Electric Christmas Parade to light up St. Charles Holiday Homecoming
St. Charles Holiday Homecoming, a two-day community event with an array of family-friendly activities, returns on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30.
At 5 p.m. Friday, listen to the holiday carols by the St. Charles East and North high school choirs and enjoy complimentary roasted nuts, while witnessing at the Lighting of the Lights Ceremony on the 1st Street Plaza.
On Saturday, there will be a free showing of “The Grinch” at 10 a.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St. Doors will open at 9 a.m. to give attendees the chance to purchase popcorn and snacks from the lobby. Later that day at 5:30 p.m., the Electric Christmas Parade will begin at Sixth Street and will travel down Main Street to conclude at Fourth Avenue.
This annual tradition features more than 70 lighted entries, holiday music, and an appearance from Santa Claus. This year’s parade grand marshal is Jarrett Payton and family. Payton is a sports anchor on WGN, founder of The Jarett Payton Foundation, former NFL and CFL running back, and son of Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton.
To ensure everyone’s enjoyment at this year’s Electric Christmas Parade, a special viewing area will be designated by the front parking lot at the St. Charles Municipal Center for those with mobility limitations. This area can be identified by the blue “Reserved Seating” signage.
Also taking place on Saturday, Nov. 30, is the St. Charles Holiday Shop Crawl. Sixteen participating shops will be offering special sales and promotions in honor of the event. Individuals will have the chance to win a grand prize giveaway containing products from the participating shops. To find more information on the St. Charles Holiday Shop Crawl, visit www.stcholidayhomecoming.com/shopcrawl.
Many other businesses around town also will be having promotions during St. Charles Holiday Homecoming. To view sales and specials taking place, visit www.stcholidayhomecoming.com/localspecials.
Individuals will have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with Santa Claus at Santa’s House every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 30 through Dec. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m.
There also will be two festive photo opportunities located on the 1st Street Plaza. These photo opportunities will stay up throughout the holiday season.
“We are excited for everyone to come out to this year’s Holiday Homecoming to help kick off the holiday season as a community,” said Jenna Sawicki, St. Charles Business Alliance executive director. “It’s the perfect opportunity to not only experience all the holiday festivities that will be taking place, but to visit and support our amazing St. Charles businesses, as well.”
The Presenting Sponsor for the 2024 St. Charles Holiday Homecoming is St. Charles Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Additional Sponsors include @Properties Christie’s International Real Estate, MKFM Law, The Pride Stores, Solutions Networking Corp., Christ Community Church, Hotel Baker, Matrix Basement Finishing, McGrath Honda of St. Charles, McNally’s Heating & Cooling, Premier Living Real Estate, Smile Haven Dental Studio, Smithfield, St. Charles Closets, Trotter and Associates Inc., Wahlburgers, Arcada Theatre, Comcast, Karas Restaurant Group, St. Charles Plastic Surgery, Teqworks, and Theriault Booth LLC. Attorneys at Law.
To find more information on the 2024 St. Charles Holiday Homecoming, visit www.stcholidayhomecoming.com. For additional inquiries, contact the St. Charles Business Alliance at (630) 443-3967.