Santa’s Sleigh Tour Returns for 7th Year with New Routes and a 6-Night Schedule, Presented by Woody Buick GMC of Naperville
The 2026 Tour continues Santa’s Christmas Charities’ tradition of community giving, building on more than $95,000 raised for local charities in its first three years as an organization.
(Naperville, IL, October 15, 2026) – Santa’s Christmas Charities, a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is thrilled to announce the return of Santa’s Holly Jolly Sleigh Tour, presented by Woody Buick GMC of Naperville. Now in its seventh year, this beloved grassroots holiday tradition will bring Santa, festive lights, and plenty of Christmas cheer through Naperville neighborhoods from Saturday, November 28 - Thursday, December 3, 2026.
Santa’s making a big change to how he travels through town. This year, Santa is condensing its routes into 6 festive nights. The result? More streamlined routes through neighborhoods and less tight zigzagging, as Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their cast of characters bring the magic of Santa to families throughout the community. As Santa prepares for a new six-night journey in 2026, the mission remains the same: bring neighbors together, create unforgettable holiday memories, and turn the spirit of the season into meaningful support for local charities.
“The magic of Santa’s Sleigh Tour is about bringing our community together, one neighborhood and one jolly wave at a time. With our new six-night format, we’re inviting Naperville families to join in the adventure,” said “Mortgage Matt” Doyle of Team Doyle Hulsey (TDH) CrossCountry Mortgage, founder of the Sleigh Tour and president of Santa’s Christmas Charities. “There will still be plenty of opportunities to wave, spread Christmas cheer, and make unforgettable holiday memories. And every time you come out to see Santa, you’re helping support a tradition that brings our community together and makes a meaningful difference for children and families in need.”
Each evening, the one-float parade kicks off at 5:00 PM and lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Families can follow Santa’s journey using the real-time Santa Tracker and view updated routes at SantasSleighTour.com.
Santa’s Holly Jolly Sleigh Tour has grown from a simple idea during the pandemic into a cherished community tradition, made possible by the dedication of its power partners: Team Doyle/Hulsey CrossCountry Mortgage, IBEW Local 701, PowerForward DuPage, The Branch Moms Community, Career & Networking Center, and CoDo Marketing.
Supporting Local Charities: Holiday Magic with a Meaningful Impact
Santa’s Holly Jolly Sleigh Tour is more than a parade. It’s a mission to spread joy and make a difference for children and families in need. Since its launch, the grassroots holiday tradition has grown into a powerful community fundraising effort, raising more than $95,000 in its first three years as a charitable organization and nearly $50,000 during the 2025 Tour alone.
Thanks to the generosity of the Naperville community, sponsors, and volunteers, 100% of funds raised through Santa’s Christmas Charities are distributed to local Naperville organizations dedicated to serving children, families, and those who tell their stories.
“The Sleigh Tour has grown into something much bigger than Santa riding through town. It’s a community coming together to create joy and make a real difference,” Colleen Doyle of CoDo Marketing and vice president of Santa’s Christmas Charities. “In six years, we’ve seen how a simple holiday tradition can turn into meaningful support for children and families. As we streamline the Tour into six nights, our commitment to bringing holiday magic to the families of Naperville and giving back remains as strong as ever.”
Sleigh Tour by the Numbers
Six years of Santa’s Holly Jolly Sleigh Tour have added up to a whole lot of holiday magic and community impact.
- 6 years of bringing Santa to Naperville
- 6 nights for the 2026 Tour, with streamlined routes
- $95,000+ raised during the first three years as a charitable organization
- Nearly $50,000 raised in 2025 alone
- 100% volunteer-run, powered by community partners and generous supporters
- Thousands upon thousands of smiles and core memories created along the way
Santa’s North Star Navigators: Powered by IBEW Local 701 and PowerForward DuPage
Each evening of the Tour, our North Star Navigators from
IBEW Local 701 power Santa’s sleigh, while skilled electrical contractors from PowerForward DuPage drive the trucks generously loaned by Wood Buick GMC of Naperville. Together, they ensure Santa arrives safely and on time, spreading holiday cheer throughout Naperville. Adding to the magic, IBEW Local 701’s talented volunteers have once again used their craftsmanship to make this year’s sleigh shine!
“With the help of our incredible sponsors, volunteers, and community partners, we’re creating core memories for Naperville families while giving back to children and families in need,” said Doyle. “A special thank-you goes to the skilled elves at IBEW Local 701, whose talent and craftsmanship bring Santa’s amazing custom sleigh to life. Their hard work makes the holiday lights of the sleigh sparkle a little brighter and the magic of the season a little more special. Every sponsor, volunteer, and neighbor who comes out to see Santa is part of that impact, helping turn holiday joy into meaningful support for our community.”
Get Involved
Support the Sleigh Tour through sponsorships or donations. Sponsorship opportunities include Reindeer Route Riders, Gifting Sponsors, and community donations. Visit
SantasSleighTour.com to learn more and donate.
About Santa’s Christmas Charities
Santa's Christmas Charities is a not-for-profit corporation with a mission of annually providing funds to select children’s charities throughout the Chicagoland area. We are dedicated to making a significant impact on the lives of children and families who are in need. SantasSleighTour.com.
###
MEDIA CONTACT
Colleen Doyle
630.222.8176
You might also like
