There’s a reason why Christmas is known as the happiest season of all. This time is full of magic you will hold close to your heart for years to come. And when you become a parent, you get the unique chance to create that magic yourself! If you have been looking at the best way to get your family into the holiday spirit, the first step is to add a little bit of fanfare. Luckily, Illinois knows how to throw amazing parades, so you can make lifelong memories. As a Springfield milestone photographer, I adore hopping all across the area searching for the top moments and experiences for families. If you are in the mood for Christmas parades around Springfield, IL, here are the spots I always recommend!
Embrace The Holiday Spirit At These Wonderful Christmas Parades In Springfield, IL
Holiday Lights Parade
Downtown Springfield, Illinois
For over 70 years, the Holiday Lights Parade has been a favorite Springfield tradition put on by the Springfield Jaycees. The organization dates back to 1939, when the group first started doing some seriously good work within the community. Today, they continue that work while also throwing regular events your family will adore! The Holiday Lights Parade brings together individuals, area politicians, and local businesses to create a display to welcome in Christmas. While the event has happened at pretty much every hour of the day, you can typically check it out early in the evening on the first Saturday of December. You can bundle up with your family and get in the holiday spirit while checking out locally made floats. The parade will start at Jefferson and continue to 5th Street before taking 6th Street to Washington. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Santa toward the end!
Paxton’s Annual Christmas Parade
145 S. Market Street, Paxton, Illinois 60957
Paxton’s Annual Christmas Parade puts you in the heart of a historic town to celebrate the season. Every year, this charming town holds a parade that features local churches, organizations, bands, students, businesses, and families. The weekend will start out on Friday night when the town hosts their annual tree-lighting ceremony on the intersection of State and Market Streets. During this evening, the town will award the Christmas Star Award, announce the town’s Christmas Prince and Princess, and sing some Christmas carols. The next afternoon, the town will hold a themed parade that will run down Market Street. The town throws a contest for the “best of show” float, the best theme-oriented display, and the most unique entry. They are strict about not letting any floats feature Santa because the jolly elf himself will make his formal appearance at the end of the parade.
Christmas at Collins House and Light Up Parade
Uptown Collinsville, Illinois
If you don’t mind a short drive over to Collinsville, Christmas at Collins House and Light Up Parade is well worth it! This is an annual parade that the city hosts on the first Saturday of December. While the parade might be the biggest appeal, the entire town comes together to make this event especially memorable. Before and after the parade, you can check out all the local businesses where you’ll find gorgeous window displays competing to be the best. The parade itself will start on Clay and run through Main Street before it wraps up at the D.D. Collins House. Once it’s done, there will be a tree lighting ceremony, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and roasted marshmallows for s’mores. As you enjoy this time with your family, the city will name the winners of the parade contest.
Clinton Christmas Parade
Downtown Clinton, Illinois
The Clinton Christmas Parade takes place every year at the start of December. This afternoon celebration brings together the community to get everyone into the holiday spirit. They start planning early in the year, searching for a Christmas Parade Grand Marshal to lead the party. From there, the businesses and community organizations band together to create floats based on the year’s theme. As you cheer on the parade, you can listen to holiday music while showing some hometown pride! Things will start out at Nixon Manor Housing at 520 East Main Street before continuing down East Main Street at Mr. Lincoln’s Square. Everything wraps up at the intersection of East Adams and South Center Streets.
Peoria Santa Claus Parade
Downtown Peoria, Illinois
If you are looking for a pretty historic way to celebrate Christmas near Springfield, IL, I don’t think you can do any better than the Peoria Santa Claus Parade. This annual tradition dates all the way back to 1887, making it the oldest continuously running parade in all of America. While today’s celebration is anything but humble, it started out as a last-minute ode to the city following the construction of the Upper Free Bridge over the Illinois River.
As the holiday season grew closer, the stone masons took to the boats and derricks to bring a little Christmas cheer. From there, things only continued to grow. These days, they mix beloved vintage floats with brand new displays to create a little bit of holiday magic. You can come out, watch the displays, and celebrate the parade winners. The celebration will start at Monroe and Bryan Street before wrapping up at Adams and Fayette Streets.
Farmer City
Downtown Farmer City, Illinois
Farmer City has been working since 1975 to bring the holiday cheer! This yearly tradition has become a beloved event across Central Illinois, bringing together community leaders to help you celebrate. The event is always held in the afternoon on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Throughout the parade, you are going to see local celebrities, including weather forecasters and business leaders. You’ll also get the chance to sing along to Christmas songs, cheer for your favorite floats, and collect some treats. The parade will start at the Farmer City Fairgrounds on North Street and then continue on Main Street until it reaches Heartland Bank.
Local Families Can Not Wait For The Excitement And Fun Of These Christmas Parades In Springfield, IL
If you are looking for the best way to celebrate with your family this Christmas season, be sure to put these Christmas parades around Springfield, IL on the calendar! With all of these destinations, you’ll have a festive way to get ready for the holidays.
Are you looking for a way to make all these family memories last? Then I would love to connect! I am a Springfield milestone photographer, and I love working with parents to plan sessions that capture every wonderful moment. If you have been considering booking a session for your family, I would love to chat all about it! Send me a message today to find out more!
