Christmas at Collins House and Light Up Parade
Visitors can watch an illuminated evening parade travel through Uptown Collinsville before gathering at the historic Collins House for holiday festivities. Guests can warm up around bonfires with complimentary hot cocoa and s'mores, witness the community tree lighting ceremony, and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Uptown businesses also participate with festive storefront window displays and seasonal food and drink specials.
What to Expect
Evening parade, tree lighting, bonfires, s'mores, and visits with Santa.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Uptown Collinsville
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Collinsville Parks & Recreation
Food & Drink
Participating Uptown restaurants offer food and drink specials, and s'mores are part of the Collins House festivities.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-loving locals
Vibe
Festive and community-oriented
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free.
- Hours: 4:00pm-8:00pm.
Tips & Advice
- Head to Collins House soon after the parade ends, because the complimentary hot cocoa and s'mores are only served while supplies last.
- Look over the 2026 parade route before you choose a viewing spot, because the route has been adjusted this year.
- Dress warmly for an evening outdoors in December, and warm up afterward at the bonfires on the Collins House grounds.
- If your kids want to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, stay through the tree lighting, because the visits start right after the ceremony.
- If your group is entering a float, build it around a favorite holiday movie or story, because this year's parade theme is Christmas Stories.
Special Events & Promotions
- This year's parade theme is Christmas Stories: entries display a favorite holiday movie or story
- The parade route has changed for 2026
- Float Contest and Window Display Contest winners are announced and awarded at Collins House after the parade
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a good event for kids?
Yes. It's a family event with a light-up parade, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, bonfires, s'mores and other family-friendly activities.
What happens at Collins House after the parade?
The celebration moves to the historic Collins House for the tree lighting ceremony, then visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There are bonfires, complimentary hot cocoa and s'mores while supplies last, and awards for the winners of the float and window display contests.
What food and drink is there?
Participating Uptown restaurants offer food and drink specials. At Collins House there's complimentary hot cocoa and s'mores while supplies last.
How can I take part in the parade or the festivities?
You can apply to enter a parade float, enter the Window Display Contest, or send in a Food & Drink entry form. Volunteer and sponsorship spots are also open. This year's parade theme is Christmas Stories, so floats display a favorite holiday movie or story.
Has anything changed this year?
Yes. The parade route has been adjusted for 2026, and a detailed map is being shared as the event gets closer.
More Christmas Events Near Collinsville
More Christmas Events near Collinsville
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. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.