Loading Events

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

Celebration of Lights Festival

December 1, 2024 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Celebration of Lights kicks off Batavia’s 

holiday season on Dec. 1

BATAVIA, IL – The annual Celebration of Lights Festival will light up the Batavia Riverwalk the evening of Dec. 1 as the community gathers to kick off the holiday season and welcome Santa.

Presented by the Batavia Park District, this free event celebrates the magic of the season with festive and fun holiday activities, song and ceremony, culminating in Santa’s arrival and a welcome by Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke, followed by the ceremonial tree lighting.

"This festival is a time when our community gathers together, sharing in the magic and warmth of the season,” said Batavia Park District Executive Director Allison Niemela. “The Riverwalk is transformed this time of year, with its sparkling holiday lights, the squeals of excited children as they meet Santa, and the heartwarming sounds of a community sing-along. It fills my heart to see so many smiles and special moments with loved ones.”

From 5 to 7 p.m., make merry with hayrides, a family photo opportunity, a performance by the Batavia Community Band, a peek at live reindeer, a seasonal exhibit at the Batavia Depot Museum, a stroll on Christmas Tree Lane and a holiday craft activity at city hall.

Explore the colorful lights and festive decorations along Christmas Tree Lane, a stretch of Riverwalk path featuring trees decorated by 35 community organizations. All decorated trees will be entered into a contest and eligible to win a prize in one of three categories: Most Original Theme, Best Holiday Spirit and People's Choice. Everyone can vote for the People’s Choice winner via the Batavia Park District’s Facebook page through noon on Nov. 30.

To prepare for Santa’s arrival, Craig Foltos of Foltos Tonsorial Parlor will lead a community sing-along at 5:15 p.m., encouraging all to enjoy singing a few beloved holiday tunes. Santa arrives at 5:30 p.m., just in time for the ceremonial tree lighting.

At 5:45 p.m., the Peg Bond Center becomes Santa’s Warming House, open for visits and photos with jolly ol’ St. Nick.

Across the pond, the Batavia Depot Museum will host “Hometown Holidays,” an exhibit featuring local holiday traditions, and a story time presented by the Batavia Public Library from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Special guest readers will share their favorite holiday tales.

Ring in the holiday season with family-friendly activities and a visit with Santa. For more information, visit bataviaparks.org.

 

celebration of lights festival

Sunday, December 1

5-7 p.m.

Batavia Riverwalk

Bring your family to enjoy the festive bright lights and sounds of the holiday season! Sing along to holiday tunes, welcome Santa and pay him a visit, watch the Christmas tree lighting, stroll Christmas Tree Lane, see reindeer, take a hay ride, enjoy favorite holiday tales read aloud and make a holiday craft.

Schedule of Events:

5-7 p.m.

  • Free hayrides with food donation to the Batavia Food Pantry
  • Free treat
  • Family photo opportunity at Peg Bond center main stage
  • Performance by The Batavia Community Band
  • Holiday craft activities
  • Reindeer viewing: 2-3 reindeer in the Santa's Village Magical Reindeer Display trailer
  • Hometown Holidays - Special exhibit celebrating Batavians' holiday traditions, at the Batavia Depot Museum

5:15 p.m.

  • Community sing-a-long led by Craig Foltos, Foltos Tonsorial Parlor

5:30 p.m.

  • Arrival of Santa
  • Welcome Mayor Schielke and Ceremonial Tree Lighting

5:45 p.m.

  • Santa's Warming House: Visit Santa in the Peg Bond Center warming house and receive a treat from Santa (for children younger than 10, while supplies last.)
  • Announcement of Christmas Tree Lane winners (People's Choice, Best Holiday Spirit and Most Original Theme)

5:45-6:30 p.m.

  • Story Time hosted by the Batavia Public Library at the Gustafson Research Center, located in the lower level of the Batavia Depot Museum

Christmas Tree Lane

  • Take a stroll along Christmas Tree Lane, featuring 25 holiday trees decorated by local organizations and businesses.

Details

Date:
December 1, 2024
Time:
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Event Categories:
, ,
Website:
https://bataviaparks.org/special-events

Organizer

Batavia Park District
Phone
630.879.5235
Email
registrations@bataviaparks.org
View Organizer Website

Venue

Peg Bond Center
151 Island Avenue
Batavia, 60510 United States
+ Google Map
View Venue Website

Related Events

Visit Batavia

Where urban adventures meet small 
town life.
Plan Your Visit
Subscription Form
Design and Development by
crosschevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram