The streets of East Peoria were lit up for Saturday’s 40th annual Festival of Lights Parade. This year’s theme was “40 floats for 40 years.” New this year were two floats suggested by the public: the Grinch and a replica of the festival-lighted wreath.

Some along the parade route said they were excited for another year of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse flipping the switch to light up the Mag Mile.

The annual Festival of the Lights parade brought hundreds of locals to downtown Big Rapids for a festive event that included an appearance from Santa Claus, live reindeer and over 40 floats featuring local businesses and community organizations.

If you want catch a glimpse of Santa, you’ll find him on the very last float that makes up the Holiday Parade of Lights on Nov. 29 in downtown Naperville.

Chicago's holiday season has unofficially arrived, with the city's Christmas tree being lit Friday as a weekend full of holiday events begins.

The day of festive fun culminates in what organizers say is the largest evening parade in the U.S., marking the beginning of the holiday season in Chicago.

Event organizers said this year’s crowd got to see an update on lights along the route. For 15 years, former Texas schoolteacher Kayla Morris put every dollar she could save into a home for her growing family.