Illustration of Santa greeting families at long breakfast tables with pancakes and cocoa (Christmas by the Lake)
Other Christmas Activities

Christmas by the Lake

Visitors line the streets to watch an illuminated holiday procession travel toward the lake and along North Lakeview Drive. The celebration culminates at the seawall with a fireworks display over the water immediately following the parade.

Sat, Dec 5, 2026 All ages

Website / Tickets

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Plan Your Visit

Hours

5:07 PM.

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Clear Lake Main Avenue & Seawall · Clear Lake, IA 50428 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and holiday parade fans

Vibe

Festive and lively

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Find your spot along Main Avenue or N Lakeview Drive before the parade begins, and stay put afterward because the fireworks start right after the parade ends.
  • Dress warmly for an evening outdoors by the lake in December, since you will be standing for both the lighted parade and the fireworks finale at the seawall.
  • Make a full day of Saturday with carriage and hayrack rides, the petting zoo, pony rides and Christmas karaoke with s'mores downtown before the parade.
  • Bring your own camera or phone to Santa's House in City Park, where Santa visits on Saturday afternoon and again in the evening.
  • Groups that want to ride or march in the lighted parade should submit their entry through the Christmas by the Lake parade entry form.

Special Events & Promotions

  • The Lights on 5K Run/Walk opens the weekend on Thursday, and kids can join a Candy Cane Fun Run with Santa and Mrs. Claus that same evening.
  • A Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place Friday at the City Park Bandshell.
  • Breakfast with Santa runs Saturday morning at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. You pay at the door with no advance sales, and ages 5 and under eat free.
  • Family matinees of Elf on Saturday and The Grinch on Sunday are free with a non-perishable food item or cash donation for the food bank.
  • The Polar Bear Plunge is Sunday at Clear Lake City Beach, and a Toe Dippers Club option lets you join without fully jumping in.

Links & Contact

Run by Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What route does the lighted parade take?

The parade starts at 8th Street and Main Avenue, travels toward the lake and then turns north along N Lakeview Drive.

Are there fireworks?

Yes. The fireworks finale at the seawall begins right after the parade.

Is Christmas by the Lake good for families?

Yes. It is a family-friendly festival with activities for all ages, including a petting zoo, pony rides, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, balloon artists and carriage rides.

Can kids see Santa on parade day?

Yes. Santa is at Santa's House in Clear Lake City Park on Saturday afternoon and again in the evening, so bring a camera or phone for photos.

How can my group be in the parade?

Groups can sign up through the Christmas by the Lake parade entry form.

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.

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