Light Up The Parks Holiday Parade
Visitors celebrate the season with a fireworks display accompanied by Christmas music, followed by a festive parade filled with decorative floats distributing candy. The event kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony and concludes at the Town Center with the illumination of a 30-foot tree. Attendees can also see Mr. and Mrs. Claus and enjoy treats provided by a local church.
Sun, Nov 22, 2026 All ages
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Plan Your Visit
Hours
The festivities start at 5:30 PM; Christmas tree lighting at 5:30 PM; fireworks at 5:35 PM.
Food & Drink
Treats are provided by a local church.
Parking
The parade starts at the Loves Park City Hall parking lot; no parking instructions or costs are given.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Have the kids bring their letters for Santa, because Mr. and Mrs. Claus are waiting at the Town Center when the parade wraps up.
- Stop by The Vintage Goose near the Loves Park Festival Grounds for hot beverages and pastries, which are available anytime during the festivities.
- Use the spectator maps of the route from Loves Park City Hall to the Machesney Town Center to pick your viewing spot along the parade.
- Parade groups should set a meet-up spot in the Sand Park Pool lot and another at Machesney Park Center, since there's no drop-off and the Civic Center is closed.
- Dress warmly for an evening outdoors, as the tree lighting, fireworks and parade all happen after dark in late November.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year for parade groups: there is no designated drop-off area, and the Civic Center will not be open.
Links & Contact
Run by City of Loves Park and Village of Machesney Park
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 is there to see?
A fireworks display set to Christmas music, two Christmas tree lightings, a parade full of floats handing out candy, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the end.
Can kids meet Santa?
Yes. Mr. and Mrs. Claus are at the Town Center after the parade, so bring your letters for Santa.
Where can I get something warm to drink?
The Vintage Goose near the Loves Park Festival Grounds has hot beverages and pastries anytime during the festivities. A local church also hands out treats after the parade.
How can my group enter a float?
Fill out the registration form and sign the participant waiver. Each organization can bring up to 3 vehicles, and all candy and supplies must be on the float before you pull into the lineup.
How can I volunteer or sponsor?
Contact Kim Massetti to volunteer. Sponsors help fund the Loves Park fireworks through the sponsorship form, or by contacting Sandra Hopkins.
Browse Christmas in Loves Park
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.