Festival of Lights Parade, Santa Run, Merry Cary Parade

Happy Black Friday, Crystal Lake and Cary!

Today, we transition from Thanksgiving straight into Christmas (and Hanukkah for some) full speed ahead!

Here's a quick look at the highlights for the weekend. 

Festival of Lights Parade

Crystal Lake starts the holiday festivities off first with the Festival of Lights Parade at 7 p.m. today (Friday) in downtown Crystal Lake.  This year's parade features 50 participants: lighted and decorated floats, marchers, music, and Santa riding in his horse-drawn sleigh.

The Parade Route: 

The parade starts the Crystal Lake Municipal Complex, 100 W. Woodstock and travels west, turns south on North Caroline Street, east on Crystal Lake Avenue, north on Grant Street, east on Woodstock Street, south on Williams Street (same route as last year). 

Kiwanis Santa Run for Kids

Next up is the Kiwanis Santa Run for Kids 5K, 1-Mile Run/ Walk, also in downtown Crystal Lake. The 2nd annual event benefits McHenry County organizations serving children.

Participants in the Santa Run receive a Santa suit complete with hat, beard and belt. Those taking part in the 1-Mile get reindeer antlers (strollers and friendly dogs permitted in the 1-Mile). 

The run starts at 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, in front of the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. More than 600 participants had registered online for the run as of this past Wednesday.

In-person registrations will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Running Depot, 30 N. Williams St., downtown Crystal Lake. Race packet and santa suit pickup also will be held at the same time. 

Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Festival

The Merry Cary Holiday Parade and Festival is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 1.

The annual Merry Cary Holiday Parade and Festival is scheduled from noon to 3:30 p.m., with the parade starting at 1 p.m., according to a Chamber news release. 

Thousands of local residents join in this yearly celebration, according to the Chamber.  

The parade route runs down West Main Street: Starts at Wulff Road through downtown Cary to Jandus Road, and ends at the intersection of Jandus Road and Cary Street.