Santa’s Holly Jolly Sleigh Tour returns for 5th year
Santa’s Christmas Charities, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has announced the return of the Santa’s Holly Jolly Sleigh Tour, presented by Woody Buick GMC of Naperville.
This holiday tradition will bring the magic of Santa Claus to Naperville neighborhoods from Saturday, Nov. 30 through Wednesday, Dec. 11.
Santa’s Holly Jolly Sleigh Tour is a one-float, 12-night, grassroots parade through Naperville, starring the big guy himself, Santa!
Now in its fifth year, the tradition of spreading holiday cheer continues this season for 12 nights, along 12 routes, and through more than 80 Naperville neighborhoods.
Each evening’s route begins at 5 p.m. and lasts approximately 2½-3 hours. To ensure no one misses Santa, kids young and old can visit www.santassleightour.org to view routes and access the real-time “Santa Tracker.”
“Santa’s Holly Jolly Sleigh Tour is building on the success of TDHSanta that started in 2020 during the pandemic when kids couldn’t go out to see Santa,” said “Mortgage Matt” Doyle of Team Doyle Hulsey CrossCountry Mortgage, and president of Santa’s Christmas Charities. “When I see all those smiling faces as Santa rolls through each neighborhood, I know we are establishing core memories in the hearts and minds of kids throughout Naperville. That’s really what Santa’s Holly Jolly Sleigh Tour is all about.”
Santa’s Holly Jolly Sleigh Tour has grown from a simple idea during the pandemic into a cherished community event thanks to the following power partners: Team Doyle/Hulsey CrossCountry Mortgage, IBEW Local 701, PowerForward DuPage, The Branch Moms Community, Career & Networking Center, and CoDo Marketing.
Supporting local charities
Santa’s Christmas Charities was founded in 2023 with the goal of making a significant impact on the lives of children and families who are in need. All raised funds will go to the following deserving organizations focused on children, families, and those that tell their stories: Cal’s Angels, Gigi’s Playhouse, Almost Home Kids., Reclaim 13, NCTV17, and Maddie’s Mitten March. Santa and his Board of Elves will be inviting all 2024 sponsors to the second Holly Jolly January Jubilee in January 2025, where funds raised during the 2024 Santa’s Holly Jolly Sleigh Tour will be distributed.
New for 2024: Personalized Letters from Santa
This year, Santa’s Holly Jolly Sleigh Tour introduces a special opportunity for families to personalize a letter from Santa Claus! Sponsored by the DuPage County Building Trades, these custom letters allow families to:
• Include their child’s name and three unique characteristics
• Highlight a favorite activity or interest for a magical touch
• Receive a downloadable PDF letter emailed straight from the North Pole to print and share
“Personalized Santa letters make this year’s Sleigh Tour even more special by bringing Santa’s magic directly into homes,” Doyle said. “I envisioned a customizable letter for parents, and thanks to the DuPage County Building Trades and CoDo Marketing, that vision has become a reality.”
Santa’s North Star Navigators
Each night, the IBEW Local 701 will serve as Santa’s North Star Navigators with PowerForward DuPage electrical contractors stepping in as Santa’s Sleigh Drivers. Together, they will ensure Santa’s sleigh reaches every neighborhood.
“With the help of incredible sponsors, volunteers, and partners, we’re creating core memories for Naperville families and giving back to children and families in need,” Doyle said. “The excitement reaches new heights this year, thanks to the hardworking elves at IBEW Local 701, who constructed a dazzling new sleigh for Santa. Their craftsmanship ensures this year’s Sleigh Tour will be brighter and more magical than ever.”
Get involved
Support the Sleigh Tour through sponsorships or donations. Opportunities include Reindeer Route Riders, Gifting Sponsors, 100 Top True Santa Believers, and community donations. Visit www.santassleightour.org to learn more and donate.
About Santa’s Christmas Charities
Santa’s Christmas Charities is a not-for-profit corporation with a mission of annually providing funds to select children’s charities throughout the Chicago area. It is dedicated to making a significant impact on the lives of children and families who are in need.
About Cal’s Angels
Cal’s Angels is a 501(c)(3) pediatric cancer foundation with a mission of granting wishes, raising awareness, and funding research to help kids fighting cancer. Visit calsangels.org.
About Gigi’s Playhouse
GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley is a Down Syndrome Achievement Center that provides free educational, therapeutic and career readiness programs for individuals with Down syndrome. Visit gigisplayhouse.org.
About Almost Home Kids
Almost Home Kids is a short-term community-based pediatric health care facility that provides 24/7 nursing care in a homelike setting for children with complex medical conditions and training for their families. Visit almosthomekids.org.
About Reclaim13
Reclaim13 is a 501(c)3 committed to freeing children from sexual exploitation. Its mission is to forge healing pathways for survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation. Visit reclaim13.org.
About NCTV17
Naperville Community Television (NCTV17) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to telling local stories on air and online at nctv17.org.
About Maddie’s Mitten March
Maddie’s Mitten March started when Maddie was 10 years old, and she saw some of her peers going without proper clothes and mittens during the winter months. From that point on she has made it her goal to try and help those in her community who are less fortunate while encouraging others to find and solve issues in their own communities. Visit mittenmobile.com.