City of Joliet Announces Holiday Festivities: Santa Send-Off and 49th Festival of the Gnomes

Joliet, IL - The City of Joliet is kicking off the holiday season with two beloved community traditions: the annual Santa Send-Off Parade and the whimsical Festival of the Gnomes. Residents of all ages are invited to join in the celebration as Joliet fills with festive cheer on December 13 and 14, 2025.

Santa Send-Off - Saturday, December 13

Back by popular demand, the City of Joliet and Mayor Terry D'Arcy will host the annual Santa Send-Off on Saturday, December 13, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Residents are invited to gather along the parade route as Santa travels through Joliet before heading back to the North Pole to prepare for his Christmas Eve journey.

Santa will be escorted by members of the Joliet Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments in a lively motorcade that begins at the intersection of Woodruff & Draper Avenue and concludes at Ridge and Caton Farm. The procession is expected to last approximately one hour and twenty minutes. City Councilwoman Jan Quillman will join the merriment as Mrs. Claus.

Everyone is welcome to watch the parade from any location along the route. The full route is available on our website at www.joliet.gov/santa. Residents can follow live updates on Facebook and Twitter (@TheCityofJoliet).

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, residents are reminded that candy will not be distributed, and viewers should remain on sidewalks at a safe distance.

"The Santa Send-Off is a wonderful way to celebrate the season with our community," said Mayor Terry D'Arcy. "We encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the festive motorcade, and cheer on Santa as he prepares for Christmas Eve."

49th Festival of the Gnomes - December 13 and 14

The holiday celebration continues at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre (201 West Jefferson Street) with the 49th Festival of the Gnomes. This cherished indoor family tradition features a 90-minute live theatrical show on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Lobby doors open at 1:00 p.m. for pre-show activities including the Gnome Gift Shop, Cookie Factory, and more. Tickets are $5 for all ages.

Audiences will journey with the all-ages cast as they tell stories of gnomes' good deeds, outwit the mischievous Snotgurgle troll, and discover the true spirit of the giving season. Guests can browse "gnomemade" gifts, purchase gnome hats and accessories, or have a commemorative tassel sewn onto their hat. Treats, cocoa, and soft drinks will be available, and visitors can enter for a chance to win a handcrafted twin gnome doll signed by artist Sally Susner.

Advance tickets are available at https://www.bicentennialpark.org and are highly recommended. Tickets will also be sold at the door; however, only cashless payments are accepted. Free parking is available in and around the park, with additional lots located south of Jefferson Street.

Both events celebrate Joliet's strong sense of community, holiday spirit, and family-friendly traditions. The City of Joliet wishes all residents a joyful and safe holiday season.

# # #

About the City of Joliet

The City of Joliet is located in Will and Kendall counties in the State of Illinois, 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County. At the 2020 census, the city was the third largest in Illinois, with a population of 150,362. For more information about the city, visit https://www.joliet.gov.

Media Contact: Rosemaria DiBenedetto, Media Engagement and Communications Director, Cell: 847-269-5556 or email: [email protected].