so visitors are encouraged to arrive early. Parking for the event, hosted in collaboration between Aurora Downtown and the City of Aurora, can be found at public downtown lots.