Illustration of a santa visit scene (Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting)
Other Christmas Activities

Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

Spectators can watch illuminated floats, tinsel-strewn trucks, and carolers make their way down Third Street. The celebration continues at the Marquette Commons with live music by 41 West, dance performances, and the lighting of the city tree. Attendees can also browse local goods and seasonal treats at the Yule Market, sip hot cocoa, and meet Santa Claus.

What to Expect

Parade down Third Street followed by the annual tree lighting ceremony.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Marquette

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Downtown Marquette

Food & Drink

Hot cocoa is available, and the Yule Market offers seasonal treats.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and community-minded

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

Marquette Commons
112 South Third Street
Marquette, MI
49855

Know Before You Go

  • Hours: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM; tree lighting ceremony begins at 7 PM.

Tips & Advice

  • Bundle up to watch the floats and carolers along Third Street, then follow the parade south to the Marquette Commons for the tree lighting.
  • Have kids bring their letters to Santa, since the Marquette Post Office collects them as the parade moves down Third Street.
  • Leave time to browse the new Yule Market for local goods and seasonal treats, because that's where the City Tree Lighting takes place this year.
  • Grab a cocoa and say hi to Santa at the Commons while 41 West plays holiday tunes.
  • Groups that want to enter a float or truck should fill out the parade registration with the Marquette Downtown Development Authority.

Special Events & Promotions

  • New this year: the Yule Market, with local goods and seasonal treats, hosts the City Tree Lighting.
  • 41 West performs live holiday music at the tree lighting.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after the parade?

The parade heads south down Third Street to the Marquette Commons for the 51st Annual City Tree Lighting. Expect music, dance and live holiday tunes from 41 West.

Can my kids send a letter to Santa?

Yes. The Marquette Post Office collects letters as the parade goes down Third Street, and the post office also collects them at the tree lighting.

Will Santa be there?

Yes. Santa is at the Commons to hear Christmas wishes and meet the whole family.

What is the Yule Market?

The Yule Market is a new holiday tradition downtown, with local goods and seasonal treats. This year the City Tree Lighting takes place at the market.

How can my group be in the parade?

Sign up through the parade registration with the Marquette Downtown Development Authority.

Tags

paradestree lightingSanta visitscommunity celebrationholiday marketlive musicfestive foodfamily friendlyseasonal activities

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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.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Nov 4, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team