Downtown Crystal Lake’s Festival of Lights Parade set for Nov. 26

This year’s Festival of Lights Parade in downtown Crystal Lake is on track with 50 floats and a visit from Santa.

The parade will step off at 7 p.m. Nov. 26 in downtown Crystal Lake, ending at Williams Street and Crystal Lake Avenue, where Santa will light the Christmas tree, according to a news release.

Santa then will be available for free visits at his Santa House up to Dec. 23.

This year’s parade will not include candy distribution from the floats.

“Safety is utmost in our minds,” Ben Volling, president of the Downtown Crystal Lake Board of Directors, said in a statement. “The lights, music and magic provide plenty of excitement for families. Many of our stores will be open if treats are desired during the parade.”

Santa’s House also will keep the clear dividers between Santa and his visitors introduced last year because of the pandemic.

Information is available at www.DowntownCL.org.