St. Charles Holiday Homecoming Nov. 27-28 trims down due to COVID
The annual St. Charles Holiday Homecoming will look very different this year compared to previous years as it decreases its footprint due to health and safety restrictions from Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plans and city and state government guidelines.
Holiday Homecoming which will be held on Nov. 27-28, will not include the Electric Christmas Parade and traditional Lighting of the Lights Celebration.
The Lighting of the Lights Celebration will be held virtually and broadcasted on the social media pages on Friday, Nov. 27.
In place of the parade, the Holiday Tree Trail program will be taking its place. This event will feature approximately 45 real trees that will be put up around First Street and the riverwalk downtown.
Local businesses, organizations or individuals will have the opportunity to purchase one of these trees to light and decorate with their individual theme. These trees will stay up through Jan. 1. Individuals looking to participate in the Holiday Tree Trail Contest can find the online and print applications at www.stcholidayhomecoming.com.
Other events during Holiday Homecoming will be "Santa's House" on the East Plaza with limited hours, starting Saturday, Nov. 28. The house will be set up so Santa will be socially distant from visitors, still allowing for a photo to be taken. There will be a mailbox set up for children to leave their letters.
Although the event will look different, the spirit of the holidays will be there for all to enjoy according to St. Charles Business Alliance executive director Jenna Sawicki.
"We want to make sure to set the expectation that this year is going to look significantly different than previous Holiday Homecomings," Sawicki said. "While there will be major changes in place, we have been working hard to keep the holiday spirit of this amazing, community event alive so that we can keep the joy and benefits it brings to our businesses and community."
The St. Charles businesses also will offer holiday related deals, specials and events and be featured on the Holiday Homecoming website.
For more information and updates on Holiday Homecoming, visit www.stcholidayhomecoming.com.
About the St. Charles Business Alliance
The mission of the St. Charles Business Alliance is to drive economic growth to make the St. Charles Community a destination where people, businesses and tourism thrive. The Alliance produces the St. Charles Fine Art Show, Holiday Homecoming, Jazz Weekend, Scarecrow Festival and the St. Patrick's Parade. For information about the Alliance, visit www.stcalliance.org.