Parades & Events you can buy for gifts for friends and family, or a little something for yourself,” Pautler adds. Other communities have really rallied around parades as their main Holiday tradition. Highland hosts a lighted Christmas Parade, and along with Santa on the Square as long as the pandemic allows. O’Fallon’s Illuminated Holiday Parade draws thousands of spectators each year, and now features a Winter Market downtown at Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station – which is slated for December 11th from 3:30-7:30pm this year. The Annual Lighted Christmas Parade is another strong tradition, and many businesses and restaurants have extended hours for folks who are
visiting! Once the suspended Christmas Tree is in place above Market Street in Mt. Carmel, you know it is almost time for the ever-popular Mt. Carmel Christmas Parade and Christmas Uptown Festival. The theme changes each year for the parade, so the floats are always something different and unique! On the first Saturday in December, Santa Claus makes his grand appearance at Columbia’s Bright Night Christmas Parade down Historic Main Street. Visit with Santa and enjoy food, beverages and activities for the kids at Turner Hall following the parade. There are of course plenty of other events that have become staples of the Holiday season in communities
CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE IN WATERLOO
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he streets of SO MANY communities in our region of ILLINOISouth come to life each and every Holiday season. Lights and garland line streetlights, there is an abundance of decorated trees, and several town squares host events that often feature Santa Claus himself! One such community that really goes all out this time of year is Red Bud in Randolph County. This year, Red Bud will be hosting a Christmas Walk on November 21st, a Lighted Parade on November 26th, and Small Business Weekend is the November 26th and 27th as well. Arguably the most popular part of Red Bud’s Holiday festivities is Santa’s Village, where kiddos can chat with Santa. That event starts when Santa rides into town during the parade on the 26th. Many of the events had to be cancelled last year, so Red Bud Chamber President Tami Pautler is over the moon to be able to hopefully host everything this year. “We are so excited,” Pautler explains. “Last year all but the Christmas Walk and Small Business Saturday was cancelled. Kids could go by and wave at Santa, but not sit on his lap. This may be the last year for the Santa we have had for at least 30 years.” Pautler adds that as of early fall, they were moving full speed ahead with plans – but they are prepared to add any precautions if necessary. “Please come and see our beautiful town,” says Pautler. “Come ready to be enveloped by the hometown hospitality that Red Bud has to offer. People that come from out of town just can’t believe that we do this every year. But we do. Be prepared to social distance and wear a mask if necessary. We want everyone to have a good time, and we want everyone to be safe. We have great food, 3 wineries in the area, a brewery, and other bars. We have several cute little boutiques with everything
BRIGHT NIGHT CHRISTMAS PARADE IN COLUMBIA
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Holiday 2021
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