Sixth annual Powering the Holidays Grant Program provides $69,500 to support decoration and lighting projects in northern Illinois communities
CHICAGO, October 22, 2026–(BUSINESS WIRE)–With the holiday season just around the corner, ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus are brightening communities across northern Illinois with grants to help spark joy during the winter months. Through the annual Powering the Holidays grant program, 28 municipalities and nonprofit organizations will receive awards of up to $2,500 to support local holiday light displays and events that bring communities together in festive celebrations.
“Holiday lights brighten our communities and show just how vibrant their shared spirit truly is,” said Melissa Washington, ComEd’s senior vice president of government, regulatory and external affairs. “ComEd’s commitment to northern Illinois goes beyond delivering safe and reliable power. Through grant programs like this one, ComEd helps bring our service territory to life and display the creativity, tradition and connection that make our neighborhoods so special.”
Launched in 2021, the Powering the Holidays grant program has become a tradition that celebrates local communities’ seasonal creativity and culture. With this year’s awards, ComEd has invested a total of more than $300,000 in over 120 communities and organizations to help spread winter cheer across a variety of public spaces.
“This program continues to show the cultural and creative depth of our communities,” said Neil James, executive director of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. “Each light display is a powerful illustration of connection and collective storytelling and we’re proud to help bring those ideas to life.”
This year’s grants will help power events scheduled between November 1, 2026, to February 13, 2027. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, counties, townships and other local government entities within ComEd’s service territory. The Powering the Holidays Grant Program is one of ComEd’s four Power for Good grant programs empowering communities across Illinois which also include The Powering Safe Communities Grant Program, the Green Region Grant Program and the Powering the Arts Grant Program.
Powering the Holidays grants will be awarded to the following communities and organizations in 2026:
City of Aurora (Aurora): will celebrate the holiday season with a parade, illuminated floats, holiday characters, tree lighting, vendors and music. Additionally, the event will bring traffic to Aurora’s Christkindlmarket in a celebration of heritage and holiday spirit.
The Pavilion Gateway (Bolingbrook): will enhance its annual tree lighting ceremony, Festival of the Lights, Winter Walk and Mistletoe Market. It will also elevate its Village Photo Contest that encapsulates local community traditions each year.
Channaholidays (Channahon): will feature holiday crafts, story time games, student performances and photos with Santa. The holiday tree lighting and surrounding neighborhood lights will showcase energy efficient LED bulbs throughout the season.
Christmas at Good & Plenty Garden (Chicago, Austin): will feature a ceremonial lighting of the garden, holiday and cultural music, crafts and refreshments. The event will celebrate holiday traditions from across the world to reflect the cultural richness of the neighborhood.
Puerto Rican Holiday Lights Celebration (Chicago, Avondale): will host events to celebrate the National Cuatro Festival and National Coquito Festival bringing together Puerto Rican music, food, art and holiday traditions. Both festivals celebrate Puerto Rican heritage and will include light displays and decorations.
Unite With Light (Chicago, Greater Grand Crossing): will host an inaugural tree lighting event that will feature holiday music, children’s activities, family photos and neighborhood resources. The event will promote meaningful community connections and a festive start to the holiday season.
South Halsted Holiday Lights (Chicago, West Pullman): will celebrate their annual holiday lighting ceremony and small business marketplace. The seasonal event will bring together neighborhood residents in a beloved tradition of over 10 years.
Project H.O.O.D. (Chicago, Woodlawn): will celebrate the Woodlawn Holiday Lights by gathering residents of various generations for a community tree lighting and celebration. The event will feature holiday themed refreshments and performances.
Cornell Holiday Lighting Initiative (Cornell): will aim to revitalize Cornell’s downtown corridor. The focus will be the “Santa Gift-Giving” parade that will feature local businesses and gifts that are given to community members in need.
Light Up The Manor (DeKalb): will feature holiday lighting, memorial displays, decorations and entertainment at the historic Barb City Manor in DeKalb. In addition to holiday activations, the event supports various community driven funds.
The Village of Elburn Shines (Elburn): will highlight recent Prairie Park upgrades by extending its Christmas Stroll pathway. The event will bring together residents to enjoy holiday activities, music, local vendors, lights and family entertainment.
Winter Wonderland (Elmhurst): will celebrate its annual Winter Wonderland Lights Festival that features a sleigh ride, tree lighting ceremony, winter market, and visits with Santa. The light display illuminates Wild Meadows Trace Park with 12-15 lit trees and 41 decorated streetlights.
Village of Evergreen Park (Evergreen Park): will host its annual Santa’s Wonderland and Rein-Dog Parade. The event will feature trolley rides, children’s activities, holiday performances and a tree lighting ceremony. The event offers opportunities for businesses and residents across the community to connect through the holiday spirit.
Village of Glencoe Light the Lights (Glencoe): will gather residents to celebrate the holidays with village leaders, local businesses and community organizations. The event will feature a winter-themed photo booth, visits with holiday characters, holiday shopping and more.
Village of Hillside Tree Lighting (Hillside): will host their annual Tree Lighting ceremony in partnership with the Hillside Youth Commission. The event will feature photo opportunities with Santa, hot chocolate and sleigh rides.
Historic Downtown Long Grove Bridge and Tree Lighting (Long Grove): will celebrate the annual Long Grove Bridge and Tree Lighting that features local dance studio performances, gifts
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