Joliet
winter · Nov–JanIn season now

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.

Santa on a lighted parade float at night during the 2025 Light Up the Holidays parade in downtown Joliet

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

Check before you go

  • Festival start times differ between the organizer's page and the city's release; check jolietccp.com.
  • Jingle & Mingle prices are not posted yet.
  • Dates and times change, so check the official links before you go.
  7. Photo coming soon
    07

    Breakfast with Santa & Vendor Expo

    East JolietSat Dec 12, 9 AMNot posted (Santa photos extra; amount not posted)
    Website SourceSee in the guide
  9. Photo coming soon
    09

    Candy Cane Quest: A Holiday Family Adventure

    West JolietSun Dec 13, 1–2 PM$10–$15 (registration fee)
    Website SourceSee in the guide

Dates and prices change — please confirm with each place before you go.

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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.