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The Herald-News

Joliet gives Santa a big send-off to the North Pole

In the face of frigid cold temperatures and light snow, Joliet police, fire and public works vehicles escorted Santa Claus through Joliet before he heads off to the North Pole as part of the annual Santa Send-Off on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.

In the face of frigid cold temperatures and light snow, Joliet police, fire and public works vehicles escorted Santa Claus through Joliet before he heads off to the North Pole as part of the annual Santa Send-Off on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Eric Schelkopf)

By Eric Schelkopf

In the face of frigid temperatures and light snow, the city of Joliet on Saturday gave Santa a send-off to the North Pole.

A parade to give Santa a send off before he heads back to the North Pole travels past Plainfield South High School on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.

A parade to give Santa a send off before he heads back to the North Pole travels past Plainfield South High School on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Eric Schelkopf)

Members of the police, fire and public works departments participated in the motorcade that began at the intersection of Woodruff and Draper avenues and ended at Ridge and Caton Farm roads in front of Plainfield South High School.

The Grinch waves to those watching the Santa Send-Off Parade as it travels past Plainfield South High School on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.

The Grinch waves to those watching the Santa Send-Off Parade as it travels past Plainfield South High School on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Eric Schelkopf)

JolietWill CountyChristmasSanta Claus
Eric Schelkopf

Eric Schelkopf

Eric Schelkopf, who is a Kendall County resident, writes for the Record Newspapers/KendallCountyNow.com, covering Oswego and Sandwich. Schelkopf, who is a Kendall County resident, started with the Kane County Chronicle in December 1988 and appreciates everything the Fox Valley has to offer, including the majestic Fox River.