The Neighbor Project will host a free community holiday celebration on December 12 at East Aurora High School, featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, food, family activities, local vendors, and 1,000 toys for children.
AURORA, IL — The holiday season is bringing a little extra magic to Aurora as The Neighbor Project prepares to host its 6th Annual Free Pictures with Santa, a community-wide holiday celebration offering families an afternoon of festive activities, complimentary food, giveaways, and opportunities to connect with local organizations.
The free event will take place Saturday, December 12, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m. at the East Aurora High School Field House, located at 500 Tomcat Lane in Aurora. Families should enter through Door #15.
One of the day's biggest highlights will be the distribution of 1,000 toys to children attending the event, helping make the holiday season a little brighter for local families.
Children and families will also have the opportunity to take free holiday photographs with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, conchas, and tamales, and participate in a variety of family-friendly activities.
Additional attractions will include face painting, a balloon twister, and a special letter-writing station where children can share their Christmas wishes with Santa.
Beyond the holiday festivities, the event will feature local vendor and informational booths, community resources, and raffles. The vendor and information area will give attendees an opportunity to discover local businesses, organizations, and services available throughout the community.
Families Encouraged to Register in Advance
Although the event is free and open to families, advance registration through Eventbrite is highly encouraged. Families who preregister will receive an additional raffle ticket, giving them another opportunity to participate in the event's giveaways. Attendees must be present to receive their additional raffle ticket and claim a raffle prize.
Advance registration also helps organizers prepare for the anticipated community turnout.
With free family photographs, food, entertainment, community connections, and 1,000 toys being distributed, the 6th Annual Free Pictures with Santa promises an afternoon of holiday cheer and community spirit for Aurora families.
EVENT DETAILS
- Event: 6th Annual Free Pictures with Santa
- Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Time: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Location: East Aurora High School Field House
- Address: 500 Tomcat Lane, Aurora, IL 60505
- Entrance: Door #15
- Admission: Free
Advance Registration: Families are encouraged to preregister through Eventbrite to receive an additional raffle ticket.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-pictures-with-santa-6th-annual-tickets-2002968672217
The event is hosted by The Neighbor Project.