Morris Holiday Guide 2026 Final - Flipbook - Page 20
2026 Wilmington Chamber Christmas
Parade
Saturday, November 28 2026
5:00 PM Downtown Wilmington, IL
12
QUALITY CHILDREN’S APPAREL
from Mayoral, Under Armour, Little Me, and Mud Pie
Sizes Preemie to 16 - Boys & Girls
Parade Details & Arrival Tips The parade travels down Ryan Street to
Water Street before concluding in downtown Wilmington. Spectators
should expect larger crowds closer to the heart of downtown. Attendees
are encouraged to arrive early, dress warmly, and bring folding chairs to
comfortably enjoy the evening. More info at wilmingtonilchamber.org
218 LIBERTY ST. • MORRIS • 815.942.3999
HAVE A GREEN HOLIDAY
SIMPLE WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON
AND GO EASY ON THE PLANET
Parade Day Highlights
Shops Open Late
Small Business Saturday all day, select shops open late
WRAP IT UP, THE GREEN WAY
Skip shiny paper that can’t be recycled. Wrap gifts in tea towels, bandanas or thriftstore fabric, or tuck them into mason jars, cookie tins and baskets that become
part of the gift. Plain kraft paper tied with twine and a sprig of evergreen or a dried
orange slice looks charming. Save gift bags and tissue as you unwrap to use again
next year.
Christkindl Market
4PM – 7PM in the downtown parking lot
Chamber Member of the Year
Presentation at Claire’s Corner after the parade
Santa at the Gazebo
Following Chamber Member of the Year presentation
South Island Park Lights
The Lions Club light display at the North Island Park will turn on at 8PM
on Small Business Saturday. A great way to finish off your day.
A TREE WITH ROOTS
Choose a live, balled-and-burlapped tree you can plant in the yard come spring,
or cut your own at a local tree farm that replants every season. Already own an
artificial tree? Keep using it – the longer it lasts, the better. After the holidays, check
for your town’s tree pickup or recycling program so real trees become mulch.
KEEP IT LOCAL
Hometown shops, craft fairs, farmers markets and local makers offer one-of-akind finds, and buying nearby means fewer delivery trucks and less packaging.
Resale and antique shops are full of treasures, too – and every dollar spent locally
helps your neighbors’ businesses thrive.
LIGHT UP SMARTER
Trade old incandescent strands for LED lights, which use far less energy and last
for years. Try solar-powered lights outdoors, and add a timer or smart plug so
displays switch off once everyone’s gone to bed.
GIFTS FROM THE HEART
Bake family-recipe cookies, frame a favorite photo or mix up a jar of homemade
cocoa. Experience gifts – concert tickets, a cooking class or a day together – make
memories without the clutter. For the person who has everything, try a donation to
a local cause or tree-planting group in their name.
WEST FLOORING
COMPANY
Trivia Contest
85 N. Daley St., Diamond, IL
815-634-3600
20
Six
Alastair Sim
Scrooge
DECK THE HALLS WITH NATURE
Pinecones, evergreen clippings, holly and bare branches make beautiful
centerpieces. Simmer orange peels, cinnamon sticks and cloves on the stove for
a natural holiday scent, or string popcorn and cranberries for an old-fashioned
garland. Afterward, compost natural items and pack up keepsakes for next year.
GREETINGS WITH LESS WASTE
Send an e-card or a family video message to faraway friends. If you mail cards,
pick recycled paper and skip glitter and foil, which can’t be recycled. Cut the cards
you receive into gift tags for next season.
THE GIFT OF GIVING
Start a new tradition by giving your time. Volunteer as a family at a food pantry or
animal shelter, collect warm clothes for a coat drive, or organize a donation drive
at work, school or church. It’s a gift that truly gives back.
2026 NELSON MULTIMEDIA HOLIDAY GUIDE | NELSON PUBLISHING, INC.
