Article · November 11, 2026

How to Plan Thanksgiving Break in Joliet with Kids (2026)

Joliet District 86 is off Nov 23–27 and District 204 Nov 25–27, 2026. Family ideas in Joliet for Thanksgiving week, with dates and official links.

By Zippy Guide · Published Nov 11, 2026 · Last checked Nov 11, 2026

Joliet Public Schools District 86 has no school Nov 23–27, 2026; Joliet Township High School District 204 is off Nov 25–27 (see school break dates; other districts may differ). The big day is Fri, Nov 27: Light Up the Holidays downtown, with the city tree lighting at 5 PM and the parade at 5:30 PM. Many places close on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 26), so check each official page.

Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade

Downtown Joliet's day-after-Thanksgiving festival: family activities in City Square, the city Christmas tree lighting with fireworks at 5 PM, and the parade on Chicago Street at 5:30 PM. Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade on Zippy Guide.

Where: City Square, 91 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432
When: Fri, Nov 27. The organizer's page lists the festival 12–5:30 PM; the City of Joliet's release lists North Pole Park family activities in City Square 11 AM–4:30 PM. Check the official page for final times. Tree lighting and fireworks 5 PM; parade steps off 5:30 PM on Chicago Street.
Price: Free to attend (organizer's FAQ).
Source: Joliet City Center Partnership

Teddy Bear Tea at the Rialto

A holiday brunch buffet at the Rialto Square Theatre with a visit from St. Nick and a keepsake teddy bear for kids. Teddy Bear Tea at the Rialto on Zippy Guide.

Where: 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432
When: Fri, Nov 27: sessions at 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM. Doors open one hour before.
Price: Tickets start at $39 adults and $30 children 12 and under (additional fees may apply). A ticket is required for everyone.
Source: Rialto Square Theatre

Holiday Movie: The Polar Express

The Polar Express (G) on the big screen at the historic Rialto, with an organ concert as doors open. Holiday Movie: The Polar Express on Zippy Guide.

Where: 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432
When: Saturday, Nov 28 at 7 PM. The event page also says "Sunday, November 28"; Nov 28 is a Saturday, so check with the box office.
Price: $5 per ticket, box office only (not sold online). General admission seating.
Source: Rialto Square Theatre

The Nutcracker (Chicago Festival Ballet)

Chicago Festival Ballet's 36th-anniversary Nutcracker at the Rialto, with local dancers performing alongside the company. The Nutcracker (Chicago Festival Ballet) on Zippy Guide.

Where: 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432
When: Sun, Nov 29 at 2 PM. Doors open one hour before.
Price: Tickets start at $51 (additional fees may apply).
Source: Rialto Square Theatre

Inwood Ice Arena

A full-size indoor ice rink at the Inwood Athletic Club complex with public skate sessions and a pay-as-you-go Intro to Skating class. Inwood Ice Arena on Zippy Guide.

Where: 3000 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60435
When: Public skate times change; check the public skate schedule on the official page or call (815) 741-7275 ext. 118.
Price: Public skate: $6 residents / $8 non-residents; kids 5 and under $3 / $4. Skate rental $5. Intro to Skating class $12.
Source: Joliet Park District

Pilcher Park Nature Center

A nature center inside Pilcher Park's 640+ acres, with trails, playground areas and picnic grounds. In winter it rents cross-country skis, including kids' sizes. Pilcher Park Nature Center on Zippy Guide.

Where: 2501 Highland Park Dr., Joliet, IL 60432
When: Nature center open Monday–Sunday 9 AM–3 PM; closed on holidays.
Price: Admission not posted. Cross-country ski rental (2 hours): adults $20, kids $10.
Source: Joliet Park District

Joliet Area Historical Museum

A local history museum in a former church downtown, with exhibits on Joliet's people and stories, plus Route 66 history. Joliet Area Historical Museum on Zippy Guide.

Where: 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, IL 60432
When: Open daily 10 AM–4 PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Price: Adults $10; seniors (60+) $9; full-time students with ID $7; youth 4–12 $5; ages 3 and under free.
Source: Joliet Area Historical Museum

Joliet Public Library: Ottawa Street Branch

The downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library, with weekly story times for babies, toddlers and preschoolers and holiday programs for families. Joliet Public Library: Ottawa Street Branch on Zippy Guide.

Where: 150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, IL 60432
When: Monday–Thursday 9 AM–9 PM; Friday–Saturday 9 AM–5 PM; Sunday 1–5 PM. Closed Nov 26, Dec 4, Dec 24 and Dec 25; closes at 4 PM on Nov 25 and Dec 31.
Price: Free.
Source: Joliet Public Library

For more ideas for the week, see our Thanksgiving break guide.

Watch

Videos

Videos from local creators and organizations, shared for reference. Zippy Guide isn't affiliated with them.

Joliet Light up the Holiday 2026 PROMO — video by Joliet TV on YouTube.
Video: Joliet TV
Watch on YouTube, by Joliet TV

Questions

FAQ

When is Thanksgiving break in Joliet in 2026?

Joliet Public Schools District 86 has no school Nov 23–27, 2026. Joliet Township High School District 204 is off Nov 25–27. Other districts may differ; see school break dates.

What is open on Thanksgiving Day?

The Joliet Public Library and the Joliet Area Historical Museum are closed Nov 26, and Joliet Park District facilities close on holidays. Check each official page before you go.

What time is the Light Up the Holidays parade?

The parade steps off at 5:30 PM on Chicago Street on Fri, Nov 27. Festival start times differ between the organizer's page (12–5:30 PM) and the City of Joliet's release (11 AM–4:30 PM), so check the official page.