Terry D'Arcy Mayor | City of Joliet
Terry D'Arcy Mayor | City of Joliet
The City of Joliet has announced that its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Friday, November 28, in the newly established City Square. This marks the first time the event will be held at this location.
A 35-foot Norway Spruce, donated by local resident Darra Glavan, will serve as this year’s holiday tree. Glavan and her family are scheduled to turn on the lights during the ceremony.
The display includes 2,000 energy-efficient lights purchased with funds from the 2025 Powering the Holidays Grant. The grant was awarded by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus in partnership with ComEd. Joliet received $2,500 from this program and contributed an additional $500 in city funds to install high-efficiency lighting intended to support environmental sustainability and reduce long-term energy costs.
The ceremony is set to begin at 5:15 p.m., featuring a performance by the Joliet Central High School Choir. It will signal the start of a series of downtown festivities.
Following immediately after, at 5:30 p.m., is the 27th Annual Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade organized by the Joliet City Center Partnership (CCP). The festival begins earlier in the day at 10 a.m. and draws thousands of families for free activities and entertainment each year.
“This is a milestone moment for our community. Lighting our new City Square for the very first time showcases the bright future we’re building in downtown Joliet,” said Mayor Terry D’Arcy. “I hope everyone will join us for this celebration and stay to enjoy the incredible festival and parade hosted by the City Center Partnership.”
The holiday tree will remain on display through January 11, 2026, providing a gathering spot for photos and allowing children to drop letters into Santa’s Mailbox.
“This space was designed to bring people together, and events like this help create the sense of place and connection our community deserves,” said Ann Sylvester, Director of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. “This moment sets the stage for more public events that will enhance the vibrancy and appeal of Joliet to residents and visitors alike.”
Additional information about Joliet can be found at https://www.joliet.gov.
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