Parade of Lights
Visitors can watch a dazzling evening parade travel through downtown Erie, with marching walkers heading toward Coal Creek Park. Leading up to the parade, guests can enjoy open ice skating, take carriage rides, and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Local school choirs perform indoors, and complimentary hot chocolate and snacks are served alongside food available for purchase.
What to Expect
Holiday parade featuring free carriage rides, Santa visits, and open skating.
Event Details
Duration
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Historic Erie
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Erie Chamber of Commerce
Food & Drink
Free hot chocolate is served at Orchard Community Church and the Calvary Bible Church tent, with snacks at Orchard Community Church; food for sale is listed as TBD.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and community-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM.
- Parking: Parking is available along residential streets and in the Erie Methodist Church and Town Hall parking lots. Limited ADA parking is available; access to the listed spaces ends at 5:45pm.
- Accessibility: Limited handicap parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis behind Orchard Community Church and south of Coal Creek Park, with arrival required before vehicle access closes.
Tips & Advice
- Expect to stay put until the parade is over, because once it starts you won't be able to move your vehicle.
- Come early for the free carriage rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the school choirs, since they all wrap up before the parade begins.
- Stop into Orchard Community Church on Briggs Street for free hot chocolate, snacks and restrooms while you listen to the local school choirs.
- Show your kids the Lost Children and First Aid tents next to the DJ by Fox Dog Coffee on Briggs Street when you arrive.
- If you need handicap parking, arrive early, because the few spaces are first come, first served and access to them closes before the parade.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do before the parade starts?
Take a free carriage ride, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy open skating and listen to local school choirs inside Orchard Community Church. All of these wrap up before the parade begins.
Where can I get food and something warm to drink?
Orchard Community Church at 470 Briggs Street has free hot chocolate and snacks. The Calvary Bible Church tent on Briggs Street also serves free hot chocolate. Food will also be for sale.
Where should I park?
Park on residential streets, in the Erie Methodist Church lot on Holbrook Street just west of Town Hall, or in the Town Hall lot at Holbrook and Cheesman. Don't block hydrants or park in alleys.
What if my child gets lost or someone needs first aid?
Lost Children and First Aid tents are next to the DJ by Fox Dog Coffee on Briggs Street. Restrooms are at Orchard Community Church.
How can I be in the parade or help out?
Fill out a parade application through the Erie Chamber of Commerce. Volunteers are also welcome, and students can earn community service hours.
More Christmas Events Near Erie
More Christmas Events near Erie
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.