Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a wonderful tradition, but the real kickoff of the holiday season in Kane County, IL, almost always starts almost a week earlier — with Aurora’s Winter Lights festivities, parade and fireworks.

The 2019 Aurora Winter Lights festivities, hosted by the city of Aurora and Aurora Downtown, tips off this year on Friday, Nov. 22.

Winter Lights Parade Parade

The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Downer Place and travel from Water Street to River Street.

Leading the parade with Mayor Richard C. Irvin will be newly-crowned Little Mr. and Little Miss Aurora, the Winter Lights Court, Santa and 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 after the parade at the GAR Memorial Museum, 23 E. Downer Place. The ceremony includes an award presentation for the winner of the Downtown Window Decorating Contest and the community countdown to the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree.

Fireworks and Photos with Santa

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 City Hall. After the fireworks, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Tredwell Coffee, 14 W. Downer Place.

Winter Lights Winter Market

Winter Lights Winter Market opens up shops and museums throughout downtown Aurora with pop up shops featuring a variety of local artisans and makers until 9 p.m.

A special Winter Lights Food Truck Court will be on the West Downer Place Bridge between Stolp Avenue and River Street featuring Holy Pierogi, Red Hot Chicago, Small Cakes, Burritoville, Grumpy Gaucho, and Broasters.

See a complete list of participating stores at www.auroradowntown.org.

2019 Winter Lights

• When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 22, 2019; Parade steps-off at 6:30 p.m.
• Where: Downer Place, from Water Street to River Street, in downtown Aurora
• Parking: Free parking available in all public Downtown lots
• Tips: Be sure to arrive early, as streets will begin to close at 6 p.m.
• For more information: Contact the City of Aurora Special Events Division: (630) 256-3370 | Events@aurora-il.org

SOURCE: city of Aurora news release