Joliet's Light Up The Holidays Parade, Events: Here's What's In Store

JOLIET ? The Joliet City Center Partnership issued a reminder on Wednesday aimed at letting thousands of Joliet area residents know that the annual Downtown Joliet's Light up the Holidays Festival & Parade takes place this Friday, and this year is a lot different.

"We welcome you to attend the festivities that start with the Christmas Market at 10 a.m. and continues at 1 p.m. with free activities at the North Pole Park," the announcement read.

Friday's event will include:

• North Pole Christmas Market from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Visit with Santa 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Black Willow Brass Quintet 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• North Pole Park 1 to 5 p.m.
• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides 1:30 to 4:3o p.m.
• Tree Lighting followed by the parade 5:15 p.m.

Because the city of Joliet is spending $20 million to tear up North Chicago Street this year and all next year, the holiday parade will not take place near the Rialto Square Theatre and there is no Christmas lighting ceremony at the Van Buren Plaza, since it's been dismantled and no longer exists.

Instead, Friday's tree lighting and parade will begin between 5:15 and 5:30 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony has been moved in front of the Joliet Public Library. The parade route will go past the Joliet Area Historical Museum, the Joliet Renaissance Center and the library.

"There are a ton of fun and festive things to do all day. While the parade will be on Ottawa Street this year, our Chicago Street businesses will still be open and ready to party," the City Center Partnership proclaimed.