CARBONDALE – Carbondale will host a number of winter festivities, beginning with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by the long time cherished Carbondale tradition – the Lights Fantastic Parade!

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will occur on Nov. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Town Square Pavilion. Donations for the Police Department’s Coats for Kids Drive will be collected at this event. If you wish to spread some warmth this winter, please donate new coats for children ages 1-8 years old. Following the Tree Lighting Ceremony, the community tree will be lit nightly at 5 p.m. throughout the holiday season.

The following Saturday, Dec. 2, will be the Lights Fantastic Parade. Road closures and detours of Main Street, Walnut Street, and Illinois Avenue will begin at 5 p.m. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. and run along Illinois Avenue from Grand Avenue to Main Street. Roads will reopen promptly after the parade ends, typically around 8 p.m. Both of these events will include special treats such as cookies and hot cocoa, seasonal crafts, and a very special guest appearance by Santa! We hope you can join for all of the merriment and cheer.

For the Lights Fantastic Parade, free shuttle rides will be provided to Downtown Carbondale from the Murdale Shopping Center and University Mall. Shuttle buses will pick up passengers every 30 minutes between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Shuttle rides will resume upon the conclusion of the parade with the last buses leaving downtown Carbondale prior to 8:30 p.m.

SHUTTLE BUS STOPS:
-Murdale Shopping Center (pickup near the barbershop) and Oak & Illinois (drop off near the Dayemi Community Center)
-University Mall (pickup near the main mall entrance by Maurice’s) and Washington & Main (drop off near Veteran’s Memorial Plaza)