If you’ve followed this website for any period of time (or listened to me on Mix 94.5) you might know that I have a thing for parades. We’ve put together a list of all the Champaign-Urbana area Christmas parades for your convenience, in case you love parades as much as I do!
Some parades are lighted at night, others during the day. Take your pick of Champaign-Urbana area holiday parades. Morguefile photo
November 21:
‘Night of Lights Holiday Parade’ in Downtown Danville: The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday (November 21st) at Vermilion and Williams Streets and travel south to Main Street.
November 23:
Amish Country Christmas Kickoff/Lighted Christmas Parade: Want to ride in an Amish buggy? Pet reindeer? See Santa? Watch ice carving demonstrations? See an old-fashioned parade? Arthur has it all. Starting with 10 a.m., buggy rides are offered; see link for full schedule of events. Lighted Christmas Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. and heads up Vine Street. Merchants offer specials and late holiday shopping hours in Downtown Arthur. Kids may visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus while munching on cookies and sipping hot chocolate in Knights Court, and see reindeer (4-6 p.m.) from Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch.
Gibson City Holiday Parade and Tree-Lighting Ceremony: At 6:30 p.m., the parade starts on South Wood Street near County Market, making its way along First Street to Sangamon Avenue, where it turns north and moves down Tenth Street. Following the parade, Santa will visit with children.
November 24:
Farmer City Christmas Parade: The theme for the 2012 Farmer City Christmas Parade is “Christmas at the Movies.” 2 p.m on Main Street.
November 30:
Paxton Christmas Parade and Santa Appearance: Head over to downtown Paxton at 1:30 p.m. for an old-fashioned holiday parade, featuring whimsical characters, school bands, color guards, firetrucks, floats, Shriners clowns, area dignitaries, old cars, tractors and, of course, Santa himself. Children may visit with Santa immediately following the parade in downtown Paxton as he strolls through the downtown business district.
Clinton’s Christmas Parade: The annual Christmas Parade will be held in the downtown Clinton area on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 2:00pm.
Parade of Lights: The holiday season can’t begin until Santa makes his way through the streets of Downtown Champaign. The Champaign Center Partnership is once again thrilled to bring you the 13th annual Parade of Lights! This community favorite features floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself. The event concludes with the lighting of the Downtown Christmas Tree in the One Main Plaza immediately following the parade. So cozy up with some hot chocolate, find the perfect spot downtown and lets welcome the start of the holiday season with a parade! Please Note: In the event of severe and potentially dangerous weather (ice or snow storm, driving rain with lightning) the parade will be canceled. Starts at 6 p.m.; 7PM – Tree Lighting in One Main Plaza. Sponsored by the Champaign Center Partnership.
December 1:
LeRoy Christmas Parade: LeRoy will welcome Santa Claus during the Christmas Parade, to be held on Sunday, December 1, at 2:00 p.m.
December 7:
Bloomington-Normal Parade: December 7 at 10 a.m.
Rantoul Christmas Parade and Santa’s Village: Parade at 10 am followed by Free Fun Activities and Prizes. Santa will be in the parade and after the parade visit Santa. Sponsored by the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce. Free.
Tuscola Christmastown Celebration: Full slate of events all day! Parade is at 11 am — route starts from the “entrance” to Ervin Park, the parade will proceed South on Main St., then West on North Central St. ending at the Community Building.
Monticello Christmas Parade: Kick off the holiday season with a parade in downtown Monticello at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 7.
December 14:
Christmas in Bement: Daylong celebration includes parade at 1 p.m.
Do you know of a parade we don’t have here? Add it in the comments!
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