O'Fallon Illuminated Holiday Parade
Spectators can watch an illuminated nighttime parade filled with marching bands, dancers, glowing floats, and creative Santa-themed displays. The route leads to a celebration featuring the community tree lighting and appearances by Santa and holiday characters. Visitors can also enjoy family sing-alongs, children's crafts, and complimentary treats.
What to Expect
Night parade with glowing floats, creative Santas, and a free festival
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown O'Fallon
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Beth Ortega Group
Food & Drink
The free post-parade party offers hot chocolate, popcorn, cookies, and treats.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Bright, playful, communal
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: The post-parade community festival/Santa Party is free.
- Hours: Parade steps off at 6:00 PM sharp; post-parade party follows the parade.
- Parking: Public parking is available at City Hall, side roads, and nearby lots. Watch for closures near the parade route and do not block private drives.
- Pets: Service animals are welcome.
Tips & Advice
- Get to your spot early because the parade steps off sharp. The real Santa comes at the very end, so stay for the whole route.
- Dress warmly and be ready for rain, cold or wind. The parade is only rescheduled or canceled for very severe weather.
- Keep children close and off the street during the parade, since visibility is limited at this nighttime event.
- Park once and walk, because the route is within walking distance of the free post-parade Santa Party and tree lighting.
- Stay for the tree lighting after the parade, when the crowd sings along to bring Santa to town to light the City Tree.
Special Events & Promotions
- New parade route this year, which now runs through to the park for Santa's party.
- SantaFest theme: hundreds of parade Santas, with the real Santa making his entrance last.
- Santa-themed parade entries earn extra points toward the creativity and holiday spirit awards.
- Floats line up on State Street this year, which frees up more space for spectators to park.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the theme this year?
This year is SantaFest. Businesses, schools, dance troupes and families build creative not-quite-Santa displays. The real Santa waits at the very end of the route.
What happens after the parade?
Everyone heads to the park for the free Santa Party and the official O'Fallon tree lighting. There's free hot chocolate, popcorn, cookies and treats. Kids get crafts and make-and-take activities, and there are sing-alongs and family entertainment.
Where should I park?
Use public parking at City Hall, on side roads or in nearby lots. Floats line up on State Street this year, which leaves more room to park and walk a few blocks to the parade and the party. Watch for closures near the route and don't block private drives.
Can I bring my dog?
Service animals are welcome.
How can my group enter the parade?
Floats, walking units, mobile units and marching bands can apply online. Every unit must be at least 50% lit. Awards go to creativity and holiday spirit, and Santa-themed entries earn extra points.
More Christmas Events Near O'Fallon
More Christmas Events near O'Fallon
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.