The briefs

Hometown Holidays opens

Naperville's Hometown Holidays celebration, sponsored by the Downtown Naperville Alliance, begins with the Friends of Little Friends Electric Light Parade at 4:30 p.m. today in downtown. The Grand Illumination tree-lighting ceremony follows at 5:30 p.m. with the arrival of Mr. And Mrs. Claus. The party continues all weekend with carolers, performers, trolley rides and merchant specials. For details, call (630) 544-3372 or visit downtownnaperville.com.

Holiday Magic begins

Holiday Magic starts at 6 p.m. today in downtown Aurora with the Parade of Lights, tree lighting and a fireworks spectacular. For details, call (630) 844-4731 or (630) 844-4386.

Carillon concert tonight

Naperville's Millennium Carillon will ring out with holiday favorites in a concert from 7 to 8 p.m. today following the Hometown Holidays Grand Illumination. The carillon is on the Riverwalk at the base of Rotary Hill, north of Aurora Avenue and west of Eagle Street. The program is free.