Winter Lights Celebration To Kick Off Holiday Season In Aurora

AURORA, IL — Aurora is kicking off the holiday season with Holiday Lights on Friday, officials announced.

Hosted by the City of Aurora in partnership with Aurora Downtown, Winter Lights will take place from 6-9 p.m. with activities centered on Downer Place and Stolp Avenue in downtown Aurora. The event coincides with the first day of the Christkindlmarket in Aurora.

The docket is packed to include a parade, tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks extravaganza. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be making an appearance to sit for free photos with visitors.

To top off the event, musical entertainment will be playing at Millenium Plaza and food trucks and vendors will be stationed on Stolp Avenue between Downer Place and Galena Boulevard. Costumed characters will also roam the area to greet guests.

Here's a look at what's in store Friday:

Winter Lights parade

Led by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, the parade will step off at 6:30 p.m. on Downer Place and travel from Water to River streets. Costumed characters, community groups, performers, public safety vehicles and Christkind from Aurora's Christkindlmarket will take part in the parade.

Tree-lighting ceremony

The ceremony, which includes a countdown, will start right after the parade at GAR Memorial Museum, 23 E. Downer Place. At this time, an award will also be presented for the window-decorating contest that was held downtown.

Fireworks

Fireworks will blast off once the tree-lighting ceremony concludes. City officials said the best viewing place is on the East Downer Place Bridge near Aurora City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place.

Photos with Santa

Once all the scheduled activities end, Santa and Mrs. Claus will hang out at the GAR Memorial Museum for pictures. Photos will start at 7:30 p.m.

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