38TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER

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THE 37TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER HOLIDAY CELEBRATION IN CHESTER, IL, WILL BE HELD DECEMBER 4-5, 2026. THE EVENT TRANSFORMS THE HISTORIC RIVER TOWN INTO A FESTIVE "CHRISTMAS IN RIVER CITY" WITH COMMUNITY-WIDE ACTIVITIES. • LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE: A CENTERPIECE OF THE EVENT HELD ON SATURDAY EVENING, FEATURING ILLUMINATED FLOATS THAT TRAVEL THROUGH TOWN TO SANTA'S STREET PARTY. • SANTA’S STREET PARTY: FOLLOWING THE PARADE, FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO GATHER FOR A LIVELY PARTY WITH ACTIVITIES, TREATS FOR CHILDREN, AND VISITS WITH SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS. • CRAFT AND VENDOR MARKET: A TWO-DAY BUSTLING MARKET FEATURING ARTISANS, HANDMADE DECORATIONS, AND DIRECT SALES. • COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING: A TRADITIONAL CEREMONY THAT OFFICIALLY KICKS OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON. SPECIAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES • LIGHTING CONTESTS: RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES COMPETE FOR PRIZES IN FESTIVE HOME AND STOREFRONT DECORATING CONTESTS.