GENESEO, Illinois — The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce has announced the schedule for its 2025 Geneseo Christmas Walk, which will mark its 40th anniversary this year.
The annual tradition will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, and will feature the theme “Windows of Hope.”
The theme encourages local businesses and residents to decorate their windows as “Living Windows,” and reflect messages of optimism and holiday cheer.
“The Geneseo Christmas Walk hosts one of the best small-town holiday celebrations in the Midwest,” said Zack Sullivan, the chamber’s executive director. “We thought that after 40 years, it would be a great idea to pay homage to the Living Windows that have been a staple of the event for the past four decades.”
The day-long celebration will kick off Dec. 13 with the Geneseo Jingle Run 5K race at 8:30 a.m. Other attractions include a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest, trolley rides, luminaries, and holiday shopping.
A popular regional draw, the Lighted Christmas Parade, steps off in Downtown Geneseo at 5 p.m. It will be followed by the city’s traditional tree lighting ceremony at about 5:45 p.m. at the intersection of State and Second streets.
New this year, a “Windows of Hope” Contemporary Christmas Celebration Concert will take place at the Geneseo High School Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. The free concert will conclude the evening in candlelight.
“The Geneseo Christmas Walk is a kaleidoscope of holiday offerings, including live music, holiday shopping, warm meals, and so much more,” Mr. Sullivan said.
The event, which began in 1986 as the Geneseo Victorian Walk, aims to provide a boost to local small businesses and has become a favorite for residents and visitors from the Quad Cities region. Organizers anticipate attendance of more than 10,000 people.
Most events are free. For a full schedule of events, call the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at (309) 944-2686 or visit www.geneseo.org.
