Woodstock to illuminate historic Square with annual lighting ceremony

The city of Woodstock invites residents and visitors to gather in its historic downtown on Friday, Nov. 28, for the annual Lighting of the Square, a cherished community tradition that officially kicks off the holiday season.

Named one of The Today Show’s “Merriest Main Streets in America,” Woodstock captures the spirit and nostalgia of the holidays as tens of thousands of twinkling white lights transform the Square into a winter wonderland.

From 4 to 8 p.m., guests can enjoy festive activities, live music, and family fun leading up to the lighting ceremony at 7 p.m.

Local shops and restaurants will be open, welcoming visitors with holiday shopping, treats, and dining options. The Woodstock Recreation Department will host a “Grinch N’ Greet” at Ethereal, where visitors can meet the Grinch himself and pose for photos. Throughout the evening, guests can explore the annual Tree Walk at the Woodstock Opera House, the Gingerbread Walk at the Old Courthouse Center, and holiday crafts and story time with the Woodstock Public Library.

Families can also support local causes with the Woodstock Police Department’s Stuff the Squad toy drive, and warm up with treats from the Woodstock Heating & Cooling Doughnut Station at the Spring House.

Musical entertainment will fill the air with performances by the Brass Choir and Dickens Carollers, followed by a special appearance from the Woodstock Community Choir before the lights are turned on.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 5 p.m., greeting children near the Santa Hut on Benton Street, presented by the Rotary Club of Woodstock.

Lighting of the Square — Tentative Schedule of Events (Schedule Subject to Change)

4 to 7 p.m. — Grinch N’ Greet with Woodstock Recreation Department — Ethereal’s Courthouse Square on the upper level of the Old Courthouse Center, 111 N. Johnson St.

4 to 8 p.m. — Annual Tree Walk at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St.

4 to 8 p.m. — Gingerbread Walk at the Old Courthouse Center

4 to 8 p.m. — Library Storytime and Crafts at Stage Left Cafe, 125 W. Van Buren St.

4 to 8 p.m. — Stuff the Squad Toy Drive with the Woodstock Police Department

4:30 to 8 p.m. — Food Trucks at East and West Jackson streets

5 p.m. — Santa’s Arrival on a firetruck

5 to 6:30 p.m. — Brass choir performance at the bandstand

5 to 6:30 p.m. — Dickens Carollers around the Square

5:30 to 7 p.m. — Woodstock Heating & Cooling doughnut station at Spring House, 325 S. Main St.

6:35 to 6:55 p.m. — Woodstock Community Choir performance at the bandstand

7 to 7:10 p.m. — Lighting ceremony at the bandstand

The weekend’s festivities continue with the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Woodstock Christmas Parade at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at the historic Square.

After the parade, families are invited to “Cookies & Churros with Santa,” where children can share their holiday wishes and enjoy sweet treats at Trademark Events Center, 240 N. Throop St.

The city extends its gratitude to the sponsors who make this treasured community celebration possible.

Starlight sponsors include ComEd, an Exelon Company; Kunes Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Woodstock; and Trotter & Associates Inc. Snowman sponsors are Home State Bank, Sofie’s Whiskey & Wine, Squire on the Square, Terrabis Dispensary Woodstock, and Woodstock Chevrolet. Snowball sponsors include BMO, ComEd, Northwest Herald, Woodstock Country Club, and Woodstock Heating & Cooling.

For more information, visit woodstockil.gov/lighting.