Joliet

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Things to do in Joliet with kids in November 2026

Updated Nov 11, 2026

4 upcoming family events this month.

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Top picks

  1. Photo: Joliet City Center Partnership (official site, 2025 parade)

    1. Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade

    When
    Fri, Nov 27 · 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.
    Where
    Joliet City Center Partnership · Downtown Joliet
    Price
    Free to attend (organizer's FAQ)
    Ages
    Babies–17 yrs

    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.

  2. 2. Teddy Bear Tea at the Rialto

    When
    Fri, Nov 27 · Fri, Nov 27: sessions at 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM. Doors open one hour before.
    Where
    Rialto Square Theatre · Downtown Joliet
    Price
    Tickets start at $39 adults and $30 children 12 and under (additional fees may apply). A ticket is required for everyone.
    Ages
    Babies–12 yrs

    A holiday brunch buffet at the Rialto Square Theatre with a visit from St. Nick and a keepsake teddy bear for kids.

  3. 3. Holiday Movie: The Polar Express

    When
    Sat, Nov 28 · 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.
    Where
    Rialto Square Theatre · Downtown Joliet
    Price
    $5 per ticket, box office only (not sold online). General admission seating.
    Ages
    Ages 3–17

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

All events in November 2026

Friday, Nov 27

Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade

When
Fri, Nov 27 · 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.
Where
Joliet City Center Partnership · Downtown Joliet
Price
Free to attend (organizer's FAQ)
Ages
Babies–17 yrs

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.

Teddy Bear Tea at the Rialto

When
Fri, Nov 27 · Fri, Nov 27: sessions at 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM. Doors open one hour before.
Where
Rialto Square Theatre · Downtown Joliet
Price
Tickets start at $39 adults and $30 children 12 and under (additional fees may apply). A ticket is required for everyone.
Ages
Babies–12 yrs

A holiday brunch buffet at the Rialto Square Theatre with a visit from St. Nick and a keepsake teddy bear for kids.

Saturday, Nov 28

Holiday Movie: The Polar Express

When
Sat, Nov 28 · 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.
Where
Rialto Square Theatre · Downtown Joliet
Price
$5 per ticket, box office only (not sold online). General admission seating.
Ages
Ages 3–17

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

Sunday, Nov 29

FAQ

Questions parents ask

What are the best kids events in Joliet in November 2026?

Our top picks for November 2026: Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade, Teddy Bear Tea at the Rialto, Holiday Movie: The Polar Express and The Nutcracker (Chicago Festival Ballet).

Which November 2026 events are free?

1 event in November 2026 is free, including Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade. For free picks right now, see Free this weekend.

What's happening this weekend?

We list 0 family events for Nov 13–15, 2026. See them on This weekend.

Are there multi-week exhibits I can visit any day?

No multi-week exhibits are posted for November 2026 yet.

How do I know event details are accurate?

Zippy Guide is the weekend list for Joliet parents: an independent, family-friendly guide for Joliet parents to things to do in Joliet — story times, museums, parks, farmers markets, classes and open gym times. We gather details from organizers' public websites so you can plan your weekend in minutes. We're independent and not affiliated with the organizers listed. Times and prices change, so always verify before you go.