Holiday parades and tree lighting ceremonies for families in Champaign-Urbana and beyond
We have all the Christmas season parades and tree lightings that kids will love
Community events held during the holiday season hold a special place in the memories of many families. Waving to Santa as he passes by on a float, watching the joy on your child’s face as a dark town square becomes brightly lit with color and sipping hot chocolate side by side are the things holiday season memories are made of. We have a number of events like this throughout the many communities that make up the greater Champaign-Urbana area and have rounded them up for you. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new tradition to come back to again and again!
Holiday Parades
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 21, 2026
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. Parade Line Up 5pm (Elite and Gibson Family Pharmacy Parking Lot) Parade Starts at 6:30pm The theme this year is Christmas Candyland. Burwell Christmas Market starting at 2pm…
Sunday, November 22, 2026
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 27, 2026
Light Up Le Roy & Christmas Parade
Location: Kiwanis Park, Le Roy
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:15 pm
WHAT: Light Up LeRoy WHEN: Friday, November 27 3:30 - 5:15 p.m. WHO: Everyone! Bring a friend! And…bring a non- perishable item or two for Kiwanis baskets. WHERE: Kiwanis Park bandstand WHY: Because you won’t want to miss the crafts, games, hot chocolate, cookies, visits with Mrs. Claus, and the…
City of Watseka Annual Lighted Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Watseka, Watseka
Time: 7:00 pm
The parade is scheduled for 7 p.m. This year's theme is "Christmas Memories". Find more parade updates here: https://www.facebook.com/WatsekaAreaChamber
Saturday, November 28, 2026
Paxton Holly Dolly Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Paxton, Paxton
Time: 1:30 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. This year's theme is "Holly Dolly Christmas" Make plans to spend the afternoon downtown. Eat at…
LeRoy "Magical Christmas" Parade
Location: Kiwanis Park, Le Roy
Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Line up at 2pm at LHS, corner of Mill & Center Streets Parade start time is 3pm
Champaign Center Parade of Lights
Location: Downtown Champaign, Champaign
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
The Parade of Lights begins at 5:00 p.m. and will feature dazzling floats, enchanting performances, and visits from beloved holiday characters. Expect dazzling lights, marching bands, decked-out floats, and of course—Santa himself bringing the holiday spirit down Neil Street! The event highlights the importance of shopping local this holiday season,…
Friday, December 4, 2026
Danville Night of Lights Holiday Parade
Location: Downtown Danville, Danville
Time: 6:00 pm
Get in the Christmas Spirit with the Danville Night of Lights Parade!
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Candy Cane Wonderland
Location: Knights Court, Arthur
Time: 10:00 am - 6:30 pm
December 5th 2026 the is the place to be.... the second annual candy cane wonderland, featuring their Hot Chocolate Trail, Kids Activities, Carriage Rides, Santa, Elf Fun Run/Walk, Food Trucks, Local Artisans, Lighted Christmas Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting, and more! Mark your calendar and join in for the day in…
Monticello Christmas Parade
Location: Monticello Courthouse Square Historic District, Monticello
Time: 11:30 am
"A Storybook Christmas” It is time to start planning the Chamber Christmas Parade. The parade is on December 5, 2026, stepping off at 11:30 AM. They invite you to participate and help make this a fun event for the entire community. Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber…
Decatur Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Decatur, Decatur
Time: 4:00 pm
December 5th | Line Up 2:30pm | Step Off 4pm Parade Route The parade will begin on Franklin and Macon Streets and head north. We'll turn west on North Street, then head south on Main Street, ending at Main and Macon Streets.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Also a chance to gather with community in the spirit of the season, tree lighting ceremonies often have related special events, appearances by Santa and other holiday cheer. If the tree lighting ceremony happens in conjunction with a holiday parade, it will be included in the list above. Please check out the event details from the event organizer to see what exactly will be happening during the tree lighting, since programming varies widely.
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Downtown Danville Lighting Ceremony
Location: Kresge Park, Danville
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Kick off the holiday season in downtown Danville on Saturday, November 15th, from 5 - 8 p.m. in Downtown Danville! At 5:30 p.m., watch as the lights come alive and transform downtown into a sparkling winter wonderland. Meet real reindeer from 5 - 7 p.m. Meet Santa and capture a…
Friday, November 27, 2026
Light Up Le Roy & Christmas Parade
Location: Kiwanis Park, Le Roy
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:15 pm
WHAT: Light Up LeRoy WHEN: Friday, November 27 3:30 - 5:15 p.m. WHO: Everyone! Bring a friend! And…bring a non- perishable item or two for Kiwanis baskets. WHERE: Kiwanis Park bandstand WHY: Because you won’t want to miss the crafts, games, hot chocolate, cookies, visits with Mrs. Claus, and the…
Saturday, November 28, 2026
Champaign Winter Fest
Location: Downtown Champaign, Champaign
Time: 12:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Winter Fest in Downtown Champaign! Saturday, November 28 · 12–7:30 PM · Neil St. Plaza Celebrate Small Business Saturday with a full day of festive fun before the 26th Annual Parade of Lights! Enjoy holiday activities throughout downtown, including the Yuletide Market at the Orpheum, visits with Santa and holiday…
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Candy Cane Wonderland
Location: Knights Court, Arthur
Time: 10:00 am - 6:30 pm
December 5th 2026 the is the place to be.... the second annual candy cane wonderland, featuring their Hot Chocolate Trail, Kids Activities, Carriage Rides, Santa, Elf Fun Run/Walk, Food Trucks, Local Artisans, Lighted Christmas Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting, and more! Mark your calendar and join in for the day in…
Not all parades and tree lighting ceremonies 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.
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