Celebrate the Season at the St. Charles Holiday Homecoming, Electric Christmas Parade

It will soon be time for St. Charles to officially kick off the Christmas season.

Holiday Homecoming will get underway in St. Charles on the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, and will include the official lighting of the display on the First Street Plaza and an appearance by Santa Claus. The Electric Christmas Parade will step off at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 29.

Here is a detailed look at all of the events taking place during this year’s Holiday Homecoming:

Friday, Nov. 28

Lighting of the Lights on the 1st Street Plaza

5 p.m.: Experience the wonder of the season as Mayor Rogina illuminates the city and officially kicks-off the holidays in St. Charles. There will be a special performance by the St. Charles East and North High Schools’ Chorales, as well as an appearance by Santa. Be there as Santa opens his house for the first time this season.

Swan’s Christmas Trees Opens for Holiday Season

Swans is located east of the First Street Plaza and along the river. These trees fill Downtown St. Charles with an amazing scent and scenic holiday view along the river. The tree lot will be open through the holiday season and tree Lots Hours are:

• Monday through Friday: 12 to 8 p.m.
• Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sundays: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 29

Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday, founded by American Express, encourages people to shop at independently owned businesses on Saturday November, 29. The city of St. Charles welcomes residents to check out downtown shops for unique gifts and to ”Shop Small” all season long.

FREE Holiday Movies at the Arcada Theatre

The Polar Express will be show at 10:30 a.m. at the Arcadia Theatre. Seating begins at 9:30am.

Free Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides on First St. Plaza

The horse-drawn sleigh rides will be offered from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Visit With Santa on the 1st Street Plaza

Santa will be accepting visits on Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 29 through Dec. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. Be sure to stop by Santa’s House for a visit while he’s in town from the North Pole.

Electric Christmas Parade-

The parade will step off at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street and will run between 6th Street and 4th Avenue.

Don’t miss this spectacular, fully illuminated parade down Main Street. The city lights will be turned off and the lighted floats will make their way along the scenic backdrop of Downtown St. Charles.

• Click here to see part of last years parade!

Source: Downtown St. Charles website