DuPage County festivities for holiday weekend

While we’re counting our blessings on Thanksgiving, we can thank our communities for giving us opportunities to share our traditions.

Towns throughout DuPage County are bringing residents together this weekend — and throughout the holidays — with events that help us celebrate the season and each other. Here’s a quick look at some of the festivities planned for this weekend:

Friday, Nov. 29

Naper Lights, a holiday lights display organized by Naperville Sunrise Rotary Club, fills Naperville’s Central Park, 104 E. Benton Ave., from Nov. 29 through Jan. 1. Admission is free, donations accepted to benefit Rotary-supported charities. Info: naperlights.org.

Ÿ Carol Stream’s tree-lighting is from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fountain View Recreation Center, 910 N. Gary Ave., Carol Stream. Caroling, ice carving, refreshments, free photo with Santa. Info: (630) 665-7050 or carolstream.org.

Ÿ Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk is 5:30 to 9 p.m. downtown. Santa lights the tree at 6 p.m. at Main Street and Crescent Boulevard, then visits with children until 8:30 p.m. at Fire Station 1, Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Shop windows decorated with “Winter Wonderland” theme. Info: (630) 469-0907 or glenellynchamber.com.

Ÿ A Lighted Holiday Parade starts at 6 p.m. in Wheaton’s downtown along Wheaton Avenue and east to Front Street. Info: (630) 682-0633 or downtownwheaton.com.

Ÿ A Festival of Lights is 3 to 9 p.m. Nov. 29 to Dec. 30 at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Christmas tree sales from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 29 to Dec. 24. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and after noon Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Info: (630) 665-5534 or cosleyzoo.org.

Ÿ Aurora Festival of Lights is sunset to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29 to Dec. 26, at Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora. Free; donations appreciated. Info: aurorafestivaloflights.com.

Ÿ Bloomingdale’s Festival of Lights starts with flipping the switch at 6:30 p.m. at Old Town Park, 111 Third St., Bloomingdale. The festival, which continues through New Year’s Eve, includes holiday carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, live reindeer and an ice sculpture demonstration. A special holiday exhibit is up Nov. 29 through Dec. 30 (except Dec. 24 and 25) at the Bloomingdale Park District Museum, 108 2nd St., Bloomingdale. Info: bloomingdaleparks.org or villageofbloomingdale.org.

Saturday, Nov. 30

“Celebrate the Season” with a tree-lighting and festivities from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Roselle Public Library, 40 S. Park St., Roselle. Santa, the Rose Queen and mayor light the tree at 2 p.m. at Elm Court. Info: roselle.lib.il.us.

Sunday, Dec. 1

The Little Friends Parade of Lights steps off at 5 p.m. from Water and Main streets and heads north on Main and west on Van Buren Avenue to Eagle Street. Features lighted parade floats and the arrival of Santa. Info: littlefriendsinc.org.