Naper Lights brightens up downtown Naperville this holiday season

Downtown Naperville will once again light up through the new year during Naper Lights 2021. The light display, a gift from the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise, is a cherished tradition that continues to grow each year to the delight of thousands of families. The holiday season becomes even brighter along Water Street and overlooking the south side of the Riverwalk thanks to this year's light display, which feature 150,000 lights as well as a collection of giant lighted holiday figures including penguins sliding on an igloo, snowmen, skaters, carolers, dancing trees and new dancing skaters at the Imburgia Fountain. Kids will love trying to spy Santa and his reindeer flying over the Marquette building and downtown, while all family members can enjoy listening to carols synced to the light displays. While supplies last, Rotary volunteers will pass out holographic viewing glasses to kids to give them an enhanced view of this spectacular community event.

On Friday and Saturday evenings between 6 and 8 p.m. (weather permitting) families can grab a photo with Santa, who will be masked and maintain social distance in keeping with COVID-19 protocols, at The Great Tree in Jaycees Park.

"With fewer opportunities in the surrounding area to see Santa for free this year, we're hoping that our Santa visits provide many more families with a safe and fun way to visit him," said Deborah Newman, spokeswoman for the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise.

Jaycees Park will also feature an interactive lighted Honey Locust Tree that responds to clapping, singing or shouting. Families looking to snap a holiday picture may also want to visit the colorful arch at Foyo Plaza, another popular photo hub.

Those wishing to take in the festivities while maintaining social distance can take in the display via a drive-through experience. An enhanced sound system will project the music synced to the Lights on Water Street and Foyo Plaza displays across the DuPage River so those in their car can enjoy downtown Naperville's illumination from afar.

Naper Lights is on full display from 4 to 10 p.m. through New Year's. This beloved family event can easily be accessed from the Webster Street covered bridge, at Main and Webster streets. Naper Lights is stroller friendly, with public parking available in the Water Street and Municipal Center parking decks.

Naper Lights is free to the public thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise as well as several sponsors, such as Gerald Cares. Naper Lights has continued to grow over the years, and Newman said this speaks to their corporate partners' kindness. Not only do sponsorships allow the event to grow while remaining free to the public, they also support the Rotary's charitable efforts. Should Naper Lights attendees want to support the Rotary's national and international charitable projects as well, freewill donations are welcomed throughout the event.

"We are honored to once again help light up downtown Naperville for the holiday season," said Alec McKean, Vice President of Service for the Gerald Auto Group. "It's wonderful to see families and friends come together for some holiday cheer in a safe and beautifully decorated outdoor space."

For more information for Naper Lights 2021, visit www.naperlights.com.

For more information on Gerald Cares, visit www.geraldcares.com.