Tree Lighting and Festive Fun

The Tree Lighting and Festive Fun event kicks off the holiday season in Arlington Heights on the Friday after Thanksgiving. The celebration spans two downtown locations — North School Park at Evergreen Avenue and Eastman Street, and Harmony Park at Vail Avenue and Campbell Street. At North School Park, the festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. with performances by the Park District Vibe Dance Group and the Hersey High School Dickens Carolers. At 5:00 p.m., village and park district leaders welcome the crowd for the countdown and the lighting of North School Park, which features over 80,000 tiny lights in festive holiday displays.

Harmony Park hosts Family Fun from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., featuring professional ice carvers creating holiday-themed ice sculptures, live reindeer, caroling, and free family activities. Hot chocolate and holiday treats are available for purchase from food trucks stationed on Eastman Street. The Arlington Heights Memorial Library Bookmobile is also on-site. Free professional photos are available at Harmony Park for families who want to capture the evening.

Free trolley service loops between North School Park and Harmony Park from 3:45 to 6:45 p.m., with Dickens-era characters on board sharing stories about Arlington Heights history. A wheelchair-accessible trolley bus is also available for families who need it. The event is free and open to the public, organized by the Village of Arlington Heights Special Events Commission and the Arlington Heights Park District. Visit www.vah.com for weather updates and the latest event details.