Holiday Events with Kids in Joliet (2026): Tree Lighting, Gnomes, Santa & More

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

Caroling Campfire and So Much S'more

A drop-in winter evening at Hidden Oaks in Bolingbrook: caroling by the campfire, a lantern-lit trail, hot dogs and s'mores, and holiday nature crafts inside. Caroling Campfire and So Much S'more on Zippy Guide.

• Where: Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Rd., Bolingbrook, IL (in nearby Bolingbrook, not Joliet)
• When: Sat, Dec 5, 4–7 PM. Caroling every 30 minutes. Snowshoes available, weather permitting.
• Price: Free (no registration).
• Source: Forest Preserve District of Will County)

Photos with Santa at Bird Haven Greenhouse

Photos with Santa inside the Bird Haven Greenhouse on two Saturdays in December. Photos with Santa at Bird Haven Greenhouse on Zippy Guide.

• Where: 225 N. Gougar Rd., Joliet, IL 60432
• When: Saturdays, Dec 5 and Dec 12, 12–3 PM.
• Price: Free (per the Park District).
• Source: Joliet Park District

50th Festival of the Gnomes

Joliet's holiday tradition since 1976: a family show that brings European folklore to life with stories and music, now in its 50th year. 50th Festival of the Gnomes on Zippy Guide.

• Where: 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432
• When: Sat, Dec 5 and Sun, Dec 6, performances at 2 PM.
• Price: $5 per ticket (Eventbrite).
• Source: Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theatre (City of Joliet)

Holiday Cheer at the Library

Holiday stories, hot chocolate, a photo op and a craft for kids of all ages with an adult. Holiday Cheer at the Library on Zippy Guide.

• Where: 3395 Black Rd., Joliet, IL 60431
• When: Thu, Dec 10, 6–7:30 PM, Black Road Branch. No registration.
• Price: Free.
• Source: Joliet Public Library

Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market

A new holiday market in City Square with local vendors, seasonal treats, live entertainment, family activities and photos with Santa. Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market on Zippy Guide.

• Where: City Square, 91 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432
• When: Fri–Sat, Dec 11–12 and Dec 18–19, 11 AM–8 PM.
• Price: Not posted.
• Source: City of Joliet and Chicago Street Markets

Breakfast with Santa & Vendor Expo

A holiday breakfast with crafts, games and a vendor expo at Nowell Park Recreation Center. Santa photos are available for a small fee. Breakfast with Santa & Vendor Expo on Zippy Guide.

• Where: Nowell Park Recreation Center, 199 Mills Rd., Joliet, IL 60433
• When: Sat, Dec 12, starting at 9 AM.
• Price: Not posted (Santa photos extra; amount not posted).
• Source: Joliet Park District

Gingerbread House Decorating Party

Kids 3–12 build and decorate a gingerbread house with their family and take it home. One kit per registered child. Gingerbread House Decorating Party on Zippy Guide.

• Where: 150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, IL 60432
• When: Sat, Dec 12, 1–2 PM, Ottawa Street Branch. Registration required.
• Price: Free (registration required).
• Source: Joliet Public Library

Candy Cane Quest: A Holiday Family Adventure

A candy cane hunt on the Inwood Park playground for ages 3–10 with family, plus holiday games, challenges and music. Candy Cane Quest: A Holiday Family Adventure on Zippy Guide.

• Where: Inwood Park Playground, 3200 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60435
• When: Sun, Dec 13, 1–2 PM. Check in at the Large Pavilion. Sign-up required.
• Price: $10–$15 (registration fee).
• Source: Joliet Park District

Santa Send-Off

Joliet Police, Fire and Public Works escort Santa on a motorcade through Joliet neighborhoods. Santa Send-Off on Zippy Guide.

• Where: Starts at Woodruff Ave. and Draper Ave., Joliet, IL
• When: Sat, Dec 19. Starts 10 AM at Woodruff and Draper Aves. and ends at Ridge and Caton Farm Rds.; about 80 minutes. The full route will be posted on the City of Joliet website.
• Price: Not posted.
• Source: City of Joliet

Noon Year's Eve Celebration

A kid-style countdown to 2027 with music, party favors and a grape juice toast at noon. Noon Year's Eve Celebration on Zippy Guide.

• Where: 150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, IL 60432
• When: Thu, Dec 31, 11:30 AM–12:30 PM, Ottawa Street Branch. Registration required. The library closes at 4 PM that day.
• Price: Free (registration required).
• Source: Joliet Public Library

Before you go: a quick checklist

• Warm layers and boots for outdoor events.
• Snacks.
• Arrive early downtown — there is no designated parking for the parade.
• Register ahead for library and Park District programs marked registration required.
• Check the official page for changes.

See the full holiday lights and events guide.

Sources

• Joliet City Center Partnership — Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade
• Forest Preserve District of Will County — Caroling Campfire and So Much S'more)
• Joliet Park District — Photos with Santa at Bird Haven Greenhouse
• Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theatre (City of Joliet) — 50th Festival of the Gnomes
• Joliet Public Library — Holiday Cheer at the Library
• City of Joliet and Chicago Street Markets — Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market
• Joliet Park District — Breakfast with Santa & Vendor Expo
• Joliet Public Library — Gingerbread House Decorating Party
• Joliet Park District — Candy Cane Quest: A Holiday Family Adventure
• City of Joliet — Santa Send-Off
• Joliet Public Library — Noon Year's Eve Celebration