More Than 250,000 Holiday Lights Are Coming to Naperville. Here's What to See This Thanksgiving
Holiday lights from a past NaperLights season. Photo via Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise.
NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS: One of the Western Suburbs' favorite holiday traditions is returning this Thanksgiving, bringing thousands of colorful lights, illuminated characters and festive music to the heart of Downtown Naperville.
NaperLights 2026 officially opens Thursday, November 26, transforming Water Street, Foyo Plaza, Jaycees Park and portions of the Riverwalk into a free outdoor holiday light display.
Organized by the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise, this year's celebration features more than 250,000 lights, synchronized musical displays, illuminated animals and a 16-foot animated tree in Jaycees Park.
The lights will shine nightly through January 1, 2027, giving families, couples and visitors plenty of opportunities to experience the display throughout the holiday season.
Here's what to expect, where to find the best photo spots and how to turn your visit into a Downtown Naperville holiday outing.
What's Coming to NaperLights 2026?
NaperLights has become a familiar part of Naperville's holiday season, bringing festive displays to the area surrounding Water Street and the DuPage River.
This year's display combines traditional holiday decorations with animated lighting and music.
Visitors can look forward to several returning attractions.
The 16-Foot Animated Holiday Tree
One of the display's standout features is the 16-foot Twinkly Pro tree at Jaycees Park.
First introduced in 2025, the tree features programmable colored lights that create changing patterns and animated effects.
Its location near the Riverwalk makes it a convenient stop for family photos and evening strolls.
More Than 250,000 Holiday Lights
The display extends across Water Street, Foyo Plaza and the south side of the Riverwalk.
Trees and overhead decorations will illuminate the area, while selected lights along Water Street and Foyo Plaza will change in time with holiday music.
Organizers have also enhanced the sound system to carry music across the DuPage River.
Three illuminated snowmen at NaperLights in a previous season. NCTV17 via Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise.
Illuminated Animals and Holiday Characters
Families can look for several recognizable figures throughout the display, including:
A giant illuminated teddy bear.
Ice-skating polar bears.
Penguins sliding on an igloo.
Snowmen and holiday carolers.
Singing trees and dancing skaters.
Santa's sleigh and reindeer.
The Plaza Fountain will also feature illuminated skating figures.
Holiday Photo Spots
Among the most recognizable attractions are the colorful rainbow arch over Foyo Plaza and the oversized red Santa throne.
These installations provide opportunities for family pictures, holiday portraits and seasonal social media photos.
The variety of displays makes NaperLights an outing that visitors can enjoy at their own pace rather than a timed ticketed attraction.
NaperLights 2026: Dates, Hours, Location and Admission
Planning to visit after Thanksgiving? Here's everything you need to know.
Event: NaperLights 2026
Opening Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
Final Date: Friday, January 1, 2027
Hours: Nightly, 4–10 p.m.
Location: Water Street, Foyo Plaza, Jaycees Park and the Riverwalk, Downtown Naperville, IL 60540
Admission: Free
Reservations: Not required for the outdoor light display
Organizer: Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise
Official Event Information: NaperLights at Downtown Naperville
The displays are designed for visitors to explore on foot.
Families can also look for free special-effect viewing glasses offered by Rotary volunteers on select weekend evenings, while supplies last.
Although admission is free, voluntary donations are welcomed to help support the Rotary Club's community and charitable projects.
Special activities and Santa appearances may also take place during the season. Check the Rotary Club's NaperLights page for confirmed dates and updates.
Visitors pose beside a glowing holiday display at a past NaperLights celebration. Photo via Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise.
Where to See the Holiday Lights Along Naperville's Riverwalk
One of the biggest advantages of NaperLights is its walkable location.
Visitors can access the displays from the Webster Street covered bridge, Main Street or Webster Street, making it easy to explore the decorations around Water Street and the DuPage River.
A simple way to experience the event is to begin near the Webster Street covered bridge and follow the illuminated paths toward Foyo Plaza.
From there, visitors can walk beneath the rainbow arch, enjoy the synchronized lighting and continue toward Jaycees Park to see the animated tree and holiday figures.
The Riverwalk also provides scenic views of lights reflecting on the water.
For visitors who prefer not to walk the entire area, portions of the illuminated decorations and music can also be experienced from nearby streets.
Where Can You Park?
Two convenient options include:
Water Street Parking Facility: 120 Water Street, near the main display area.
Municipal Center Parking Facility: 400 S. Eagle Street, near the Riverwalk.
Downtown Naperville offers public parking facilities, but visitors should check posted restrictions and time limits.
The City of Naperville's downtown parking guide provides garage locations, accessibility information and parking rules.
Visiting tip: Plan to arrive around dusk to see Downtown's decorated storefronts before enjoying the full nighttime display. Dress warmly, especially when walking along the river.
Make It a Holiday Dinner and Shopping Night in Downtown Naperville
NaperLights is located within Downtown Naperville's shopping and dining district, making it easy to combine the displays with a meal or holiday shopping.
For couples planning a date night, Water Street offers several restaurants close to the lights.
Vasili's | 135 Water Street
Vasili's serves Greek and Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a setting suited to dinner dates and small gatherings.
Its location along Water Street makes it convenient for visitors who want to have dinner before walking through the illuminated displays.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill | 123 Water Street
Blue Sushi Sake Grill offers sushi, shareable appetizers and other Japanese-inspired options near the Riverwalk.
The restaurant is a casual option for couples or groups who want a meal before exploring NaperLights.
Quiubo | 120 Water Street
Quiubo offers contemporary Mexican dishes, tacos and cocktails just steps from the holiday displays.
Its Water Street location makes it another convenient choice for a dinner-and-lights outing.
Holiday Shopping Before the Lights
Downtown Naperville also has independent shops and boutiques for visitors looking to pick up gifts.
Along Water Street, Sea Love offers candles and fragrance-related gifts, while the wider Downtown shopping district includes stores such as Anderson's Bookshop on Jefferson Avenue.
Visitors can browse for books, accessories, home décor and other holiday gifts before heading toward the Riverwalk.
Downtown Naperville's broader holiday lighting program began November 2, so storefronts and decorated streets will also be part of the evening atmosphere.
Important: Some restaurants and stores may have reduced hours or be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 26. Visitors planning dinner or shopping should verify holiday hours, or consider visiting on a later evening.
Why NaperLights Is a Favorite Naperville Holiday Tradition
NaperLights is more than an outdoor light display. It's also a community event organized by local volunteers and supported by businesses and sponsors.
The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise presents the celebration as a gift to the community, with donations helping fund charitable activities locally and internationally.
Its location is another reason the event continues to attract visitors.
The Naperville Riverwalk is already one of the city's most recognizable public spaces, connecting landscaped pathways, bridges, parks and Downtown businesses.
During the holiday season, those familiar surroundings become a gathering place for families, couples and friends.
For people considering a move to Naperville or other Western Suburbs, events like NaperLights offer a glimpse into the community's seasonal traditions and walkable Downtown lifestyle.
Naperville also offers a variety of housing options, from established single-family neighborhoods to townhomes and condominiums near Downtown.
While community events alone don't determine home values, access to parks, restaurants, shopping and year-round activities can be meaningful considerations when choosing where to live.
Explore Naperville Living Beyond the Holiday Season
From the Riverwalk and Downtown restaurants to parks, community events and nearby residential neighborhoods, Naperville offers a mix of suburban living and local amenities.
For buyers and families considering Naperville, Lisle, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn or surrounding Western Suburbs, exploring the area during different seasons can help provide a better understanding of everyday life.
The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier helps buyers, sellers and relocation clients compare neighborhoods, understand local housing markets and explore available properties across Chicagoland.
Thinking about making Naperville your next home? Connect with our team to explore current listings, compare neighborhoods and find a property that fits your lifestyle and budget.
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