Nothing ushers in the holidays like Naperville’s annual Parade of Lights, the festive celebration of the season held every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving. With the snow not yet arrived, crowds gathered along downtown sidewalks to wave at people riding atop illuminated floats and in decorated vehicles, costumed characters, marching groups, and even horses and dogs as they made their way from Centennial Beach on Jackson Avenue to Naper Elementary School on South Eagle Street. The event is organized by the Rotary Club of Naperville in partnership with the Downtown Naperville Alliance.

Two riders on horseback ride wave to the crowd Friday night during the 2025 Holiday Parade of Lights in downtown Naperville. (Troy Stolt/Naperville Sun)
Parade-goers gather four and five deep Friday night to watch the 2025 Holiday Parade of Lights in Naperville, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Naperville. (Troy Stolt/Naperville Sun)
An old fire engine was decorated for the season to participate in the annual Holiday Parade of Lights, held Friday night in downtown Naperville. (Troy Stolt/Naperville Sun)
Even Beth Carter’s pooch Ellie came attired for the season as they marched with Central Bark Friday night as part of the annual Holiday Parade of Lights in downtown Naperville. (Troy Stolt/Naperville Sun)
Isabella Digrazia performs with other members of the Illinois Conservatory for the Arts on a float that was part of the 2025 Holiday Parade of Lights in Naperville on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Troy Stolt/Naperville Sun)
Michael Codo spread a little bit of holiday cheer Friday night as part of the Friends Uniting in Naperville (FUN) group marching in the 2025 Holiday Parade of Lights in downtown Naperville on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Troy Stolt/Naperville Sun)
Regina Rice waves to parade-goers from the Paris Bistro float during the 2025 Holiday Parade of Lights in Naperville on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Troy Stolt/Naperville Sun)
The Naperville Trolley was one of many entries in this year’s Holiday Parade of Lights, held Friday night in downtown Naperville. (Troy Stolt/Naperville Sun)
Emily Turner from Villa St. Benedict Assisted Living Community in Lisle hands out glow sticks during the 2025 Holiday Parade of Lights in Naperville on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Troy Stolt/Naperville Sun)
The Nortek Yeti marches as part of the 2025 Holiday Parade of Lights, held Friday night in downtown Naperville. (Troy Stolt/Naperville Sun)
Missi Craddock, a Naperville resident and winner of the 2025 Miss Illinois for America pageant, was the grand marshal of Friday’s annual Holiday Parade of Lights in downtown Naperville. (Troy Stolt/Naperville Sun)

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