Downtown St. Charles, Illinois, opens its holiday season with the St. Charles Holiday Homecoming 2026, a free two-day celebration on Friday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 28. The event, sponsored by St. Charles Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, pairs a Friday tree-lighting ceremony with a Saturday Electric Christmas Parade that organizers say draws more than 60 illuminated entries to Main Street.
What happens on each day?
Friday's Lighting of the Lights ceremony starts at 5 p.m. on the 1st Street Plaza, the St. Charles Business Alliance says. Carols, a Santa visit and free caramel corn are part of the program, and organizers advise coming early for bells handed out while supplies last.
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Saturday begins with a free 10 a.m. screening of "Elf" at the historic Arcada Theatre; doors open at 9 a.m. A Holiday Shop Crawl runs all day, with promotions at participating stores and a grand-prize giveaway. The Electric Christmas Parade steps off at 5:30 p.m., traveling down Main Street from Sixth Street to Fourth Avenue with bands, floats and Santa Claus.
- Friday, Nov. 27: Lighting of the Lights, 5 p.m., 1st Street Plaza
- Saturday, Nov. 28: Free "Elf" screening, 10 a.m., Arcada Theatre
- Saturday, Nov. 28: Electric Christmas Parade, 5:30 p.m., Main Street
- All season: Lighted photo installations on the 1st Street Plaza
Why you should go
- The parade is the centerpiece: more than 60 lighted entries, marching bands, floats and Santa move through downtown after dark.
- The movie is free: "Elf" screens at the Arcada Theatre, with doors opening an hour early for popcorn and seats.
- Friday's ceremony offers carols, a Santa visit and free caramel corn, plus shops and restaurants nearby for dinner or gift-buying.
- The Shop Crawl gives shoppers promotions and a shot at a grand-prize giveaway while supporting local stores.
- Lighted photo installations stay up all season for family card pictures.
Where can families see Santa?
Santa's new cottage on the 1st Street Plaza opens Nov. 28 and runs through Dec. 20. Visitors can meet him every weekend afternoon between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Children can drop off letters and pose for photos. A mailbox at the cottage accepts letters from anyone who misses him.
What to know before you go
The festival website lists free parking throughout the city, with designated handicap spaces at the St. Charles Municipal Building and at Life Church, 8 N. 2nd Ave. The brief gives no ticket prices beyond the free movie and ceremony; readers should check with organizers about any other costs.
FAQ
When is the St. Charles Holiday Homecoming?
It runs Friday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, in downtown St. Charles, Illinois, with the parade at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
Is the event free?
The "Elf" screening and the Lighting of the Lights ceremony are described as free. The brief does not give prices for other activities, so check with organizers.
