Holiday Season Parades in the Champaign-Urbana Area

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 2024 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 23, 2024

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. Retail and food vendor’s, downtown shopping, kid zone, lighted parade and a visit from Santa.

Sunday, November 24, 2024

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 29, 2024

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 30, 2024

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. This year's theme is "Magic of Paxton." Make plans to spend the afternoon downtown. Eat at a local restaurant, stop into the darling shops and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays. Sponsored by P.R.I.D.E. in Paxton and Paxton Christmas Committee

Champaign Center Parade of Lights

Location: Downtown Champaign, Champaign
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Lighting Up Downtown Champaign: The Parade of Lights and the Joy of Shopping Local This Holiday Season Champaign, IL – The holiday season shines bright as the 24th Annual Parade of Lights presented by Christie Clinic illuminates Downtown Champaign on Saturday, November 30, marking the perfect kickoff to Small Business Saturday. This cherished community tradition invites everyone to celebrate the magic of the holidays while supporting local businesses. The Parade of Lights, themed “Candy Cane Lane,” begins at 6:00 PM and will feature dazzling floats, enchanting performances, and visits from beloved holiday characters. The event highlights the importance of shopping local this…read more…

Sunday, December 1, 2024

LeRoy Christmas Parade

Location: Downtown, LeRoy
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
LeRoy Christmas Parade will be Sunday December 1 at 2:00 p.m. Sponsored by Le Roy Chamber of Commerce In year's past, the parade will line up at 1pm and step off at 2pm starting at the corner of Mill & Center Streets continuing down Center Street to Main Street. For parade updates, check here: https://www.facebook.com/leroyilchamber

Milford Christmas Parade

Location: Village of Milford, Milford
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Parade begins at 6 p.m. Theme "A Veteran's Christmas" Meet & Greet with Santa 4:30-5:45 at village hall. Horse & Carriage Rides 3-5pm at city hall. $5/person

Friday, December 6, 2024

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.

Christmas Parade & Drone Show

Location: Downtown Mattoon, Mattoon
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
🎄✨ A First for Mattoon: Christmas Drone Show! ✨🎄 This year, Celebrate Downtown Mattoon's Celebrate Christmas Parade is bringing something truly magical to their holiday tradition! For the first time ever, they're hosting a Christmas Drone Show! They're thrilled to bring a special performance at the very end of the Christmas Parade from Sky Elements, a Guinness world record holder and finalist in America's Got Talent, tailored for the community, featuring 100 synchronized drones lighting up the night sky. These dazzling displays will create festive shapes, twinkling lights, and unforgettable Christmas scenes above downtown Mattoon. This is more than just…read more…

Mahomet Village Christmas

Location: Downtown Mahomet, Mahomet
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Santa arrives downtown, Santa meet & greet, Madrigal performances, food trucks and more!

Danville Night of Lights Holiday Parade

Location: Downtown Danville, Danville
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Get in the Christmas Spirit with the Danville Night of Lights Parade!

Tuscola Christmastown Parade

Location: Tuscola Community Building, Tuscola
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tuscola's First Annual Lighted Christmas Parade will take place on Friday, December 6 at 6 p.m. Lineup at 5:30 p.m. at Ervin Park. More info here.

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Sidney Hometown Christmas

Location: Downtown Sidney, Sidney
Time: 8:00 am - 9:30 pm
Head to Sidney for Sidney Hometown Christmas on Saturday, December 7th, from 8am - 9:30pm. Breakfast: Sidney United Church (Donations Accepted) 8am-10am Community Building: Shop at Home: 10am - 3pm Food trucks: La Paloma Downtown Sidney: Christmas 3 Mile Run: 3:30pm (Click here to register) Christmas Parade: 5pm FREE Carriage Rides by Merrybeth Farms: 5:30pm - 9:30pm Santa Claus and crafts at the Sidney Community Library 5:30-7:30pm Hot chocolate bar & cookies at the Legion Building For more info, check out the Sidney Improvement Group on Facebook.

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!

Monticello Christmas Parade

Location: Monticello Courthouse Square Historic District, Monticello
Time: 11:30 am
The parade is in Downtown Monticello on December 7, 2024 stepping off at 11:30 AM. You are invited to participate and help make this a fun event for the entire community. The 2024 parade theme is: "CHRISTMAS IN CANDYLAND” 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.

Clinton Christmas Parade

Location: Clinton Chamber of Commerce, Clinton
Time: 2:00 pm
Clinton's Annual Christmas Parade "Cinematic Christmas" Parade takes place December 7, 2024 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: 4:00 pm
Start your holiday season with the 2024 Decatur Christmas Parade! Head to Downtown Decatur on Saturday, December 7th for a Decatur holiday staple filled with fun floats, great music, local celebrities, delicious candy, and more. The parade starts at 4:00 pm. Parade RouteThe 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. Check out the Facebook event for more info!

Christmas Parade

Location: Downtown Sidney, Sidney
Time: 5:00 pm
As part of Sidney Hometown Christmas: Downtown Sidney: Christmas Parade: 5pm For more info, check out the Sidney Improvement Group on Facebook.

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. 7. Floats, decorated cars/trucks, and more.

Rantoul Christmas Parade

Location: Downtown, Rantoul
Time: 5:00 pm
Rantoul kicks off the Christmas season with a parade! This fun event is hosted by the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce!

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.

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 meet Santa in the Arcola Center! Photo opportunities available and other family activities planned! 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.

Village of Tilton Christmas "Night of Lights" Parade

Location: Tilton Fire Station, Tilton
Time: 6:00 pm
Welcome Santa to Tilton!

Sunday, December 8, 2024

The Gifford State Bank Christmas Parade

Location: Emord Park, Gifford
Time: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Come out to kick off the Christmas season. The parade will begin down Main Street at 5:00 p.m.

Georgetown Christmas Parade

Location: ,
Time: 5:30 pm
Hosted by Georgetown Ladies Community Club

Sunday, December 15, 2024

St. Joseph Lighted Christmas Parade (Rescheduled to 12/15)

Location: Downtown St. Joseph, St. Joseph
Time: 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Lighted Christmas parade in St. Joe!

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 Holiday Newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Event Calendar.