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.
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Veterans Day Parade
Location: Tuscola Ervin Park, Tuscola
Time: 11:00 am
The Tuscola VFW will host their annual Veterans Day Parade.
Saturday, November 22, 2025
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. This year, they are featuring a comedic Christmas parade! Will your favorite funny Christmas movie character or scene appear on a float? Retail and food vendors, downtown shopping,…read more…
Sunday, November 23, 2025
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 28, 2025
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 "Characters of Christmas". The annual lighting of the Christmas tree at the post office will be at 6:30 p.m. Find more parade updates here: https://www.facebook.com/WatsekaAreaChamber
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Paxton 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 "Once Upon a Christmas." Make plans to spend the afternoon downtown. Eat…read more…
Champaign Center Parade of Lights
Location: Downtown Champaign, Champaign
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
This year marks a huge milestone — 25 years of holiday magic sparkling through Downtown Champaign! The 2025 Parade of Lights theme is Silver Bells: 25 Years of Holiday Cheer and they are pulling out all the stops to celebrate our community, our small businesses, and the joy of the…read more…
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Milford Christmas Parade
Location: Village of Milford, Milford
Time: All Day
Parade time and schedule of events coming soon! Find more info on their Facebook page.
Catlin Parade of Lights
Location: Downtown Catlin, catlin
Time: 6:00 pm
Activities include a lighted parade at 6pm, holiday craft fair, photos with Santa and more.
Friday, December 5, 2025
Mahomet Village Christmas
Location: Downtown Mahomet, Mahomet
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Santa arrives downtown, Santa meet & greet, horse-drawn carriage rides, food trucks and more!
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 6, 2025
Fisher Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Fisher, Fisher
Time: All Day
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 features floats, decorated cars/trucks, and more. There will be pictures with Santa, too! Times TBA.
Sidney Hometown Christmas
Location: Downtown Sidney, Sidney
Time: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Parade at 5:30 p.m., activities downtown from 3 - 8 p.m.
Monticello Christmas Parade
Location: Monticello Courthouse Square Historic District, Monticello
Time: 11:30 am
The parade is in Downtown Monticello on December 6, 2025 stepping off at 11:30 a.m. The 2025 parade theme is: "Wish you were here: An island Christmas." The parade route will be the same as last year, north on Hamilton to Center, west on Center to State, south on State…read more…
Sidney Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Sidney, Sidney
Time: 5:30 pm
As part of Sidney Hometown Christmas: Downtown Sidney: Christmas Parade: 5:30pm For more info, check out the Sidney Improvement Group on Facebook.
Sunday, December 7, 2025
St. Joseph Lighted Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown St. Joseph, St. Joseph
Time: 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Lighted Christmas parade in St. Joe!
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Bement Christmas Parade
Location: Bement Municipal Hall, Bement
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
After the 11 a.m. parade, bring the kids to visit Santa and have lunch.
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.
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Downtown Danville Lighting Ceremony
Location: Kresge Park, Danville
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Kick off the holiday season in downtown Danville on Saturday, November 15th, from 5 - 6 p.m. in Downtown Danville! At 5:30 p.m., watch as the lights come alive and transform downtown into a sparkling winter wonderland. Enjoy free hot chocolate while visiting with friends and neighbors. Delight in a…read more…
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Bement Christmas Tree Lighting
Location: Bement Veteran’s Park, Bement
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Gather to sing Christmas Carols & enjoy hot cocoa and cookies.
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Tolono Holiday Fun and Tree Lighting
Location: Downtown Tolono, Tolono
Time: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Happy Holidays! Head to Tolono for a festive event Downtown. You can follow the event on Facebook for all the updates! 9:00-3:00 Local Vendors, Crafts, and Artists 9:00-11:00 at St Patrick Catholic Church serving donuts and drinks with Make & Take ornaments 5:30-6:30 Tree Lighting Ceremony at Masonic Lodge with…read more…
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.
Looking for more? Subscribe to our email newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Event Calendar.
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