Naperville’s downtown streets will sparkle once again this holiday season as the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise revives its beloved NaperLights display. Beginning the Thanksgiving weekend and running through the end of the season, the festive lights will line Water Street and the south side of the Riverwalk, offering a family‑friendly tradition that draws visitors from across the region.
What to Expect
More than 250,000 LED lights will illuminate the area, highlighting signature holiday figures such as a giant teddy bear, a towering red Santa throne, and a rainbow arch over Foyo Plaza. The display also includes whimsical scenes like skating polar bears, penguins sliding on an igloo, snowmen, carolers, and singing trees. The Plaza Fountain will feature dancing skaters, and Santa and his reindeer are expected to make a cameo flight over downtown.
Music, Parking and Accessibility
From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., the lights on Water Street trees and the Foyo Plaza will be synchronized to music via an enhanced sound system that projects across the DuPage River, creating a drive‑through experience for those who prefer to stay in their cars. Visitors can reach the display from the Webster Street covered bridge, Main Street, and Webster Street. Public parking is available in the Water Street and Municipal Center parking decks, and strollers are welcome to enjoy the outdoor setting.
Free Holographic Glasses for Kids
Rotary volunteers will hand out popular holographic viewing glasses to children on weekends, adding an extra layer of wonder to the light show. The glasses are provided on a free‑will donation basis, supporting the Rotary’s broader charitable mission both locally and internationally.
Community Support and Sponsorship
“Water Street is delighted to be partnering with the Sunrise Rotary Club again to continue this popular family tradition,” said Nick Ryan, Executive Chairman of Marquette Companies. “We were the first sponsor of the event years ago, so hosting this on Water Street, where visitors can enjoy it every night through the holidays, is awesome.”
The event is partially funded by a grant from the City of Naperville SECA Fund. Lead sponsors include Marquette Companies, Ryan Hill Group, and Busey Bank, with additional support from Naperville Bank & Trust/Wintrust and Gerald Cares.
Plan Your Visit
For more details about NaperLights 2026, visit www.naperlights.com. Information about Water Street’s year‑round activities can be found at www.waterstreetnaperville.com. The Rotary Club encourages free‑will donations to sustain its charitable projects, which benefit both local families and international partners.
Whether you’re strolling with the family, enjoying a drive‑through evening, or simply admiring the dazzling lights from a nearby café, NaperLights offers a festive, community‑focused celebration that highlights Naperville’s commitment to family values, faith‑based service, and the liberty to gather in a safe, joyful environment.
Original reporting: Positively Naperville (Aurora area) — read the source article.
