Register for Light Up Wheaton Holiday Decorating Contest

The City of Wheaton and Wheaton Park District are proud to present the annual Light Up Wheaton holiday decorating contest. All Wheaton residents, businesses, houses of worship and community organizations are invited to participate in this free, friendly competition — all themes and holidays welcome.

Registration is open now through Thursday, Dec. 11. All registered participants must submit a photo of their entry (along with address) by noon on Thursday, Dec. 11 to be considered for awards. Photos and addresses will be shared on the City of Wheaton and Wheaton Park District Facebook pages for residents looking to drive by and enjoy the decorations in person.

Awards will be given in three categories: Most Creative, Mayor's Choice, and People's Choice. Judging will take place from Dec. 12-17. For the Most Creative and Mayor's Choice categories, judges will observe houses from 6-9 p.m. daily during this time. Photos of entries shared on the City of Wheaton and Wheaton Park District Facebook pages will be voted on by the public for the People's Choice award.

Winners will be announced Thursday, Dec. 18 via social media and email. All winners will receive a commemorative prize and $100 in local gift cards. For more information and to register, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/LightUpWheaton.

Get Ready for Nights of Lights, Christmas Parade, and Tree Lighting Ceremony this Friday

Kick off the holiday season in Wheaton with a full evening of lights, music, and holiday celebration on Friday, Nov. 28.

• Nights of Lights, 5 p.m.: Start with the return of the Nights of Lights in Adams Park, which will come to life with a park lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. This year’s display will feature more than 55,000 lights and an animated light display at the fountain. Nights of Lights will be open daily from 4-10 p.m. through Jan. 4. This event is free and open to the public.
• Wheaton Christmas Parade, 6 p.m.: The tradition continues with the Downtown Wheaton Association's annual Wheaton Christmas Parade. The parade will travel from Wheaton Avenue at Wesley Street south to Front Street, turning east (left) on Front Street, and finishing at Cross Street.
• Christmas Tree Lighting, Immediately Following the Parade: After the parade, head to the downtown pavilion near Liberty Drive & Main Street for the Downtown Wheaton Christmas Tree Lighting. Then, enjoy the tree daily from 4-10 p.m. through Jan. 4.

There are temporary road closures for this week's events. Please visit the City's website for a map of the road closures and event locations.

Additional Customer Parking Available at the Wheaton Place Garage During Holiday Season

Starting on Friday, Nov. 28, the Wheaton Place Garage (232 W. Wesley St.) will have open customer parking on all levels during the 2025 holiday season.

Local Fundraising Activity Not Associated with Wheaton Police Department

The City of Wheaton has learned that Viking Promotions, a company contracted by the Metropolitan Alliance of Police (MAP) Union, will be conducting a local fundraising drive in our area on behalf of MAP. While Wheaton Police Officers are part of the MAP labor union, this fundraising activity is not associated with the City of Wheaton or the Wheaton Police Department.

In past years, similar fundraising efforts have prompted residents to contact the City about potential fraudulent calls or whether the Wheaton Police Department is seeking donations. To be clear, the Wheaton Police Department does not contact individuals by phone to solicit funds.

If you receive a call and are unsure of its legitimacy, you can contact the Wheaton Police Department’s non-emergency number at 630-260-2161 to verify whether the caller is affiliated with the department. 

Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights & Tree Sale Begins this Friday

The Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights & Tree Sale kicks off this Friday, Nov. 28, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., transforming the zoo into a winter wonderland filled with thousands of twinkling lights. Guests can browse a festive selection of Christmas trees, wreaths, greenery, holiday gifts, and enjoy hot chocolate during their visit. The Festival of Lights & Tree Sale runs from Nov. 28 through Dec. 30. For details, visit Cosley Zoo’s website.

Recycle Your Pumpkins and Cooking Oil on Nov. 29

Residents can recycle pumpkins and cooking oil after Thanksgiving on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to noon at SCARCE, 800 S. Rohlwing Road, Unit D, Addison, IL.

Pumpkin Collection:

• Drop off pumpkins to be composted instead of sending them to the landfill.
  • Note: Remove all decorations before dropping them off.

Cooking Oil Collection:

• SCARCE will also collect vegetable-based liquid cooking oil. This is great for residents frying turkeys or other foods this holiday. Please bring the oil in a sealed container.
  • Note: No bacon fat or solid animal fats will be accepted.

For more information, visit SCARCE's website.