Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Downers Grove: Parades, Fests, More

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — There is no shortage of things to do in Dowers Grove to get the winter holiday season off to a rollicking good start.

Christmas and Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, intersect this year, with Hanukkah running Dec. 18-26. Christmas, of course, is on Dec. 25, but you don’t have to wait to start taking in all the sights and sounds of the holidays.

Downers Grove lit its 2022 Christmas tree on Nov. 25.

In nearby Naperville, an ice menorah will be lit on Dec. 26. To view the menorah lighting, head to Naperville City Hall at 400 S. Eagle St. at 5:30 p.m. The festivities include hot chocolate and other goodies.

Christmas parades — often complete with Santa Claus, festively decorated floats and marching bands — are a holiday tradition, both nationally and locally.

Several big parades are taking place this year, including the Mayor’s Annual Christmas Parade in Baltimore City, Maryland, and the Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Beach, California.

Holiday lighting displays are another holiday favorite. Throughout the season, downtown Downers Grove will be aglow with painted windows and twinkling lights. Residents are also getting into the spirit of the season by decking out their homes for the 2022 Downers Grove Holiday Glow Decorating Contest.