Holiday festivities will return to downtown Aurora Friday, Nov. 19 for the first time in two years.
Presented jointly by the city government of Aurora and Aurora Downtown, Winter Lights 2021 will start the holiday season in the City of Lights 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, with activities centered on Downer Place and Stolp Avenue in downtown Aurora.
The Winter Lights Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Downer Place and go from Water Street to River Street. Leading the parade will be Little Mr. Aurora Peter Schmidt and Little Miss Aurora Romina Esparza, along with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and an exciting array of costumed characters, community groups, performers, and public safety vehicles.
The Tree Lighting Ceremony will commence immediately after the parade at the GAR Memorial Museum, 23 E. Downer Place. The ceremony includes an award presentation for the Downtown Window Decorating Contest winner and the community countdown to the lighting of the City’s official Christmas tree.
The Fireworks Extravaganza immediately will follow the ceremony. Sponsored by Chicago Premium Outlets, the fireworks will light up the night sky. The best viewing location will be on the East Downer Place Bridge near Aurora City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place.
Free Photos with Santa will be available after the fireworks, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Wyckwood House, 14 W. Downer Place. Masks are required to enter, but can be removed briefly for photos.
Guests can shop with vendors for holiday gifts at the indoor Winter Lights Winter Market at Artesan Lofts Gallery, 2 S. Stolp Avenue, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m..
A unique Winter Lights Food Truck Court will be on Stolp Avenue between Downer Place and Galena Boulevard and feature Small Cakes, Home Run Hot Dogs, Holy Pierogi, Grumpy Gaucho, and Dapper Brews.
Throughout the evening, the Lil’ Big Band will play favorite songs of the season at the Millennium Plaza on Stolp Avenue.
—City of Aurora government