JANESVILLE – Janesville’s Jolly Jingle, a weekend-long holiday event, returns to downtown Janesville on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 6-8, 2024.
This year, Janesville’s Jolly Jingle will feature more than thirty fun, festive events and activities designed to spread the joy and magic of the holiday season. Many events are free or low cost.
The event lineup includes. Download brochure
- magical lighted parade, 6 p.m. Saturday downtown
- chances to meet Santa
- trolley
- tree lighting ceremony, 6 p.m. Friday, Roth Pavilion downtown.
- dazzling fireworks display
- luminary walk to shopping and entertainment at local businesses
- walk-through light show at Rotary Gardens
- decorated tree show at the Lincoln-Tallman Mansion
- much more
For more information and a complete list of events visit www.janesvillejollyjingle.com.
This year’s event promises an even more festive experience with a variety of new events that capture the holiday spirit for all ages, according to a news release.
Visitors can kick off their holiday shopping at the Outdoor Christmas Market hosted by Genisa Wine Bar, where local artisans and vendors will offer unique gifts and seasonal treats on their charming outdoor patio overlooking the river. Couples, families, and friends can capture magical moments at the new Mistletoe Kissing Booth Photo Station or with their favorite holiday characters like Rudolph or the Grinch in Town Square, adding a sweet holiday touch to memories. For those seeking a bit of adventure, Papa Docs Axe Throwing is bringing outdoor axe throwing to Town Square, a lively addition to the weekend’s festivities.
At the Holiday Light Up Dance Party, guests of all ages can dance at a glow-themed party designed for families to enjoy together. Children and families will have a chance to skate with Elsa and Anna at the Janesville Ice Arena, then participate in the Family Polar Plunge into the “chilly” waters at the YMCA of Northern Rock County. Families can also enjoy Janesville Performing Arts Center Kids’ production of The Littlest Christmas Tree, a heartwarming performance perfect for children.
Jolly Jingle brings new sounds to the season with special musical performances. At the Holiday Tree Lighting, Versatile Voice Academy will enchant the crowd with renditions of Taylor Swift holiday songs. Following the Tree Lighting, Come Back Chorus will take to the streets of downtown, filling the evening with classic carols as they roam, bringing festive cheer to every corner of the celebration.
The event also includes new sensory-friendly offerings to ensure everyone can fully experience the celebration. Silent Santa at SPACE Autastic, Inc. offers a relaxed and quiet Santa encounter for children with sensory sensitivities, and the new sensory-friendly viewing area in front of the Janesville Performing Arts Center parking lot for the Holiday Lighted Parade provides a calm and welcoming space for all to enjoy this beloved event. Floats passing through this section of the route will have adapted their displays to have no loud music, flashing lights, or sirens.
With these exciting new additions, alongside returning favorites, Janesville’s Jolly Jingle 2024, presented by Avondale Roofing, will be a memorable and inclusive celebration of holiday cheer. “In its 11th year, the event kicks off the holiday season with a long weekend of festive fun for all ages in downtown Janesville,” said Shelley Slapak, Jolly Jingle Event Chairperson and City of Janesville Recreation Director. “There truly is something magical to experience for everyone, including a jingle bell hunt, tree lighting ceremony, fireworks, character meet and greets, s’mores roasting, live theatre, trolley rides, a lighted parade, and more!”
During Jolly Jingle and throughout the month of December, Downtown Janesville, Inc. also offers a delicious tasting experience with their Old-Fashioned Christmas punch cards. Guests can collect punches at participating restaurants and bars while sampling a variety of holiday Old Fashioned cocktails. Vote for your favorite and enter to win a downtown raffle basket. For more information,
visit www.downtownjanesville.com.
The 2024 event is presented by Avondale Roofing and sponsored by TDS, Josleyn Transport, Downtown Janesville Business Improvement District (BID), Blackhawk Community Credit Union, Paull Chiropractic, Sauk Valley Bank, Diana Shadel, Jax Custom Printing, BIG Radio, JP Cullen, Murphy Brothers LLP, Nowlan, Olivia McCarthy, Tobin & Oakleigh Ryan, and Signarama. Community partners include the City of Janesville, Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Downtown Janesville Business Improvement District (BID), and Downtown Janesville Inc. Event partners include Badger Chordhawks, Boys and Girls Club of Janesville, Children’s Museum of Rock County, ECHO, Genisa Wine Bar, Hedberg Public Library, JATV, Janesville Community Center, Janesville Performing Arts Center, Rock County Historical Society, Rotary Botanical Gardens, Space Autastic, Inc, Trinity Episcopal Church, and YMCA of Northern Rock County.
