The 2019 Aurora Winter Lights festivities will start the holiday season in the City of Lights this weekend.
Presented by the city government of Aurora and Aurora Downtown, the popular annual tradition will be held Friday, Nov. 22 with festivities centered on Downer Place in downtown Aurora.
The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Downer Place and go 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.
The tree lighting ceremony will commence after the parade at the GAR Memorial Museum, 23 E. Downer Place. The ceremony will include 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.
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 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 and feature Holy Pierogi, Red Hot Chicago, Small Cakes, Burritoville, Grumpy Gaucho, and Broasters. See a complete list of participating stores at www.auroradowntown.org.
—City of government of Aurora