Plano Holiday Guide 2026 PROOFv3 - Flipbook - Page 6
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Winter Lights Fest & Parade
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20
STARTING AT 6:00 PM
Downer Place in Downtown Aurora, IL
Welcome the magic of the holiday season at the City
of Aurora's official winter kickoff! Enjoy an illuminated
parade with Santa, Mrs. Claus, reindeer, and festive
floats stepping off at 6:30 pm. Plan to arrive early as
downtown streets begin closing at 6:00 pm.
Gather to watch Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Mayor Laesch
count down to light the official city holiday tree,
followed by a dazzling drone light show over the Fox
River. Afterward, explore Stolp Avenue for delicious
food vendors, costumed characters, and live musical
entertainment at Millennium Plaza, then head to
the Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum for
special photos with Santa!
Aurora Christkindlmarket
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 –
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24
RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL
Open (Thursdays to Sundays)
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Fridays & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
SPECIAL OPENING HOURS:
Wednesday (November 25) 11 AM – 7 PM
Thanksgiving (Nov. 26): 11 AM – 4 PM
Dec 21 – Dec 23 (Mon–Wed): 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Christmas Eve (Dec 24): 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Holiday Express at Blackberry Farm
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 & 18
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
DECEMBER 5-6, 12-13, 19-20
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
SENSORY-FRIENDLY NIGHT
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora, IL
Bring the family for a magical and memorable
experience – just like visiting the North Pole!
Blackberry Farm is a winter wonderland amid
thousands of twinkling lights, festive holiday
decorations and happy holiday music. Take a ride on
AURORA the Holiday Express train – a charming tour
around scenic Lake Gregory – and enjoy a hay wagon
ride, too. Back in the historic pioneer village, you’ll
enjoy crafts, a reindeer food bar, story readings of
holiday classics at the one-room schoolhouse and…
a special visit with Santa. Tickets go on sale
November 5 at 9 am.
Winter Crafts & Cocoa
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3
STARTING AT 6:30 PM
Santori Library - Storytime Room 139
AGE GROUP: 6-11
Gather for a delightful evening of creativity and
seasonal cheer. Make a festive winter craft, sip warm
cocoa topped with marshmallows, and enjoy a
wonderful night of art and treats. Event is free! Tickets
are available for pickup at the children's desk starting
30 minutes before the event begins.
Festival of Lights
NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 27
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora, IL
This is the largest free outdoor drive-thru holiday
light display in the region, featuring stunning lighted
displays such as jumping reindeer, ice-skating bears,
and Santa’s toy factory. It’s a fun and festive event for
the whole family to enjoy from the comfort of their
car.
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Free Photos with Santa
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
East Aurora High School Field House
500 Tomcat Lane, Aurora, IL
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
Join The Neighbor Project for a festive afternoon
featuring free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot
cocoa, tamales, conchas, and a giveaway of 1,000
toys! Enjoy family-friendly fun with face painting,
balloon twisting, letters to Santa, vendor booths,
and exciting community raffles. RSVPs are available
on Eventbrite to help organizers prepare and enter
guests into a special raffle (must be present to win).
2026 NELSON MULTIMEDIA HOLIDAY GUIDE | NELSON PUBLISHING, INC.
