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Champaign Center Parade of Lights
Celebrate 25 years of holiday magic at the 25th Annual Champaign Center Parade of Lights! This year's theme, 'Silver Bells: 25 Years of Holiday Cheer,' promises a dazzling spectacle of illuminated floats and festive spirit. Businesses and community members are invited to enter creative floats, adorned with lights and silver, to light up Downtown Champaign. Candy will be handed out to spectators, adding to the joyful atmosphere of this cherished holiday tradition.
What to Expect
25th Anniversary Parade of Lights with 'Silver Bells' theme
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$
- Pets: No pets allowed
Other Christmas Events Near Champaign
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, community members, local businesses
Vibe
Festive, cheerful, community-oriented
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
High
Special Events & Promotions
- 25th Anniversary celebration with 'Silver Bells' theme
- Early Bird registration special for float entries until October 31
- Various sponsorship tiers available, including exclusive options
- Volunteer opportunities for individuals aged 14+
Location
Event Details
Duration
Evening event
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Champaign
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Champaign Center Partnership
Food & Drink
Candy handed out to parade-goers
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the parade route, especially for popular sections.
- Dress warmly in layers, as late November evenings in Illinois can be quite chilly.
- Bring a bag to collect candy that participants will be handing out from their floats.
- Check the official parade route map closer to the date to plan your viewing location.
- Consider public transportation or carpooling to ease parking congestion in the downtown area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the theme for this year's Parade of Lights?
The theme for the 25th Annual Champaign Center Parade of Lights is 'Silver Bells: 25 Years of Holiday Cheer'.
Can I enter a float in the parade?
Yes, float registration is open. An Early Bird special is available until October 31st. Floats must include lights, and candy can be handed out.
Are there opportunities to volunteer for the event?
Yes, volunteers are needed for various roles, including Safety Squad, Volunteer Check-In, Santa's Helpers, and Holiday Merry Makers. Most roles require volunteers to be 14+, with some exceptions.
What are the sponsorship opportunities?
Exclusive and standard sponsorship tiers are available, offering various levels of visibility and benefits, from logo placement to waived float entry fees. A sponsorship packet is available for details.
Is there a specific route for the parade?
The parade takes place in Downtown Champaign. Specific route details are usually released closer to the event date.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.