Aurora to host tree-lighting ceremony
Aurora will light its Christmas tree during a shorter and less ceremonial event than in the past, but that doesn't mean it won't be festive.
And just two days after the City of Lights flips the switch on its tree, the fourth annual Festival of Lights, sponsored by the city and the Aurora Noon Rotary Club, will begin in Phillips Park.
The tree-lighting ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24, at North Island Center, 8 E. Galena Blvd.
A decorated antique firetruck will drive Santa Claus and the Aurora children chosen as “Jack Frost” and “Miss Merry Christmas” from the Aurora Regional Fire Museum to the site. There they will meet Mayor Tom Weisner and his wife, Marilyn, and flip the switch to light the tree, said Gina Moga, the city's special events manager.
“This is kind of a version of what we used to do at Holiday Magic when we would have the parade and tree-lighting and fireworks,” Moga said. “This is the first time that we've done it in this format.”
A group of about 15 carolers from Divine Light Church will serenade those who attend, and Moga said the city hopes to have a Scout group or two on hand to sell hot chocolate.
“We can still get out there and put things aside for a bit and still enjoy the holidays even though it's different,” said Sara Townsend, who works in the city's community services office and coordinated a worship team from her church to serve as carolers.
Aurora residents who want to see even more lights can visit the Festival of Lights in Phillips Park from Nov. 26 to Dec. 26. The city, which is jointly sponsoring the display, lets the Aurora Noon Rotary Club use the park, said Pam Bellm, a club member who is helping organize the lights.
People can drive on a milelong path starting at 1000 Ray Moses Drive and view 40 light displays, including a toy factory, a reindeer hospital and a teddy bear snowball fight, set up by 23 teams of Rotary members and volunteers, Bellm said.
“You enter through a huge tunnel that welcomes you to the event and there's a tunnel of lights that you're going to drive through,” Bellm said.
The Festival of Lights is free, but Rotarians will hand out candy canes and accept donations as vehicles exit the display, Bellm said. The display will be open 5 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
<p><b>Aurora Tree-Lighting Ceremony</b></p>
<p>When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24</p>
<p>Where: North Island Center, 8 E. Galena Blvd.</p>
<p>Cost: Free</p>
<p>Details: Watch Aurora's large donated tree light up, listen to carolers; ceremony will last 30 to 40 minutes.</p>
<p>Info: (630) 256-3370</p>