Winter Lights Parade to draw thousands to downtown Aurora Nov. 19

Posted November 17, 2021 10:00 pm

Submitted by Aurora Downtown

Holiday festivities will return to downtown Aurora this weekend for the first time in two years.

Hosted by the City of Aurora and Aurora Downtown, Winter Lights 2021 will kick off the holiday season in the City of Lights on Friday, Nov. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m., with activities centered on Downer Place and Stolp Avenue in downtown Aurora.

Winter Lights Parade

The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Downer Place and travel from Water Street to River Street. Leading the parade will be Little Mr. Aurora Peter Schmidt and Little Miss Aurora Romina Esparza, along with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and an exciting array of costumed characters, community groups, performers, and public safety vehicles.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will commence immediately after the parade at the GAR Memorial Museum, 23 E. Downer Place. The ceremony includes an award presentation for the Downtown Window Decorating Contest winner and the community countdown to the lighting of the City's official Christmas tree.

Fireworks Extravaganza

Immediately following the ceremony, the fireworks extravaganza, sponsored by Chicago Premium Outlets, will light up the night sky. The best viewing location will be on the East Downer Place Bridge near Aurora City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place.

Free Photos with Santa

After the fireworks, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Wyckwood House, 14 W. Downer Place. Masks are required to enter but can be removed briefly for photos.

Shopping, Food, and Music

Guests can shop with local vendors for holiday gifts at the indoor Winter Lights Winter Market at Artesan Lofts Gallery, 2 S. Stolp Ave., from 6 to 9 p.m.

A unique Winter Lights Food Truck Court will also be on Stolp Ave between Downer Place and Galena Blvd., featuring Small Cakes, Home Run Hot Dogs, Holy Pierogi, Grumpy Gaucho, and Dapper Brews.

Throughout the evening, the Lil' Big Band will play favorite songs of the season at the Millennium Plaza on Stolp Ave.

Bring the family to downtown Aurora for #WinterLights2021!

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