2025 Holiday Lighting
Saturday, November 22 | 4 PM - 6 PM
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.
Join the City on November 22 for a revamped and enhanced Holiday Lighting, featuring an updated tree and menorah display. The fun will take place at Port Clinton Square (600 Central Ave.) between 4 PM – 6 PM.
Ring in the most wonderful time of the year with the City of Highland Park on November 22, 2025. Mayor Nancy Rotering kicks off the annual Holiday Lighting at 4 PM, then waves her magic wand to turn on thousands of glittering, twinkling holiday lights across Port Clinton at 4:15 PM. Immediately following the lighting, the Highland Park High School Choir will perform a selection of holiday favorites from 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM.
Welcome Hanukkah Harry and Santa Claus beginning at 4 PM, with a special Highland Park Fire Department escort. Meet them both, share what’s on your holiday wish list, find out if you’re on the nice list, and take a photo!
Stroll around Port Clinton Square and meet Anna and Elsa from Frozen, enjoy the Frozen Robins Carolers, visit a facepainter for a festive holiday look, grab some complimentary popcorn and cocoa, and enjoy the holiday cheer while DJ Julian emcees and spins your holiday tunes.
Be sure to pop into one or more of the holly jolly photo vignettes throughout the plaza - they’re perfect for family photos and Instagram. Be sure to tag us at @enjoyhighlandpark when you post!
Don’t forget to kick off your holiday shopping with a Highland Park business! Voted best Downtown Shopping District by the readers of Better Magazine, Downtown Highland Park has everything to cover everyone’s list this holiday season! Whether you’re buying for friends, family, kids, a loved one, or your pets, there’s an HP business with exactly what you’re looking for.
Getting to Port Clinton & Parking
Ample parking can be found throughout downtown Highland Park, including a parking garage underneath Port Clinton Square, nearby surface lots, a two-level parking deck south of Central on First St. and St. Johns, and a large lot located at 525 Central Ave. The City encourages guests to use non-motorized transportation where available. Bike racks are available at The Lot and in the immediate vicinity, and the Metra is a viable option, too. Information about parking in the City of Highland Park is available here.
Downtown Highland Park is also easily accessible via public and non-motorized transport.
Metra - take UP-N to the Highland Park station, located a 4 minute walk from Port Clinton.
Pace Bus - take Highland Park/Highwood Route 472 to the St. Johns/Central stop, a 5 minute walk from Port Clinton.
Bike/Walk - from the north, take the Robert McClory Bike Trail south to Vine Ave. Head east on Vine, turning south onto St. Johns Ave. From the south, take the Robert McClory Bike Trail north along St. Johns Ave. Bike racks are available in the immediate vicinity.
An extra special thank you to Compass Realty as a sponsor of this year’s event.
