Joliet's Light Up The Holidays Parade & Festival: Here's Your Details

JOLIET, IL ? The Joliet City Center Partnership announced on Monday that it is proud to host the 25th annual Light up the Holidays Festival Parade, sponsored by the University of St. Francis, in Downtown Joliet. This event will be Friday, Nov. 24 with free activities beginning at 10 a.m. and culminating in the annual parade at 5:30 p.m.

The parade features the following bands: Laraway School Band, Joliet Central High School Band, Joliet West High School Band, Troy Middle School Marching Band, Joliet Police Pipe and Drums, Wilmington High School Marching Band and Color Guard, Joliet Central High School Marching Band, and the Joliet Public Schools District 86 Student Choirs.

New this year ? a 25th anniversary commemorative mug is available for purchase at the North Pole Christmas Market, Jitters, Yura Nuna, Richardson?s, The Blue Taco and Chicago Street Pub.

The day begins with the North Pole Christmas Market at the Renaissance Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. where shoppers can find unique and personalized Christmas gifts. Kids and adults can enjoy photos with characters from their favorite movies at the Renaissance Center as well as visits with Santa at the Joliet Area Historical Museum.

The North Pole Park, across from the Rialto Square Theatre, will provide free activities from 1:30-5:30 p.m. including an iceless skating rink, ice carving demonstration, giant inflatable snow globe, and rides on the kiddie Ferris wheel and train.

In addition, visitors will enjoy the horse-drawn carriage rides from 2 to 5 p.m. The Joliet Central Madrigal Singers will perform before the tree-lighting ceremony at 5:15 p.m.

The Rialto Square Theatre will once again host the popular Teddy Bear Tea with seatings at 9:30 a.m. and noon. Other businesses will have free entertainment and/or specials including Jitters, Joliet Public Library, The Nail Inn Academy, Yura Nuna, The Blue Taco, C & C Vision Gallery, and the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum.

?We want people to visit Downtown Joliet and all it has to offer during the most wonderful time of the year,? stated Priscilla Cordero, Executive Director of the City Center Partnership.

Sponsors of these activities include University of St. Francis, City of Joliet, Old National Bank, Midland States Bank, Adler Roofing, Ascension Saint Joseph Joliet, D?Arcy Buick GMC, First Secure Bank, Busey Bank, Tirapelli Ford, AFLAC, and the Arkas Restaurant Group.