ComEd, Metropolitan Mayor’s Caucus Spark Joy with 25 Grants Supporting Holiday Light Events

Fifth annual Powering the Holidays Grant Program Delivers Over $60,000 to Northern Illinois Communities

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the holiday season draws near, ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus are empowering communities across northern Illinois with grants to help light up the winter months with festive cheer. Through the annual Powering the Holidays grant program, 25 municipalities and nonprofit organizations will receive awards of up to $2,500 to support local holiday light displays and events that bring neighbors together in cultural celebrations.

“Holiday lights illuminate the spirit of our communities—shining as beacons of hope, unity, and shared joy,” said Melissa Washington, ComEd’s senior vice president of governmental, regulatory and external affairs. “ComEd’s commitment to northern Illinois goes beyond delivering reliable power. Through community light shows, ComEd helps foster connection, celebrate tradition, and showcase the cultural pride that makes neighborhoods we proudly serve so vibrant.”

Launched in 2021, the Powering the Holidays grant program has become a seasonal tradition that celebrates the culture and creativity of local communities. With this year’s awards, ComEd has invested a total of $234,000 in over 90 communities and organizations to help transform public spaces into dazzling winter wonderlands.

“This program continues to be a powerful way to showcase the heart and soul of our communities,” said Neil James, executive director of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. “Each light display tells a story of heritage, togetherness and the magic of the season. We’re proud to help make those stories shine.”

The grants will support events scheduled between Nov. 1, 2025, and Feb. 13, 2026. Eligible applicants included nonprofit organizations, municipalities, counties, townships and other local government entities within ComEd’s service area. ComEd provides funding for the program, while the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus administers grants after a third-party group of judges reviews applications.

Powering the Holidays grants will be awarded to the following communities and organizations in 2025:

Addison Township will expand its inaugural holiday celebration with illuminated figurines, dazzling light displays, and live performances that showcase local talent and cultural diversity. With grant support, the event will foster community pride and unity while laying the foundation for a lasting tradition that brings joy and vibrancy to the township each holiday season.

Ahead Academy will light up Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood with a culturally rooted holiday event that celebrates joy and brings families together for music, crafts, and community connection. With grant support, the event will feature sustainable lighting and decorations, hands-on activities, and a welcoming space that reflects and uplifts the neighborhood’s identity and youth voices.

City of Belvidere will enhance the reach and impact of its Hometown Christmas by contributing to event costs and the purchase of two trees—one for public display and one to be gifted to a family in need. This festive event will strengthen local connections and support families during the season through inclusive activities including ice skating, puppet shows, cookie decorating and more.

Village of Bensenville will celebrate its diverse community with a tree display decorated by local schools and cultural groups, alongside live entertainment and festive activities for all ages. Supported by grant funding for stage, lighting, and DJ services, the event will foster unity and joy through music, storytelling, and shared holiday traditions.

Calahan Foundation will host a community-centered holiday event in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood featuring a tree lighting ceremony, ornament-making, hot cocoa, and a resource fair offering support services to families. With grant funding, the celebration will provide festive decorations, winter essentials, and engaging activities that bring warmth, joy, and connection to residents during the holiday season.

Calumet City will transform the grounds around city hall into a vibrant and colorful holiday destination with new energy-efficient LED lights in various styles and colors. Grant funding will support the purchase of durable lighting and decorations that enhance the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, creating a welcoming space for musical performances, family activities, and community connection.

Village of Carpentersville will enhance Triangle Park with new lighted features and a photo frame to make Winterville’s holiday wonderland even more magical and interactive for visitors of all ages. These additions will brighten the festive atmosphere and create memorable moments through music, crafts, and seasonal cheer.

Curie Metropolitan High School for the Performing & Technical Arts will stage “It’s A Wonderful Life The Musical” with upgraded lighting that enhances both the performance and behind-the-scenes learning. With support from grant funding, the production will offer hands-on experience in technical theatre, foster collaboration with community arts partners, and showcase student talent to families and the broader Chicago Public Schools community.

City of Evanston will light up local storefronts and public spaces in the historic Church and Dodge district with the Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony through festive decorations, trolley rides, and live performances that celebrate the cultural heritage of the city’s Black community. With support from grant funding, the event will feature gospel and jazz music, interactive activities, and vibrant decorations that foster connection, highlight local businesses, and honor community traditions.

Village of Forest Park will illuminate 73 streetlamps and decorate its central Holiday Tree and surrounding trees with bright LED lights to create a glowing, festive atmosphere for the Holiday Walk. With grant support, these enhancements will guide attendees through decorated storefronts and community activities, culminating in Santa’s arrival and a joyful tree lighting ceremony that brings warmth and connection to the downtown district.

Village of Glenwood will enhance its annual tree lighting celebration with additional LED lighting, festive decorations, warm drinks, and live entertainment to create a welcoming and joyful experience for all. Grant support will help cover core event costs, allowing the village to introduce new elements like food trucks, small gifts for children, and interactive holiday displays that deepen community engagement.

Village of Grayslake will brighten its Festival of Lights with the addition of a lighted archway, decorative spheres, and string lights at the new gazebo, enhancing the experience for visitors of all ages. Supported by grant funding, these energy-efficient upgrades will replace older displays and elevate a beloved celebration filled with music, crafts, carriage rides, and the magical countdown to the tree lighting.

Village of Hazel Crest will install programmable LED lighting around its new Creative Arts Center to establish a vibrant, inclusive holiday display that celebrates multiple cultural traditions. By engaging local commissions and college artists, the project will foster community collaboration and enhance public spaces with energy-efficient, artistic lighting.

City of Joliet will light up its newly developed City Square with fresh holiday decorations as part of the annual Light Up the Holidays Festival, featuring a parade, family activities, and a tree lighting ceremony. Grant funding will support the purchase, installation, and maintenance of energy-efficient lights, helping to create a festive and welcoming atmosphere for all residents.

Village of Lake in the Hills will enhance its signature Flurry Fest and Holiday Lights Decorating Tour with improved lighting, decorations, and a reinstated community tree lighting ceremony to create a more immersive and festive experience. Community members can participate in a self-guided driving tour or register for a bus-guided tour sponsored by the Village.

Leyden Township will refresh its annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony by purchasing new LED lights to brighten Westdale Park’s festive Christmas village. The upgraded display will enhance a beloved event filled with family-friendly activities, holiday treats, and a tree decorating contest that brings together the township in celebration.

Men of Purpose Mentoring will transform the Chicago Housing Authority’s Altgeld Gardens into a festive hub by decorating lamp posts and a central 30-foot tree and creating a vibrant holiday display that spans the neighborhood. The celebration will bring residents together with giveaways, refreshments, and joyful activities, fostering community pride and seasonal spirit.

Progressive West Rockford Community Development Corporation will expand its multi-block holiday display with more energy-efficient decorations, gifts for children, and a community celebration featuring lights, music, and festive activities. This resident-led initiative will continue to unite neighbors through creativity, joy, and shared holiday spirit, transforming public space into a beacon of connection and cheer.

Village of Sauk Village will extend its cherished Santa Parade and Tree-Lighting Ceremony by illuminating the path from the municipal center to Veterans Memorial Park with LED lights and festive trees. With support from grant funding, the event will feature decorated storefronts, hot chocolate, music, and community-crafted displays that foster connection and holiday spirit throughout the town.

Schiller Park Local Government will transform Irving Park Road into a festive corridor by installing 11 snowflake pole-mounted LED lighting displays as part of its Winter Wonderland celebration. With grant support, the village will install these energy-efficient decorations, helping to brighten public spaces and enhance a beloved seasonal event filled with crafts, games, and holiday cheer.

Village of Skokie will brighten its downtown with white LED string lights on key trees in municipal lots, creating a warm and inclusive winter atmosphere. Supported by grant funding, the project will complement existing seasonal decorations and coincide with the popular Downtown Skokie Cookie Walk, drawing hundreds of residents to enjoy festive sights and community spirit.

Village of South Chicago Heights will illuminate the Veteran’s Mound and surrounding public spaces with new LED holiday lighting and decorations for its 37th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event will bring together residents of all ages with music, performances, and festive cheer, while recognizing student performers and creating lasting memories with a professional Santa experience.

Village of Steger will replace old, unsafe electrical wiring with new wiring and equipment that will be used for over 80 holiday trees and to create a safer walkway to Santa's house, spotlights for the town's annual holiday event, and lighting for a large tent where kids enjoy free games, cookies, and hot apple cider.

Rainbow Beach Park Advisory Council will enhance the South Shore Holiday Tree Trail & Toy Giveaway with decorated trees, energy-efficient lights, and a free community event. Supported by grant funding, the celebration will bring residents together with music, refreshments, and gifts for children, fostering connection and holiday cheer throughout the season.

City of Woodstock will install lighting across more than 120 shrubs, enhancing a festive atmosphere and creating a magical setting for carolers as well as themed attractions like the Gingerbread Walk and Christmas Tree Walk.

ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC), a Fortune 200 company and one of the nation’s largest utility companies, serving more than 10.7 million electricity and natural gas customers. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. For more information, visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.