St. Charles Preps For Holiday Homecoming

ST. CHARLES, IL — The St. Charles Business Alliance is starting to get plans in place for this year's St. Charles Holiday Homecoming Weekend, which will take place on Nov. 25 and 26.

The free two-day event will feature a variety of holiday activities, which will kick off at 5 p.m. on Friday at the 1st Street Plaza with the Lighting of the Lights Ceremony. This year’s official "light switcher" for the ceremony is St. Charles Police Officer Jennifer Larsen and her family. Larsen was named Kane County Officer of the Year in 2018 for her heroic actions that led to her saving the life of an infant.

On Saturday, the Arcada Theatre plans to host a free showing of the movie, "Elf," at 10 a.m. The doors for the movie open at 9 a.m.

Starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, Santa’s House, located at the 1st Street Plaza, will be open. Visitors will have the chance to talk with and take pictures with Santa every Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 26 through Dec. 18. Small Business Saturday will also are recognized on Nov. 26, and many local St. Charles businesses will be having specials and promotions in honor of the weekend.

You can view the specials and promotions online.

The Electric Christmas Parade will also be held on Saturday, and will step off at 5:30 p.m. in downtown St. Charles. The parade will feature holiday music, more than 60 parade entries and an appearance by Santa Claus.

Jenna Sawicki, executive director of the St. Charles Business Alliance, said she is looking forward to this year’s Holiday Homecoming Weekend.

“We hope that everyone has a chance to come out and celebrate the start of the holidays with the community," Sawicki said. “We also encourage everyone to stop by some of the wonderful St. Charles businesses and support local during Small Business Saturday.”

More information on Holiday Homecoming activities can be found online. Any additional questions regarding the event can be directed to the St. Charles Business Alliance at 630-443-3967.