Oswego Christmas Walk: See What's Planned This Weekend

OSWEGO, IL — Oswego is ringing in the holiday season with its annual Christmas Walk Friday evening.

The free event, planned from 4:30-8:30 p.m. in downtown Oswego, is jam-packed with activities. A tree-lighting ceremony, an emergency vehicle light parade and a visit from Santa and his reindeer are some of the beloved traditions returning.

Local choirs will perform throughout the evening, and children can slide down an inflatable sled hill. Crafts, games and giveaways are planned, and downtown businesses will be open to give visitors a chance to enjoy holiday decor and shop for gifts.

Children are also encouraged to bring their wishlists and visit Santa at his Oswego home away from home.

The event will be packed with entertainment at various locations throughout the downtown area. Take a look at the performance schedule:

• Main stage, at Jackson and Main streets
  • 5–5:15 p.m. Traughber Junior High Chorus
  • 5:50–6:10 p.m. Fox River Academy of Music & Art
  • 6:20–6:50 p.m. Poise Dance Studio
  • 6:55–7:15 p.m. Poise Dance Studio
• Church of the Good Shepherd, 5 W. Washington St.
  • 5-8 p.m. Fox River Academy of Music & Art — Music selections
• Entertainment Zone, Van Buren and Main streets
  • 5–5:25 p.m. Oswego High School: Stay Tuned Jazz Choir
  • 5:30–5:55 p.m. Oswego High School: Stay Tuned Jazz Choir
  • 6–6:15 p.m. Thompson Junior High Chorus
• John Greene Entertainment Zone, Jefferson and Main streets
  • 5–5:15 p.m. Fox River Academy of Music & Art
  • 5:15–5:30 p.m. Fox River Academy of Music & Art
  • 5:30–6:05 p.m. Traughber Junior High Chorus
  • 6:10–6:30 p.m. Allegro Ballet of Oswego
  • 6:45–7:05 p.m. Allegro Ballet of Oswego
  • 7:15–7:30 p.m. Girl Scouts Genesis Service Unit 408
• Little White School Museum
  • Live local group performances begin at 4:30 p.m. and continue throughout the evening.

Dozens of food vendors and restaurants will be open during the Christmas Walk:

• Outdoor food
  • Buddy Mac’s Eat N Run
  • Chick-fil-A
  • DillaDawgs
  • Genoa Italian Concessions
  • Grumpy Gaucho
  • Hell’s BBQ
  • Krispology
  • Lincoln Land Kettle Corn
  • Little Love Sweet Treats
  • Pierogi Rig
  • Raising Canes
• Indoor options
  • 113 Main, 113 Main St.
  • American Legion Post 675, 19 W. Washington St.
  • Church of the Good Shepherd, 5 W. Washington St.
  • Fox Valley Winery, 59 Main St.
  • Freddie's Off The Chain, 11 S. Madison St.
  • Nash Vegas Saloon, 61 Main St.
  • Oak + Bean, 100 S. Washington St.
  • Oswego Family Restaurant, 69 Main St.
  • Oswego Inn, 54 Main St.
  • Taco Dale Cantina, 123 W Washington St.
  • The Scoop, 108 Main St.
  • The Village Grind, 19 Main St.

Parking will be available at Oswego High School, 4250 Route 71. A free shuttle service will run from 4:15-9 p.m. to bring guests to the event from the school. Additional parking can be found at Oswego Village Hall and in the parking deck at The Reserve at Hudson Crossing.

Locals can look forward to the event without any worries — it's happening whether it's sunny, raining or snowing. As of Tuesday, the forecast shows Friday night will be mostly cloudy with a low of 14 degrees.