Parades & Events

The 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.

Santa's Village in Red Bud

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 you can buy for gifts for friends and family, or a little something for yourself,” Pautler adds.

CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE IN WATERLOO

Credit: Curt Simshauser Photo Cinema

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.

BRIGHT NIGHT CHRISTMAS PARADE IN COLUMBIA

There are of course plenty of other events that have become staples of the Holiday season in communities across ILLINOISouth. In Waterloo, Christmas on the Square is a Tradition that you do not want to miss. It’s always held the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving in historic downtown Waterloo. Stop by participating merchants downtown and pick up a shopping stamp card. Several winners are drawn and will receive $1,000 worth of gift certificates! The weekend also includes free carriage rides and visits with Santa, the GLOW Holiday Lighted Parade on Saturday evening and more! Another VERY unique event can be found in Lebanon on November 19th and 20th this year. Lebanon Victorian Holiday is an annual event to usher in the Holiday season with the Lamplighter, caroling, horse & carriage rides, live entertainment, food, desserts, and photos with Father Christmas. It all takes place on the historic Brick Street (also known as West St. Louis Street) in downtown Lebanon. Another event that hearkens back to Holiday celebrations from centuries ago is Olde Tyme Christmas in Vandalia! This year’s event is slated for November 12th and 13th on Gallatin Street, and always kicks off with the lighting of the Christmas tree – followed by a parade of carolers, and appearances from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. There are usually horse and carriage rides, as well as plenty of shopping opportunities during Olde Tyme Christmas – so be sure to visit Vandalia this Holiday season!

Little Toot Train Ride in Flora

An event now 33 years in the making is back this year, as Christmas on the River in Chester is slated for December 3rd through the 5th. Recent celebrations have featured a craft and vendor fair, a lighted parade, and many other family friendly events. A tree lighting ceremony usually kicks off the Christmas season in Pinckneyville. The event known as Cracklin’ Christmas, also features a great opportunity to do some shopping at local stores and boutiques that stay open a little later than normal and offer special deals! Just north in Washington County, folks are excited for this year’s Nashville Hometown Christmas event. The festivities will get started on Friday, December 3rd with the event's first ever lighted parade, and will continue on Saturday with a Holiday Market, a Candy Cane Lane kid’s only booth and much more.

Lighted Christmas Parade in Nashville

Elsewhere in Washington County, Okawville has become known for its Christmas Stroll – which features a craft fair, a festival of trees, horse-drawn surrey rides, and museum tours among other activities on the first weekend of December. Flora is definitely a great place to visit during this time of year, as they host Christmas in the Park! Children can go for a ride on the Little Toot Railroad and then have a visit with Santa in his house in Charley Brown Park! A celebration that has been a staple for over 16 years now is Jasper County Christmas. Folks can experience the lighting of the Old River Bridge in Newton, the lights in Peterson Park which is also in Newton, as well as lights in Sainte Marie. There is usually an event in downtown Newton as well, which features vendors, food, and more. We hope these events spark your interest, and give you a couple of ideas to mark on your calendars this Holiday season!

Santa House in Mt. Carmel