Holiday parades for families in Champaign-Urbana and beyond
We have all the Christmas and holiday season parades that kids will love
We’ve put together a list of all the Christmas holiday parades in Champaign-Urbana and beyond for the 2023 season.
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.
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Piatt County Veteran's Day Parade
Location: Downtown Monticello, Monticello
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Veterans Day ceremony and parade in Monticello on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 7:00 p.m. MONTICELLO — Piatt County veterans, their families, and community members are invited to attend the Veterans Day Ceremony and Parade hosted by the American Legion and VFW at the town square on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 7:00 p.m.Veterans Day
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Gibson City "Holiday Parade of Lights" and Tree Lighting
Location: Downtown Gibson City, Gibson City
Time: 6:30 pm
Gibson City will be filled with lights and bells for this year’s Annual Lighted Christmas Parade. It will take place throughout Downtown Gibson City on Saturday, November 18, 2023. The Theme this year is "Gibson's Angels in Disguise.” Presented by the Gibson City Harvest Fest, this year's Lighted Christmas Parade will begin at 6:30P. Throughout downtown, you can find various vendors and enjoy many of the local stores' decorations. Various events will lead to the parade for your family to see and participate in. You can get more information on those events and the parade by following their Facebook page…read more…
Gibson City Christmas Parade
Location: Gibson City, Gibson City
Time: 6:30 pm
Gibson City brings will again hold their annual lighted holiday parade this year, with a festive parade happening in downtown Gibson City.
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Farmer City Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Farmer City, Farmer City
Time: 2:00 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 24, 2023
City of Watseka Annual Lighted Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Watseka, Watseka
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The parade is scheduled for 7 p.m. Find more parade updates here: https://www.facebook.com/WatsekaAreaChamber
Saturday, November 25, 2023
Paxton Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Paxton, Paxton
Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
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. Sponsored by P.R.I.D.E.
Champaign Center Parade of Lights
Location: Downtown Champaign, Champaign
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The Parade of Lights in Downtown Champaign The shop local holiday season officially kicks off on Saturday, November 25 on Small Business Saturday in the heart of Downtown Champaign! Join Champaign Center to see a procession of lighted floats followed by the one-and-only Santa riding up on his sleigh during the 23rd annual Champaign Center Parade of Lights, presented by Christie Clinic! This year's theme is Classic Holiday Movies! The parade will start promptly at 6 p.m. This is a free event! Head downtown for a full day of activities on Small Business Saturday.EVENT SCHEDULE: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM…read more…
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Catlin Parade of Lights
Location: Downtown Catlin, catlin
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This year's theme for the Catlin Parade of Lights if Holiday in Whoville. Activities include a lighted parade at 6pm, holiday craft fair and chili dinner.
Milford Christmas Parade
Location: Village of Milford, Milford
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Parade begins at 6 p.m. In years past, the parade started by Police Station on Jones St, continued West through 4-way stop, turned Left on Park Dr and ended back at the starting point or at the Milford High School Student South parking lot.
Friday, December 1, 2023
A Christmas Carol Downtown Event
Location: Downtown Sullivan, Sullivan
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Christmas Traditions downtown Sullivan! Visits with Santa, kids activities, food trucks, shopping carriage rides and more. Lights On Parade starts at 6pm.
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Downtown Effingham Hometown Christmas
Location: Downtown Effingham, Effingham
Time: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Lighted Christmas parade, live reindeer, visit with Santa, Carriage rides, cookie decorating, Tractor Train Rides and so much more!
Tuscola Christmastown Parade
Location: Tuscola Community Building, Tuscola
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
The annual Christmastown Parade will be held on December 2 at 11am! Line up will start at 10:30 am along the pool road at Ervin Park.
2023 Monticello Christmas Parade
Location: Monticello Courthouse Square Historic District, Monticello
Time: 11:30 am
The parade is in Downtown Monticello on December 2, 2023 stepping off at 11:30 AM. You are invited to participate and help make this a fun event for the entire community. The 2023 parade theme is: "A CHRISTMAS MOVIE MARATHON” 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. A map will be published here soon. If you wish to put an entry in the parade, please fill out the online registration form by November 20, 2023.
Clinton Christmas Parade
Location: Clinton Chamber of Commerce, Clinton
Time: 2:00 pm
Clinton's Annual Christmas Parade "Parade of Trees" Parade takes place December 2, 2023 at 2 p.m. PARADE ROUTE: Parade begins promptly at 2 p.m. 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.
Weldon Village Christmas
Location: Weldon Village Hall, Weldon
Time: 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Head to Weldon for their Annual Weldon Village Christmas!! They will kick off the holiday season with a LIGHTED Christmas Parade!
Decatur Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Decatur, Decatur
Time: 4:30 pm
Start your holiday season with the 2023 Decatur Christmas Parade! Head to Downtown Decatur on Saturday, December 2nd for a Decatur holiday staple filled with fun floats, great music, local celebrities, delicious candy, and more. The parade starts at 4:30 pm. Check out the Facebook event for more info!
Fisher Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Fisher, Fisher
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Come on out to the annual Fisher Christmas Parade! Parade route and line-up will begin at fairgrounds and will travel down 3rd Street. This annual parade starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. Floats, decorated cars/trucks, and more.
Arthur Country Lighted Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Arthur, Arthur
Time: 5:30 pm
An evening Lighted Christmas parade brings Santa to Downtown Arthur at 5:30 p.m.
Village of Tilton Christmas "Night of Lights" Parade
Location: Tilton Fire Station, Tilton
Time: 6:00 pm
Welcome Santa to Tilton!
Friday, December 8, 2023
Rantoul Christmas Parade and Santa's Workshop
Location: Downtown, Rantoul
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Parade staging and route will alter slightly from years past. Santa's workshop and photos with Santa will follow the parade at approximately 6:30 p.m. Watch this space for more information! This fun event is hosted by the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce!
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Bement Christmas Parade
Location: Bement Municipal Hall, Bement
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
11 a.m. - Christmas Parade in Bement Breakfast with Santa and Santa visits after the parade will be held in the Village Community Building. Vendors and lunch will be in the Lion's Club building. Tickets will go on sale soon for this year's Breakfast with Santa. Check out their Facebook page for updates.
Arcola's Santa Parade
Location: Downtown Arcola, arcola
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Arcola's Annual Lighted Christmas Parade! The parade will start out heading west downtown Main St, starting at the Library. Expect many lighted displays and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be here too! After the parade stay downtown to meet Santa, get your picture taken and enjoy snacks and hot cocoa by City Hall. Do you have a golf cart or ATV and want to be in the parade? Does your business want to join the parade? They would love to have you join! email executivedirector@arcolachamber.com for more info.
Christmas Lights Parade
Location: Downtown St. Joseph, St. Joseph
Time: 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Lighted Christmas parade in St. Joe!
Sunday, December 10, 2023
The Gifford State Bank Christmas Parade
Location: Emord Park, Gifford
Time: 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Come out to kick off the Christmas season. Live music, hot chocolate and cookies will be provided at The Gifford State Bank beginning at 4:30 p.m. The parade will begin down Main Street at 5:00 p.m.
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 Events Calendar.
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