Wheaton, IL – Downtown Wheaton will see major traffic and parking restrictions on Thursday and Friday as the city kicks off its holiday season with the annual Christmas Parade and tree lighting ceremony. Officials are urging drivers to plan ahead, as closures will impact several of the city’s busiest streets.
According to the City of Wheaton, the Nights of Lights event begins Friday, Nov. 28, with a 5 p.m. park lighting ceremony at Adams Park. The Christmas Parade, hosted by the Downtown Wheaton Association, steps off at 6 p.m. from Wheaton Avenue and Wesley Street. The parade will travel south to Front Street, turn east, and finish at Cross Street.
City officials outlined the following closures and restrictions:
Road Closures
• Thursday, Nov. 27 at 9 p.m. to Friday, Nov. 28 at 8 p.m.:
– Karlskoga Avenue between Wheaton Avenue and Hale Street.
• Friday, Nov. 28 from 4–8 p.m.:
– Wheaton Avenue between Union Avenue and Wesley Street.
• Friday, Nov. 28 from 5–8 p.m.:
– Wheaton Avenue between Wesley Street and Front Street
– Wesley Street between Wheaton Avenue and West Street
– Front Street between West Street and Cross Street
– Hale Street between Liberty Drive and Front Street
– Main Street between Liberty Drive and Seminary Avenue
– Cross Street between Wesley Street and Front Street
– Liberty Drive between Main Street and Cross Street
Parking Restrictions
• Thursday, Nov. 27 at 9 p.m. to Friday, Nov. 28 at 8 p.m.: No parking on Karlskoga Avenue between Wheaton Avenue and Hale Street.
• Friday, Nov. 28 from 4–8 p.m.: No parking on Front Street between Wheaton Avenue and Cross Street, and on Wheaton Avenue between Wesley Street and Front Street.
Following the parade, the city will host its Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Liberty Drive near Main Street. Liberty Drive between Main and Cross will be closed from 5–9 p.m. for the event.
