Photo courtesy City of Lowell

Lowell — The City of Lowell is delighted to announce the return of City of Lights, set to take place on Saturday, November 30, 2024. The annual parade and festival have become a tradition for families across the region, ushering in the holiday season.

The City of Lights parade will step off from Jackson Street at 4:30PM, turning left down Central Street, then left onto Merrimack Street, ending at Lowell City Hall. Local organizations and businesses will participate with floats and walking groups. This year, City of Lights goes retro with a “Cool Yule” theme — dazzling visitors with jazz-inspired glamorous floats and decor.

The City of Lights invites families and community members to take part in a day of celebration and festive activities, including:

• Festival of Wreaths from 11:00AM to 5:00PM (The Brush Art Gallery)
• Seasonal story time from 12:00PM to 1:00PM (Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center)
• Holly Jolly Trolley running 12:00PM to 3:30PM (various stops)
• Ornament crafting from 1:00PM to 2:30PM (Arts League of Lowell)
• Photos with Santa Claus from 1:00PM to 3:00PM (Lowell City Hall)
o Please note the line closes at 2:30PM
• Holiday cookie decorating from 1:00PM to 4:00PM (Little Delights Bakery)
• Hot Chocolate Competition from 2:00PM to 4:00PM (various businesses)
• Holiday movie screening at 2:00PM, doors open at 1:30PM (MCC Academic Arts Center)
• Window Decorating Competition beginning at 4:00PM (various businesses)
• DIY Lowell’s Yuletide Market from 12:00PM to 8:00PM on Saturday, and 12:00PM to 4:00PM on Sunday (JFK Plaza)
• Lighting of Lowell City Hall and the Wannalancit Smokestack at approximately 5:15PM

City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr., expressed his excitement, stating, “City of Lights has become an annual tradition for Lowellians and surrounding communities. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Downtown Lowell for festive activities.”

The Yuletide Market brings a new favorite to City of Lights. Featuring unique artisan vendors and music, the Yuletide Market promises to bring the holiday spirit to JFK Plaza. The Market is set to take place on both Saturday, November 30 from 12:00PM – 8:00 PM and Sunday, December 1 from 12:00PM – 4:00PM.

“DIY Lowell is excited to bring the Yuletide Market to City of Lights,” said Gabby Davis, Executive Director of DIY Lowell. “Passion and collaboration have brought this two-day market to life, and we hope it becomes a beloved annual tradition.”

In support of making the fun accessible to all Lowellians, family quiet spaces will be available to the public during the event. These locations are open to neurodivergent individuals, nursing parents, or those who may need a break. Pollard Memorial Library will have a dedicated quiet space from 12:00 PM to 2:30PM. The Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center will also be available as a quiet space, from 12:00PM to 5:00PM. More information regarding these spaces will be available online.

The City of Lowell continues to prioritize public safety and emergency preparedness. The City is actively working within emergency management to decrease the risk of elopement or wandering children, enhancing protections for our most vulnerable residents. The City has also partnered with community organizations to provide accessibility information online.

Mayor Daniel P. Rourke remarked “City of Lights is an excellent opportunity to gather as a community, and enjoy what Lowell has to offer, while kicking off the holiday season.”
For more information about City of Lights, visit lowellcityoflights.org