There's something about the naperville lights parade that formally kicks off the holiday season for everybody within town. It doesn't matter if you've lived in the western suburbs regarding twenty years or a person just moved right here last week; when those floats begin rolling down the particular street and the down-town trees start shining, it finally seems like winter is really here.
Most locals know it as the Small Friends Holiday Parade of Lights, plus it's honestly 1 of those occasions that makes Naperville feel as if a small town despite how much it's cultivated over the many years. It's loud, it's bright, and indeed, it's usually freezing, but that's almost all part of the particular charm. If you're considering heading down-town to catch the particular festivities this 12 months, there are the few things you ought to probably know so you don't finish up stuck in traffic or shivering on the corner without a good view.
Getting There Just before the Crowd Strikes
Let's become real for any 2nd: parking in down-town Naperville is a challenge on a normal Wednesday afternoon. When you add thousands associated with people heading in for the naperville lights parade , it may get a little chaotic. If a person roll up 10 minutes before the start time, you're going to spend the whole parade circling the Van Buren parking deck.
My best advice? Get there earlier. Like, way earlier than you believe you should. Grab the spot in one of the parking garages—either the main one close to the Water Street District or the particular one over simply by the library—and after that go grab the coffee or even a treat while you wait around. It's much better to become sitting within a warm coffeehouse for an hr than it is to be stuck in a type of cars on Washington Road while the parade is already happening three blocks apart.
What in order to Expect on the Route
The particular parade route usually winds with the center of the down-town area. It generally kicks off near the intersection of Mill Street and Jefferson Avenue, then heads east just before turning south on Main Street plus ending up near Water Street.
Because the particular route isn't incredibly long, the sidewalks get packed quite quickly. If a person have kids or even you're bringing a group, you'll want in order to scout out the spot at least thirty to forty five minutes prior to things get going. The areas right close to the Main Street stores are always the particular busiest because they're so picturesque, yet if you mind a little more toward the begin or end associated with the route, a person might find a tiny bit more deep breathing room. Just a tiny bit, though—don't expect miracles!
The very best Vantage Points
Some people swear by standing near the Reviewing Have, where the announcers discuss each drift as it passes. It's definitely the "center from the action, " but it's also in which the crowds are the thickest. Personally, I like hanging out closer to the particular Riverwalk. There's some thing awesome about viewing the lights from the floats showing off the water and the bridges. Plus, if it gets too crowded, you can usually take a quick stage back toward the particular park area to stretch your hip and legs.
What Makes This Parade Special?
You might become wondering why people get so hyped in regards to a local parade. Honestly, it's the particular community effort. The particular naperville lights parade isn't just a bunch of professional displays; it's a mix of local businesses, senior high school marching bands, scout troops, and non-profits.
You'll see nearby dance troupes performing routines in the middle of the particular street (and a person have to enjoy their energy when it's 20 levels out). You'll discover the fire vehicles decorated with additional lights than a Griswold Christmas tree. And of course, the big finale is always Santa Claus. No matter how old a person are, there's the bit of the thrill once the "real" Santa rolls by on his sleigh to officially desired the season.
Survival Tips regarding the Cold
We're in The state of illinois, so the climate during the naperville lights parade is anyone's think. I've been in order to years where it's a balmy 45 degrees and everyone is in lighting jackets, and I've been there whenever the wind is definitely whipping from the DuPage River also it seems like 5 beneath.
- Layers are your friend. Even if this feels okay when you leave the particular house, standing nevertheless on a concrete floor sidewalk for 2 hours is a different story. Put on the thermal socks. You won't feel dissapointed it.
- Bring a thermos. Whether or not it's hot cocoa, tea, or espresso, having something hot to hold on to makes a large difference. There are plenty of excellent spots downtown such as Starbucks, Sparrow Coffee, or Yogi's to grab a beverage, however the lines will be long, so maybe bring your own own from home.
- Blankets vs. Chairs. A lot of people bring folding chairs, which usually is great in the event that you can snag a front-row place. If you're standing up behind a row of individuals, though, chair might just get within the way. A thick wool blanket to wrap around your shoulders is usually usually a safer bet.
Support a Good Trigger While You're Generally there
One point that sometimes gets lost in the exhilaration of the lights and the music is that this occasion is a huge fundraiser for Small Friends. They do incredible work within the community assisting people with autism as well as other developmental disabilities.
Whilst the parade is definitely free to attend, keep an vision out for methods to support the organization. Often, there are volunteers walking around or even booths set up where you can find out more about what they do. It's a wonderful reminder that whilst the holiday period is about enjoyable and lights, it's also about looking out for the neighbors.
Where to Eat After the Parade
Once the last float passes plus Santa has waved his final farewell, all of us have the same idea: "I'm getting stuck, let's go eat. " If you haven't made a reservation somewhere, you may be waiting around a while.
If you want to defeat the rush, you might try to go away just the few minutes prior to the very end, but then you miss Father christmas! A better plan is to walk the few blocks away from the major drag. Spots like Empire Burgers + Brew or also the places a little further down on Washington often have a bit even more space. Or, when you're really frosty, just head straight for one of the particular pizza places. There's nothing like the hot deep-dish french fries to warm a person up after a particular date in the Naperville wind.
Making Memories
In the end of the day, the naperville lights parade is almost all about the recollections. I still remember going as a kid and being totally floored by how bright everything has been. Now, seeing the particular next generation associated with kids sitting on the parents' shoulders, directing at the glowing floats and waving frantically at the particular Grinch or the elves, it's just wholesome.
It's one of those rare events that will doesn't feel over-commercialized or fake. It's just Naperville being Naperville. People are friendly, the atmosphere is festive, plus for an hr approximately, you don't really mind that will your toes are starting to proceed numb.
So, if you're searching for a way in order to get into the holiday spirit, definitely create time for the parade. It's a bit of a trek to find parking, and you'll definitely need your heaviest coat, but I promise it's worth it. There's just no much better way to desired winter to the 60540. See you down-town!