St. Charles Electric Christmas Parade To Honor Historic Landmarks

ST. CHARLES, IL — The St. Charles Electric Christmas Parade will return to downtown St. Charles later this month, bringing illuminated floats, holiday cheer and a celebration of several longtime community institutions.

The parade will step off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, as part of the city's annual Holiday Homecoming celebration.

This year's Community Guests of Honor include Deborah Foote, who played an instrumental role in launching the nighttime Electric Christmas Parade in 2001, along with several St. Charles landmarks celebrating major milestones. Among those being recognized is the Arcada Theatre, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a downtown entertainment destination.

Colonial Café, a longtime St. Charles favorite known for its food and ice cream, will also be honored for more than 125 years in the community.

The Henry Rockwell Baker Memorial Community Center will be recognized as it marks 100 years since its dedication in 1926. The community center has served as a gathering place for generations of St. Charles residents.

Thompson Middle School, which has been educating local students for more than a century, rounds out this year's honorees.

"The Community Guests of Honor for this year's parade have each made meaningful contributions to St. Charles in a variety of ways," said St. Charles Business Alliance Executive Director Jenna Sawicki.

"We encourage everyone to join us to celebrate their accomplishments and milestones while enjoying the festive elements at this beloved annual tradition," Sawicki added.

The parade is just one part of the two-day Holiday Homecoming celebration.

Festivities will get underway Friday, Nov. 27, with the Lighting of the Lights Ceremony at 5 p.m. on the 1st Street Plaza.

On Saturday, Nov. 28, families can catch a free showing of the holiday movie "Elf" at the Arcada Theatre at 10 a.m. before heading downtown for the evening parade.

Other activities planned throughout the celebration include visits with Santa, holiday photo opportunities and a Holiday Shop Crawl featuring local businesses.

The 2026 Holiday Homecoming celebration and Electric Christmas Parade are sponsored by St. Charles Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, with support from several local businesses and organizations.

For more information about the festivities, visit www.stcharlesholidayhomecoming.com.