Illustration of Santa greeting families at long breakfast tables with pancakes and cocoa (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.

Thu, Dec 10, 2026 All ages

Website / Tickets

See more Christmas events near Marquette

Illustration of a woodcarver working at a Christmas market stall while shoppers watch in the snow (TV6 Christmas Craft Show) TV6 Christmas Craft Show Marquette · 1 mi Illustration of a couple and children walking through a tunnel of twinkling white lights in the snow (Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock) Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock Marquette · <1 mi

Browse Christmas in Marquette

Illustration of a snowman and small decorated trees in a snowy yard beside a red house, all glowing with warm string lights Lights1 event Illustration of a shopper with bags walking past gift-filled shop windows on a small-town main street Markets2 events Illustration of an audience waiting in an old auditorium with garlands on the balcony Shows1 event Illustration of a seaside promenade with Christmas lights between lamp posts and a family walking a dog Unique & Unusual1 event MapNearby

Plan Your Visit

Hours

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

Neighborhood

Downtown Marquette

Food & Drink

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

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Marquette Commons · 112 South Third Street, Marquette, MI 49855 Get Directions

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

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.

Links & Contact

Run by Downtown Marquette

Website / Tickets

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 website.

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.

View More FAQs

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.

✏️ Suggest a correction to this listing

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: