Joliet Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Joliet and surrounding areas
Joliet's Christmas 2025 comes alive near the downtown Rialto Square Theatre and Joliet Township with festive parades, seasonal events, and holiday attractions. Light Up The Holidays Festival & Parade and Home for the Holidays at the Rialto bring twinkling lights and family activities to the city center. From tree lightings to live shows and Santa visits, Joliet offers plentiful holiday activities and festive events that invite neighbors and visitors to celebrate the season together.
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Christmas Markets
23 eventsHoliday market with Nutcracker dancers and light ceremony.
Christmas Lights
20 eventsFull day festival with parade and fireworks
Christmas Shows
11 eventsFree holiday concert with food donation for ticket
Christmas Parties
10 eventsGRAMMY-winning band's first holiday tour
Other Christmas Activities
35 eventsAnnual illuminated holiday parade with Santa Claus
Editor's Picks (6)
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Light Up The Holidays Festival & Parade
Full day festival with parade and fireworks
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Tinley Park Parade of Lights
(Tinley Park)
Annual illuminated holiday parade with Santa Claus
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Santa's Naperville Workshop
(Naperville)
Exclusive one-on-one Santa visits.
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Yorkville Holiday Celebration Weekend
(Yorkville)
Weekend holiday celebration with parade, tree lighting, and charity runs.
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Candy Cane Lane Holiday Market
(Lombard)
Holiday market with Nutcracker dancers and light ceremony.
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Joliet American Legion Band Holiday Concert
Free holiday concert with food donation for ticket
This Week / Coming Up (6)
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Joliet Christmas FAQ
The Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade in downtown Joliet is one of the biggest annual Christmas events, featuring a parade, North Pole Market, fireworks, and family activities. The GLOW Holiday Festival at Slammers Stadium is another major seasonal attraction.
Joliet’s holiday traditions include the Light Up the Holidays Parade and Market, horse-drawn carriage rides, and community-focused light displays that bring neighborhoods together in festive celebration.
Several neighborhoods in Joliet are known for their festive displays, with community favorites scattered throughout the city. These areas offer walkable light displays that showcase local holiday spirit.
Christmas markets and local artisan vendors can be found at events like the North Pole Market during the Light Up the Holidays Festival, as well as at various neighborhood craft fairs and seasonal markets near Joliet.
Free or budget-friendly activities include visiting neighborhood light displays, attending the Light Up the Holidays Parade, and exploring local markets with no admission fees. Many community events offer affordable family fun during the season.
Family-friendly options include the GLOW Holiday Festival with its illuminated displays and activities, the Light Up the Holidays Festival featuring Santa visits and a Ferris wheel, and neighborhood light walks that are enjoyable for all ages.