Schedule:

The Parade

The Annual City Of Lights Holiday Parade welcomes the holiday season with the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the traditional lighting of JFK Plaza and the Wannalancit smoke stack. On Saturday, November 30th at 4:30 p.m., the parade will once again commence from Jackson Street and end at City Hall, where Santa Claus will make his first appearance of the season, and will throw the switch to light City Hall

Fmily Fun

City of Lights is a family event with something for everyone. Main attractions include the Holiday Parade, Photos with Santa, a holiday movie screening at the Donahue Family Academic Arts Center and the annual hot chocolate and window decorating contests (vote for your favorite!).

11 am-5 pm - Festival of Wreaths
Wreaths will be displayed during "City of Lights" November 30th at The Brush Art Gallery and Studios, 256 Market Street across the courtyard from the National Park Visitor Center.

12-1 pm - Seasonal Story Time
Listen to seasonal stories read aloud at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center and visit the Bookmobile!

12-3:30 pm - Holly Jolly Trolley
Jump on the Lowell National Historical Park's "Holly Jolly Trolley," complete with Ranger Elves, music, and holiday decorations. The trolley will run between the Boott Cotton Mills Museum and the Visitor Center. The last run will leave the Visitor Center at 3 p.m. FREE event, no reservation required.

12-5 pm - Pop Up Shops
Visit lala books to peruse a delightful selection of books and check out pop-up vendors for some extra holiday shopping.

1-3 pm - Photos with Santa
Lowell City Hall
Come get your holiday family photo taken with the star of the North Pole himself! Keep in mind that this is Santa’s busy season so he has to close the line promptly at 2:30 pm.

2-4 pm - Hot Chocolate Competition
Downtown Lowell
It’s time for the annual Hot Chocolate contest! Competition will run from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 30th. Each location will have a sign with voting information

1-2:30 pm - Ornament Making
Arts League of Lowell at 307 Market St. will have a colorful ornament making activity for children 5 and up, in their beautiful gallery (Parents should remain with children). Also be sure to admire their creatively decorated holiday window.

 5:15 pm - Lighting of City Hall
Join us at the end of the parade for the lighting of City Hall.

1-4 pm - Holiday Cupcake Decorating
A little creativity and a delicious treat to start off the holiday season! Enjoy cupcake decorating at Little Delights Bakery—they’ll provide everything you need, just bring your imagination.

Lowell Yuletide Market
12-8pm on November 30 & 12-4pm on December 1 / JFK Plaza
Get into the holiday spirit and check gift shopping off your list during DIY Lowell’s Yuletide Market. From 5:30-8 pm on November 30, enjoy live music while shopping!

Window Decorating Competition
Voting will begin on November 30th (at 4pm) and remain open through December 25th- so you'll have plenty of time to pick a favorite! Each window will have a poster with instructions on how to vote.