The weather may have been dreary, but Lamplight Carolers make everything cheery!
Festival of Lights
TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT! ✨ Get into the holiday spirit as we welcome Santa & Mrs. Claus 🎅🤶 during the parade in downtown Ottawa! #ottawailmiddleofeverywhere
Parade starts at 6PM downtown Ottawa, IL. (starting at the corner of Jackson Street travelling down LaSalle Street to the Jordan Block)
Following the parade, gather at the Jordan Block for:
🔴Christmas carols led by Shepherd Choir 🎼
🟢Countdown for the Annual Christmas Tree & Deck the Park lighting
🔴Beautiful Fireworks display 🎆
🟢Santa & Mrs. Claus 🎅🤶
🔴Lighting of the 25' Community Christmas Tree
The Ottawa Sunrise Rotary Club will be collecting new unwrapped/unopened toys and books for local children in our community from birth to 12 during the parade. Look for their float!
Be sure to visit the City of Ottawa Deck the Parks holiday displays which are all created by fellow community members and volunteers.
🔴Washington Square, 101 W. LaFayette Street
🟢East Side Park, 712 York Street
🔴Rigden Park, 625 W. Jackson Street
🟢Hollywood Park, 833 DeLeon Street
🔴Kiwanis Park, 115 E. Glover Street
🟢Peck Park, 1510 State Street
🔴Thornton Park, 1600 W. Jackson Street
🟢The Dog Park at Heritage Harbor, 111 Harbor View Drive
Festival of Lights
We're just 2 days away from the start of the official holiday season in Ottawa, IL! The 37th Annual Festival of Lights Parade ✨ is set to take place on Friday, November 29, 2025, starting at 6 PM on LaSalle Street. This beloved community event will transform downtown Ottawa into a radiant spectacle, marking the start of a cherished tradition that has illuminated the city for over three decades.
Each year, the Festival of Lights ✨ brings together families, friends, and visitors to experience the magic of Ottawa’s holiday spirit. This year, the role of Grand Marshal will be held by Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director at the Illinois Office of Tourism. “We are thrilled to welcome Daniel as this year’s Grand Marshal,” said Rich Crum, Event Coordinator for the Festival of Lights. “Daniel’s dedication to promoting tourism across Illinois aligns perfectly with the heart of this event, which not only brings holiday joy to our community but also highlights the charm and appeal of Ottawa as a holiday destination.”
As the parade moves down LaSalle Street, spectators will be treated to vibrant floats, musical performances, and a glittering array of lights that bring downtown Ottawa to life. The festivities culminate at the historic Jordan Block, where Mayor Robert E. Hasty will offer a warm welcome to all. Ottawa’s own Shepherd Junior High Choir will fill the air with carols, setting the stage for a memorable countdown led by Santa and Mrs. Claus to light the city’s Christmas tree. The evening will close with a dazzling fireworks display, creating a truly unforgettable moment.
“The Festival of Lights ✨ has become a hallmark event for Ottawa, one that brings our community together and draws visitors from near and far,” Crum continued. “Each year, families come back to make memories, and it’s a tradition that captures the very best of our holiday spirit.”
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the popular Chris Kringle Market will also kick off its four-we
Festival of Lights 2024
We're ONE WEEK away from the Annual Festival of Lights Parade! Get into the holiday spirit as we welcome Santa & Mrs. Claus 🎅🤶 during the parade in downtown Ottawa!
Friday, November 29, 2024 at 6PM downtown Ottawa, IL.
Following the parade, gather at the Jordan Block for:
🟢Countdown for the Annual Christmas Tree & Deck the Parks lighting
🔴Beautiful Fireworks display 🎆
🟢Santa & Mrs. Claus 🎅🤶
🔴Lighting of the 30' Community Christmas Tree
🟢Christmas carols led by the Shepherd Junior High Choir
Come see for yourself how Ottawa, IL does the Holiday Season! 🎄
#ottawailmiddleofeverywhere
Festival of Lights Parade 2024
🎄🎅🤶🎁✨🎄🎅🤶🎁✨🎄🎅🤶🎁✨
The holiday season in Ottawa, Illinois, will officially begin with the 37th Annual Festival of Lights Parade ✨ on Friday, November 29, 2025. Set to start at 6 PM on LaSalle Street, this beloved community event will transform downtown Ottawa into a radiant spectacle, marking the start of a cherished tradition that has illuminated the city for over three decades.
Each year, the Festival of Lights ✨ brings together families, friends, and visitors to experience the magic of Ottawa’s holiday spirit. This year, the role of Grand Marshal will be held by Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director at the Illinois Office of Tourism. “We are thrilled to welcome Daniel as this year’s Grand Marshal,” said Rich Crum, Event Coordinator for the Festival of Lights. “Daniel’s dedication to promoting tourism across Illinois aligns perfectly with the heart of this event, which not only brings holiday joy to our community but also highlights the charm and appeal of Ottawa as a holiday destination.”
As the parade moves down LaSalle Street, spectators will be treated to vibrant floats, musical performances, and a glittering array of lights that bring downtown Ottawa to life. The festivities culminate at the historic Jordan Block, where Mayor Robert E. Hasty will offer a warm welcome to all. Ottawa’s own Shepherd Junior High Choir will fill the air with carols, setting the stage for a memorable countdown led by Santa and Mrs. Claus to light the city’s Christmas tree. The evening will close with a dazzling fireworks display, creating a truly unforgettable moment.
“The Festival of Lights ✨ has become a hallmark event for Ottawa, one that brings our community together and draws visitors from near and far,” Crum continued. “Each year, families come back to make memories, and it’s a tradition that captures the very best of our holiday spirit.”
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the popular Chris Kringle Market will a
Did you miss the Lamplight Carolers? The Ottawa Visitors Center will be bringing them back on December 14 and 21, 2024 for your Holiday pleasure.
##ottawailmiddleofeverywhere
Festival of Lights Parade
October was fun...Hello Christmas 😁
We're 4 weeks away from the Annual Festival of Lights Parade! Get into the holiday spirit as we welcome Santa & Mrs. Claus 🎅🤶 during the parade in downtown Ottawa!
Friday, November 29, 2024 at 6PM downtown Ottawa, IL.
Following the parade, gather at the Jordan Block for:
🟢Countdown for the Annual Christmas Tree & Deck the Parks lighting
🔴Beautiful Fireworks display 🎆
🟢Santa & Mrs. Claus 🎅🤶
🔴Lighting of the 30' Community Christmas Tree
#ottawailmiddleofeverywhere
Happy Hunting! All these beautiful ornaments have been hidden. Please remember 1 per FAMILY, to allow others to have a chance.
#ottawailmiddleofeverywhere
Gincy is amazing now performing at Kites in Flight
Thank you to our generous sponsors
Who's getting excited for the 4th Annual Kites in Flight event in downtown Ottawa, IL? Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th for the BEST family-friendly event of the year, and did we mention it's FREE?! Please go and give our event page a "like" for updates on event schedules and INVITE your friends to do the same.
We're screaming 🗣 a huge THANK YOU to ALL of our sponsors for their generous contributions to making this event accessible to EVERYONE!
#ottawailmiddleofeverywhere
Welcome to beautiful Ottawa, Illinois...only 80 miles from downtown Chicago and the West Suburbs! S See more at pickusottawail.Com!
