Holiday parades for families in Champaign-Urbana and beyond
Love parades? So do we! We have all the Christmas and holiday season parades that kids will love.
If you’ve followed Chambanamoms.com for any period of time you might know that we have a thing for parades. This holiday season seems to be full of more of them than ever.
We’ve put together a list of all the Christmas holiday parades in Champaign-Urbana and beyond for your convenience, in case you love parades as much as we do.
Chambanamoms.com thanks the Champaign Center Parade of Lights for presenting this list of Champaign-Urbana Area Christmas Parades. The 21st annual Parade of Lights returns to downtown Champaign on Saturday, Nov. 27, presented by Christie Clinic. Kick off the holiday season with an inaugural candy crawl at local businesses, horse and carriage rides, VIP seating, visits with Santa, holiday entertainment, and 65 lighted floats in the heart of Champaign! Visit the Champaign Center website, Facebook or Instagram today as you plan for this holiday season.
Now, let’s check out the lineup of all the parades near Champaign-Urbana!
The following parades can be found across Champaign, McLean, Ford, and Iroquois counties, so don’t fret if you miss one. Generally, they’re within an hour of Champaign-Urbana.
Please note that some parades may be cancelled or postponed in the event of inclement weather, so when in doubt check first.
Sunday, November 21, 2021
Farmer City Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Farmer City, Farmer City
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
One of the largest Christmas parades in central Illinois with marching bands, holiday floats, Shriners, antique cars and tractors, and much more!
Friday, November 26, 2021
City of Watseka Annual Lighted Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Watseka, Watseka
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The theme of this year's annual lighted Christmas parade is "A Storybook Christmas". The parade is scheduled for 7 p.m. Find more parade updates here: https://www.facebook.com/WatsekaAreaChamber
Saturday, November 27, 2021
Paxton Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Paxton, Paxton
Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
In years past, the parade begins at the intersection of Taft and Orleans streets. The parade will move east on Orleans Street before turning onto Market Street. It ends at the intersection of Market and Pine streets.
Clinton Christmas Parade
Location: ,
Time: 2:00 pm
Clinton's Annual Christmas Parade "Magical, Musical Christmas" Parade takes place November 27, 2021 at 2:00pm. PARADE ROUTE: Parade begins promptly at 2:00pm at Nixon Manor Housing, 520 East Main Street, travels down East Main Street, around Mr. Lincoln’s Square, and ends at the intersection of East Adams / South Center Streets.
Milford Christmas Parade and Meet and Greet Santa
Location: Village of Milford, Milford
Time: 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Santa will meet and greet youngsters of all ages before the parade on Sunday, November 28, from 3:30-4:45 at the Depot Community Room. Bring a camera! Free hot chocolate and cookies, too! Parade begins at 5 p.m. Parade starts by Police Station on Jones St, continues West through 4-way stop, turns Left on Park Dr and ends back at the starting point or at the Milford High School Student South parking lot.
Champaign Center Parade of Lights
Location: Downtown Champaign, Champaign
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Downtown Champaign will be illuminated in hues of blue this November 27th for the return of the 21st Annual Parade of Lights presented by Christie Clinic. This beloved community event kicks off the shop local holiday season in the heart of downtown Champaign and will feature lighted floats, marching bands, and live entertainment. This year’s parade theme is Blue Christmas/Holidays. Bring your loved ones to this festive event that includes free activities for kids and entertainment for the whole family. Pre-parade activities begin at 3:00 p.m. and will include visits with Santa, horse and carriage rides, a candy crawl for kids,…read more…
Sunday, November 28, 2021
Catlin Parade of Lights
Location: Downtown Catlin, catlin
Time: 6:00 pm
Catlin Parade of Lights Committee invite the public to the Annual Christmas Parade of Lights. Following the map from years past, the parade will originate behind Salt Fork High School and conclude at the Village Hall with the Annual Lighting of the Community Christmas Tree. Catlin is 38 miles southeast of Champaign-Urbana,.
Friday, December 3, 2021
Danville Night of Lights Holiday Parade
Location: Downtown Danville, Danville
Time: 6:00 pm
Enjoy the magic of the Night of Lights Parade! Witness spectacular vehicles, floats, and Santa himself, all dressed up in a wardrobe of illumination! This year's theme is "Hometown Holiday". Parade starts at 6pm and will move South from Williams to Main Street along Vermilion. If you would like to participate in the parade, please register at www.downtowndanville.org/news/night-of-lights-parade
Light Up Rantoul Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown, Rantoul
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
This lighted parade begins at 6pm and has activities following the parade, like crafts, visits and pictures with Santa and more. The parade will begin on Chanute, turn left onto Sangamon Ave, and continue into Downtown Rantoul. It will end in the old Roger's parking lot, located off of Kentucky Ave.
Saturday, December 4, 2021
Tuscola Christmastown Parade
Location: Tuscola Community Building, Tuscola
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
The annual Christmastown Parade will be held on December 4 at 11am! Line up will start at 10:30 am along the pool road at Ervin Park. The parade will head down Main St. and end at the Community Building.
2021 Monticello Chamber Christmas Parade
Location: Monticello Courthouse Square Historic District, Monticello
Time: 11:30 am
The Monticello Chamber Christmas Parade will be on December 4, 2021, and stepping off at 11:30 AM. Come see Santa come to town! This year's theme is "A Hometown Christmas." The parade route will be the same as last year, north on Hamilton to Center, west on Center to State, south on State back to the school. The parade is sponsored by First State Bank and CIMTEK Filtration. Follow the event on Facebook for more information!
Arthur Country Lighted Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Arthur, Arthur
Time: 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
An evening Lighted Christmas parade brings Santa to Downtown Arthur at dusk.
Friday, December 10, 2021
Gibson City Christmas Celebration - Drive Through Illuminated Christmas Festival
Location: Gibson City, Gibson City
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Gibson City has moved from a traditional parade to an illuminated drive-through Christmas festival (including floats) at North Park and activities downtown. Downtown Gibson City is full of Christmas fun. Lights, music, floats, Santa and more!
Saturday, December 11, 2021
Arcola's Santa Parade
Location: Downtown Arcola, arcola
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Head to downtown Arcola and see the lighted Christmas parade down Main Street.
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Santa on Parade in Prairie Fields
Location: Prairie Fields Park, Savoy
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
SANTA'S COMING! Come join friends and neighbors in Prairie Fields in Savoy on Wednesday, December 15th, starting at 6:00pm! Santa will be in his sleigh and will start his route heading West on Bluestem from Prairie Rose Lane. This will be a drive-by style parade as Santa has a lot to get done back at the North Pole! So come out and wave and stand along the parade route as he, and maybe a couple special friends, drive by! This event is brought to you by • HomesTeam217 : RE/MAX Rising, Kristen Long, Jake Patterson & Nick Tangen • Hickory…read more…
Not all parades had public information available at the publishing time of this post, so please send us information as it is released and we will update. You can add new events to our calendar here.
Looking for more? Subscribe to our Home for the Holidays Newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Event Calendar.
Everything Holiday Season In and Around Champaign-Urbana
- Where to Eat on Christmas in Champaign-Urbana
- Meals with Santa Claus in Champaign-Urbana
- Where to Find Santa Claus in the Champaign-Urbana Area
- 50+ Experience Gift Ideas for Kids in Champaign-Urbana
- Amazing Christmas Lights Around Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
- Live Nativity Displays in Champaign-Urbana
- Holiday Lights at the Zoo: Where to Drive From Champaign-Urbana
- How to Chop Down Your Own Christmas Tree in the Shawnee National Forest – For $5 (or Less)
- Home for the Holidays: Shopping and Eating Locally in Champaign-Urbana
- Botanical Garden at Lake of the Woods to Illuminate during Holidays for First Time
- 8+ Great Places to See Holiday Lights in Central Illinois
- All Aboard: Polar Express Fun (Beyond the Train) in Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Holiday Events and Activities
- Where to Buy a Live Christmas Tree Near Champaign-Urbana
- Christmas Parades near Champaign-Urbana
- German Christmas Market Returns to Riggs Beer Company in Urbana
- What You Need to Know About the Walk-Through Holiday Lights at Allerton Park
