Christmas and Holiday Lights are on in Arlington Heights; Colder than Usual Weather for Tree Lighting at North School Park Friday

Christmas and holiday lights are on for 2023. The Village's Special Events Commission and the Arlington Heights Park District, along with a large crowd, celebrated the kick-off to the holiday season with the Tree Lighting at North School Park and festive fun at Harmony Park, in downtown Arlington Heights on Friday, November 24, 2023

The festivities occur every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving and North School Park. The Christmas and holiday lights remain lit every day through the holiday season.

The weather was colder than normal with the air temperature ranging from 30°F to 27°F during the festivities. The high on Friday was only 32°F. The normal High on Nov. 24 is 44°F with a normal low of 29°F, usually around daybreak. Winds were from the North and Northwest around 6-10 MPH. No precipitation, therefore no snow.

Here are the highlights for the 2023 event ...

4:30 p.m.: See Park District Vibe Dance Group and hear Hersey School Dickens Carolers.

5:00 p.m.: Arlington Heights Park Board President Maryfran Leno and Arlington Heights Mayor Thomas W. Hayes welcomed guests, followed by the lighting of North School Park!

Family Fun at Harmony Park: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Ice carvers in action as they carve holiday themed ice sculptures.

Get up close to real life reindeer 

Walk inside a giant ornament of lights

Picture taking at photo stations

Professional photos taken for free

Trolleys Loop from 3:45 - 6:45 p.m. 

Trolleys looped from Harmony Park to North School Park, 3:45 - 6:45. Dickens era characters will be on the trolleys, sharing stories about Arlington Heights in the past.