Though downtown Naperville has been aglow under twinkling white lights for several weeks, also creating a festive scene for family photos with colorful train sculptures, the city’s big day to celebrate the beginning of hometown holidays is set for Sun., Nov. 30.
Again, Little Friends, Inc., will host the annual Parade of Lights, a time when the nonprofit agency expresses its appreciation during a sparking showcase of community spirit.
This year’s spectacular collaboration of bright white and colorful lights will include more festive floats and costumed characters than ever as well as Santa’s arrival, sure to touch the kid in everyone.
Note that the line-up and staging will begin on Jackson Avenue near the Administrative Offices of the Naperville Park District and the Alfred Rubin Center. The parade will meander along Jackson Avenue to Main Street, head north through the heart of downtown to the Main Stage at Main and Van Buren, where revelers will turn west along the Main Street Promenade on Van Buren Avenue, and end at Naper School on Eagle Street.
Schedule of Musical Numbers & Santa’s Meet & Greet
4-4:30PM – Holiday Solos and Duets
Area high school superstars will sing holiday solos and duets from the parade main stage (at Main & Van Buren) including: Sawyer Jackson (NCHS), Martin Carroll (NNHS), Ethan Burck (Waubonsie), Danielle Dvorchak (Neuqua), Sid Jagarlamudi (Metea), Grace Etzkorn (Benet) and Helen Prebys (St. Francis).
4:30-4:50PM – SPA-kettes and Show Choirs
The School of Performing Arts (“SPA”) presents the SPA-kettes and Show Choirs – The Fluffernutters and Main Melody. They will warm up the crowd from the parade main stage with holiday tunes.
5PM – Little Friends Parade of Lights Begins
Little Friends Parade of Lights begins! Join Little Friends staff, clients, families and friends including parade Grand Marshalls, Officer Otto, one of Naperville’s finest, and Little Friends’ own, Mike. The parade will step off from Jackson Avenue heading east to north on Main Street, west on Van Buren in front of the Main Street Promenade, ending at Eagle Street, near Naper School.
5:45PM – High School Holiday Songs
Songbirds from local high school will take the stage again singing holiday songs with the Show Choirs while organizers set up for Santa and Mrs. Claus to return to the main stage. Come sing along!
6-8PM – Santa and Mrs Claus Meet & Greet to accept wish lists on the Main Stage
Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with children on the parade Main Stage (Main & Van Buren).
Stroll throughout downtown Naperville to discover what’s featured in all the brightly decorated store windows.
Plan dinner at one of downtown Naperville’s many eateries and experience a magical tradition to start hometown holidays with family, friends and neighbors. Make plans to return again and again while remembering local merchants appreciate your inquiries and your business. Happy holidays!
Schedule courtesy Downtown Naperville Alliance / PN file photos
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