Downtown Naperville goes aglow Friday
This story was updated to correct the locations where gift certificates can be picked up.
Public works crews have been testing lights all week so when Santa hits the switch Friday, all 300,000 bulbs will set Naperville aglow.
The city's annual Hometown Holidays celebration begins Friday morning and lasts through December.
“It's the official kickoff to the holiday season when Santa arrives and the whole community can come together in celebration of the year and celebration of the holidays,” said Katie Wood, executive director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance. “And we invite everyone to come to our charming historic downtown to get their shopping done and holiday spirit in instead of going to the mall or sitting home on their computers.”
The Naperville holiday season officially begins with big sales at several downtown shops, but the party really gets jumping Friday evening with the Friends of Little Friends Electric Parade and Grand Illumination.
Area high school superstars will warm up the crowd from the parade main stage starting at 3:30 p.m. at Webster Street and Jefferson Avenue. Performers include Ian Emerson from Naperville North, Erin Calhoun from Metea Valley, Yaevin Lee from Neuqua Valley, Josh Blue from Waubonsie Valley, Samantha Lodge from Naperville Central and Chelsea Ward from North Central College.
“These kids are going to blow your mind, so I hope everyone comes out to support them and their schools,” Wood said.
The parade includes about 40 entries again this year and steps off at 4:30 p.m. from Centennial Beach. It will head east on Jackson and north on Webster to Van Buren, ending at Naper School on Eagle Street.
Following the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will have an early present for the crowd. With the flick of a switch, 300,000 lights will set the festive mood throughout downtown. Santa will stick around from 5:45 to 8 p.m. at the Santa House on the main stage to make sure he hears what's on everyone's wish lists. Anyone who misses Santa on Friday will get a few more chances throughout the weekend.
“He's going to be popping into stores all over downtown,” Wood said. “You won't be able to miss him.”
Wood said shoppers also shouldn't have too much trouble finding bargains throughout Hometown Holidays. “We have this unique downtown where our favorite national stores coexist with our great mom-and-pop shops,” Wood said. “And they'll have special deals just for Naperville.”
Free holly trolleys will be available to shuttle visitors around downtown every weekend during the Hometown Holidays celebration.
Nichols Library also will provide free cups of hot chocolate and cider from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Hometown Holidays will continue through December with a Winter Walk, custom home tour, ice carving demonstration, Guys Shopping Night and Last Minute Madness sales.
Downtown Naperville gift certificates are for sale weekdays at the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, 55 S. Main St., Suite 351, and Heaven on Seven and Twisted Olive.
Little Friends will be selling a limited edition Hometown Holidays Teddy Bear. “Ted” the Bear is available for $10 to benefit children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. The bears are available along the parade route and at a variety of stores including Artistic Creations Salon, The Canterbury Shoppe, Little Friends, and the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We really do try to keep this event the same every year because people love it so much as it is,” Wood said.
If you go
<b>What</b>: Hometown Holidays and Little Friends Electric Lights Parade
<b>When</b>: Parade kicks off at 4:30 p.m. Friday. Santa flips the switch for 300,000 lights at 5:45 p.m.
<b>Where</b>: Downtown Naperville. Parade steps off at Centennial Beach, ends at Naper School.
<b>Info</b>: downtownnaperville.com, (630) 355-4141