Lowell – The City of Lowell today announced the return of City of Lights, set to take place on Saturday, November 28, 2026.
The annual parade and festival are a tradition for families across the region, ushering in the holiday season. This year, the event celebrates the success of Lowell’s Bicentennial year.
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. The parade culminates in the iconic lighting of Lowell City Hall, and the Wannalancit Smokestack.
Chris Dick and Danielle McFadden are back again as hosts, bringing the excitement to attendees watching in-person and at home. Their return marks the start of an annual tradition at City of Lights.
In celebration of Lowell’s Bicentennial coming to a close, the City is proud to honor Bicentennial Committee chairs Steven Panagiotakos, Mike Kuenzler, and Shelagh Mahoney as the Grand Marshals of the parade.
This year, City of Lights embraces Lowell’s history, iconography, and cultural landscape with a “Lowell at 200” theme – paying tribute to the city we call home.
Families and community members are invited 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)
Open Studios from 12:00PM-5:00PM (Western Avenue Studios)
Storefront Decorating Competition beginning at 12:00PM (various locations)
Holiday movie screening at 12:30PM, doors open at 12:00PM (Pollard Memorial Library)
Holiday treat decorating at 1:00PM to 4:00PM (Little Delights Bakery)
Photos with Santa from 2:00PM to 4:00PM (Lowell City Hall)
Please note that the line closes at 3:30PM
The Hot Chocolate Competition from 2:00PM to 4:00PM (various businesses)
Marshmallow roasting with Rotary Club of Lowell from 2:00 to 5:30PM (in front of Lowell City Hall)
City of Lights Parade from 4:30 to 5:30PM (Jackson Street to Arcand Drive)
Lighting of Lowell City Hall and the Wannalancit Smokestack at approximately 5:15PM
Small Business Saturday celebrations at small businesses throughout Lowell
City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr., expressed his excitement, stating, “City of Lights has become a signature part of Lowell’s festival offerings, and we are delighted to welcome the event back this year. We look forward to bringing the community together to enjoy the Hot Chocolate Competition, explore the festive storefront displays throughout Downtown Lowell, and experience the excitement of the parade.”
The Lowell Bicentennial Committee, chaired by Steve Panagiotakos, Mike Kuenzler, and Shelagh Mahoney, shared “We are honored and humbled by being chosen as the Grand Marshals for this year’s City of Lights parade, where we come together as a community to kick off the Christmas and Holiday season. It means so much to all three of us because this city is where each of our families’ roots run deep and our friendships run wide. Lowell is always a City of Opportunity, a Community of Hope.”
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.
Lowell’s City of Lights festivities are made possible by the partnership of the Mill City Event Fund committee, chaired by Chris Dick. Through their tireless fundraising efforts and sponsors generosity, City of Lights is an annual free event that all can look forward to.
Mayor Erik Gitschier remarked, “Each year, City of Lights brings the Lowell community together to celebrate the start of the holiday season. The event also provides an opportunity to support local businesses and organizations that help make Lowell special. From roasting marshmallows with the Rotary to decorating seasonal treats at Little Delights, our community partners play an essential role in making City of Lights a memorable experience year after year.”
For more information about City of Lights, visit lowellcityoflights.org or contact the Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events at (978) 674-4260.
