Light Up Vermilion!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Vermilion on December 6, 2024 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Join family, friends and neighbors as we gather to celebrate, explore the downtown and get into the holiday spirit. Main Street Vermilion is welcoming the return of familiar traditions and adding some fresh elements of surprise and fun. Here’s what you can look forward to this holiday season:

VERMILION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COLORING CONTEST WINNERS 5 PM

Be there to congratulate the winners of our Annual Vermilion Elementary School Coloring Contest, sponsored by Vermilion Arts Guild. It’s happening in Exchange Park

SANTA ARRIVES IN DOWNTOWN! 6 PM

You’ll love how Santa arrives in the center of town to help the Mayor count down to the Community Tree Lighting. His bag is full of small gifts (non-food) for the kids! Be there to welcome him and his helpers.

COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING 6:15 PM

Main Street Vermilion hosts this tradition in the heart of downtown at Exchange Park. Join us for the highlight of the evening as Mayor Forthofer and Santa turn the lights on to commence the holiday season surrounded by Christmas music, family, and friends. This year, there’s a big, bright new star on the top of the tree generously sponsored by Vermilion’s own Discount Drug Mart.

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE WINDOW DISPLAY

Vermilion businesses put their best displays forward during the holidays. We’re asking you to vote for your favorite and help a local business owner win a cash prize. Stop in Main Street Vermilion during Light Up Vermilion to pick up your ballot before you venture out. Ballot boxes will be all over town.

SCAVENGER HUNT

Main Street Vermilion is hosting another scavenger hunt this holiday, perfect for kids and families. Pick up clues at Main Street before you venture out for Light Up Vermilion. Those who discover all the hidden treasures will be put into a drawing to win $50!

CHRISTMAS ALPACAS

Vermilion’s answer to reindeer, alpacas are sweet, gentle wide eyed and love to be petted. You’ll find their decorated pen in Exchange Park. Stop and visit that evening.

SWEET TREAT STROLL

Many downtown merchants will be handing out treats to make your night extra special. Pick up a bag at Main Street to collect yours.

CHRISTMAS CAROLERS

The sounds of Christmas can be found at the Community Tree Lighting and throughout downtown this evening, courtesy of carolers from Lake Ridge Legacy Chorus & Local Girl Scouts. You’re invited to sing-a-long, too!

CHESTNUTS ROASTING

Vermilion Rotary Club brings this old-fashioned Christmas treat to Light Up Vermilion visitors. Sweet, buttery and soft, the members will be roasting and sharing throughout the night. Be sure to stop by for a free taste.

KIDS CAN HELP LIGHT UP DOWNTOWN, TOO!

Vermilion Kiwanis will have glow sticks for the kids and bags of chips!

LETTER TO SANTA MAILBOX

It’s time to let Santa know your Christmas wishes this year. Stop at Main Street from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve and add your letter to the special mailbox on Main Street’s porch. Throughout the season, we’ll share a letter or two on Facebook (no names). All the letters we receive get packaged up on Christmas Eve, delivered to the Vermilion Post Office and sent straight to the North Pole. Promise!.