Guests Welcomed Back For In-Person Celebration Of Lights Festival

BATAVIA, IL — Crowds will once again be able to enjoy Batavia illuminated by twinkling lights during the Celebration of Lights Festival Nov. 28. A tree-lighting ceremony was held virtually in 2020 due to COVID-19, but activities will return in person to the Batavia Riverwalk this year.

A ceremonial tree lighting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Sunday, a half-hour after the festival begins. At that time, Santa will also arrive and Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke will give a welcoming address.

From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., guests will be able to partake in a plethora of activities. A community sing-a-long is scheduled at 5:15 p.m., and Batavia Public Library is hosting a story hour at the Gustafson Research Center in the Batavia Depot Museum, 155 Houston St.

Local organizations and businesses are decorating 25 holiday trees for the Celebration of Lights, and they'll be on display as part of Christmas Tree Lane.

Visits with Santa will also be possible. He'll be hanging out at his warming house at the Peg Bond Center, 151 N. Island Ave., and kids younger than 10 will be able to receive treats from Santa.

Throughout the event, families will have opportunities to take photos at the Peg Bond Center and go on free hayrides. Guests will be able to craft inside the City Council Chambers, and the Depot Museum will host old-fashioned ornament making for all ages as well.

Entrance to the event is free, and no registration is required. The festival is presented by the Batavia Park District, who's partnering with Batavia MainStreet, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, the city of Batavia and the Batavia Police Department.

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