Vote for your favorite tree for Celebration of Lights Festival

The holiday lights will be shining brightly in downtown Batavia Sunday, Nov. 26, as the Batavia Park District kicks off the season with the Celebration of Lights Festival from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Batavia Riverwalk.

Start your holiday shopping early at the Holiday Craft Market inside the Government Center from 4 to 7 p.m. then take a tractor-pulled wagon ride around the Riverwalk to view all the twinkling lights. Hayrides are free with food or $1 cash donation with proceeds directly benefiting the Batavia Food Pantry.

Craig Foltos and the Batavia Community Band will lead everyone in a community singalong at 5:15 p.m. and Santa will arrive at approximately 5:30 p.m. Following the community tree lighting, the Peg Bond Center will be open as a warming house from 5:45-7 p.m. and kids can visit with Santa and receive a free gift. The event also includes free roasted chestnuts, a bake sale courtesy of the Batavia Fire Department and family photo opportunities throughout the Riverwalk.

Another special feature of the festival is Christmas Tree Lane with 25 trees decorated by local organizations located throughout the Riverwalk. You can help determine the "People's Choice" tree from noon Monday, Nov. 20 through noon Saturday, Nov. 25. View photos of all 25 trees on the Batavia Park District's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BataviaParkDistrict and "Like" your favorite to submit your vote The winning tree will be announced online the evening of Sunday, Nov. 26, and on stage during the tree lighting ceremony with Santa and Mayor Jeff Schielke during the festival!

The festival is presented by the Batavia Park District in partnership with the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, Batavia MainStreet, the City of Batavia and the Batavia Police Department.

For more information, call (630) 879-5235 or view the schedule of events at www.bataviaparks.org.