Seasonal
Seasonal Joliet
Seasonal guides for Joliet families — holiday lights, school breaks and more as they're added.
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Seasonal guidefall
Thanksgiving Break in Joliet with Kids
Joliet Public Schools District 86 has no school Nov 23–27, 2026, and Joliet Township High School District 204 is off Nov 25–27. The Friday after Thanksgiving is the big day downtown: Light Up the Holidays, the city tree lighting and the parade. Many places close on Thanksgiving Day, so check before you go.
Seasonal guidewinter
Holiday Lights & Events in Joliet: Tree Lighting, Gnomes, Santa & More
Joliet's season starts Fri, Nov 27 with the City Square tree lighting and the Light Up the Holidays parade. December brings the 50th Festival of the Gnomes (Dec 5–6), Photos with Santa at Bird Haven Greenhouse, the new Jingle & Mingle market (Dec 11–12 and 18–19) and the Santa Send-Off motorcade on Dec 19. The tree stays up through Jan 10.