Celebration of Lights Kicks Off Batavia’s Holiday Season
The annual Celebration of Lights Festival will light up the Batavia Riverwalk the evening of Nov. 26 as the community gathers to kick off the holiday season and welcome Santa.
Presented by the Batavia Park District, this free event celebrates the magic of the season with festive and fun holiday activities, song and ceremony, culminating in Santa’s arrival and a welcome by Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke, followed by the ceremonial tree lighting.
“The Riverwalk magically comes to life this time of year with the holiday lit trees, the little ones' sheer excitement for spending quality time with Santa and the good old fashioned community sing-along,” said Batavia Park District Executive Director Allison Niemela. “It warms my heart to see so many people coming together to celebrate the magic of the season.”
This year, Batavians will have the opportunity to make history by witnessing the Peace on Earth letters being lit for the first time around 5:30 p.m. at the Peace Bridge next to the Jeffery D. Schielke Government Center. In October, new LED-lit lettering was installed so that the art can be enjoyed 24/7 year-round.
From 5 to 7 p.m., make merry with hayrides, a family photo opportunity, a performance by the Batavia Community Band, a seasonal exhibit at the Batavia Depot Museum, a stroll on Christmas Tree Lane and a holiday craft activity at city hall.
Explore the colorful lights and festive decorations along Christmas Tree Lane, a stretch of Riverwalk path featuring trees decorated by 25 community organizations. All decorated trees will be entered into a contest and eligible to win a prize in one of three categories: Most Original Theme, Best Holiday Spirit and People's Choice. Everyone can vote for the People’s Choice winner via the Batavia Park District’s Facebook page through noon on Nov. 26.
To prepare for Santa’s arrival, Craig Foltos of Foltos Tonsorial Parlor will lead a community sing-along at 5:15 p.m., encouraging all to enjoy singing a few beloved holiday tunes. Santa arrives at 5:30 p.m., just in time for the ceremonial tree lighting.
At 5:45 p.m., the Peg Bond Center becomes Santa’s Warming House, open for visits and photos with jolly ol’ St.Nick.
Across the pond, the Batavia Depot Museum will host “Hometown Holidays,” an exhibit featuring local holiday traditions, and a story time presented by the Batavia Public Library from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Special guest readers will share their favorite holiday tales.
Ribbon Cutting and Lighting on Nov. 26 Celebrate New Peace Bridge Lettering
Batavia’s iconic Peace on Earth letters have been upgraded and will now light up at night. On Nov. 26, Batavia Park District will hold a ribbon cutting at Tthe Peace Bridge at 3 p.m. before its Celebration of Lights event. Santa will light the Peace on Earth letters in coordination with the traditional tree lighting after 5:30 p.m. and again at 7 p.m.
“’Peace on Earth’ is a universal message of hope,” said Batavia Park District Executive Director Allison Niemela. “In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the words ‘Peace on Earth’ become a beautiful symbol of hope, reminding us to pause, connect and embrace the power of this public art form.”
Additionally, the new Peace on Earth installation pays tribute to the support of a community, she noted. “This project is a true community partnership between business owner Craig Foltos, the Batavia Park District and Batavia Parks Foundation.” Batavia businesses, residents and volunteers also helped make Foltos’ dream a reality by purchasing merchandise and raffle tickets, donating time and sharing their skills.
The original 12-foot wooden letters proclaiming “Peace on Earth” were the brainchild of Craig Foltos, lifelong Batavian and business owner. He dreamed of creating a message of hope that would be hung on the pedestrian and bicycle bridge in downtown, visible to all who passed by. Foltos along with volunteers, donated resources and time to build the original letters. In 2011, the Batavia Park Board voted to officially change the name of the bridge to “The Peace Bridge.”
Batavia Park District has proudly hung the “Peace on Earth” letters annually during the holiday season. In March 2022, Niemela made a request to the Batavia Park Board to keep the letters up year-round, which the board approved, however, the 14-year-old letters were showing signs of wear.
Last year, Foltos and the Batavia Parks Foundation led community fundraising efforts to replace the wooden letters with a set of year-round permanent, sustainable LED-lit letters. The Batavia Park Foundation raised $50,000 and the newly constructed letters were installed in October.
The Peace Bridge spans the Fox River and is located next to the Jeffery D. Schielke Government Center in downtown Batavia. “This isn’t just another pedestrian bridge,” Niemela said. “The Peace Bridge unites the east and west sides of our community and spreads a message of harmony and unity.”
Ring in the holiday season with family-friendly activities and a visit with Santa. For more information, visit bataviaparks.org.
