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Christmas Parades near Champaign-Urbana

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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.

Christmas Parades a Short Drive from Champaign-Urbana

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.

Santa Parade of Lights

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

Arcola's Santa Parade

Location: Downtown Arcola, arcola
Time: All Day
Head to downtown Arcola and see the parade featuring Old Saint Nick. Let Santa know what you’d like for Christmas after the parade. More details (including time) coming soon! Parade time was 2 p.m. in 2019.  

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!

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.

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