Upcoming lighted Christmas parades in Iowa (2023)
A few years ago I attended my first ever Christmas lighted parade – and I must say they are pretty impressive with all the lights. Granted, it can be pretty cold at a lighted parade. Just bundle up and bring some hot chocolate and some hand warmers with you.
If you’re looking for my opinion on the best lighted Christmas parade in Iowa, that’s easy – the granddaddy of the lighted parades is in Oskaloosa. They have the longest-standing parade with the most floats, and you can’t beat the lighted storefronts on their historic town square. But if the trip to Oskaloosa is too far, here’s a list of upcoming holiday-lighted parades. Take a look through to find one close to you!
Thur. Nov 16th, 2023
Holiday in the Ville in Estherville, Iowa
Location: Estherville, Iowa
Date/Time: 7 pm Thur Nov 16th, 2023
Details: Kick off the Holiday Season with us on November 16th during the Holiday in the Ville. Start your holiday shopping during the Chocolate Walk which takes place from 4-7 pm along with horse-drawn wagon rides and carolers. At 7 pm the Parade of Lights will dazzle down Central Avenue from 13th Street to 5th Street. Following the parade head to Library Square to help Santa use the magic of Christmas to light the square and the big tree!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/357277436677762
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Wed. Nov 22nd, 2023
A night under the stars – a lighted parade in Waukee, Iowa
Location: Centennial Park in Waukee, Iowa
Date/Time: 6 pm Wed Nov 22nd, 2023
Details: 2nd annual Light Parade in Waukee. A dinner and light parade followed by visits with Santa. The event will be collecting food items to place in a meal for families in need on Thanksgiving day.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1390135311782993
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Fri Nov 24th, 2023
Winterset Festival of Lights
Location: Downtown square in Winterset, Iowa.
Date/Time: 7:15 pm Fri. Nov 24, 2023
Details: Food, music, and free horse-drawn carriage rides start at 5 pm. The parade starts at 7:15 pm, followed by the movie Elf showing at the Iowa Theater at 8 pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/289707076988328
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Fri Nov 24th, 2023
Perry’s Lighted Holiday Parade
Location: Downtown Perry, Iowa.
Date/Time: 7 pm Fri. Nov 24, 2023
Details: The 2022 Lighted parade is in downtown Perry, Iowa starting at 7pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1508983986519871
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Fri Nov 24th, 2023
30th annual lighted Christmas Parade in Clarinda
Location: Downtown square in Clarinda, Iowa.
Date/Time: 6 pm Fri. Nov 24, 2023
Details: It’s a 31-year holiday tradition for SW Iowa, typically with over 60 parade entries, fire trucks, and a canopy of lights. This year’s theme is “Dream of Christmas”.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/786960199081640
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Fri Nov 24th, 2023
Fort Madison Parade of Lights
Location: Main Street in Fort Madison, Iowa.
Date/Time: 6:30 pm Fri Nov 24th, 2023
Details: More than 40 hand-crafted light sculptures. After the parade night, the sculptures are on display at Riverview Park for drive-by viewing at night thru the first week in Jan. It is the largest lighted parade in SE Iowa.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/FMParadeofLights/
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Fri Nov 24th, 2023
Belmond Parade of Lights
Location: Belmond, Iowa.
Date/Time: 6:30 pm Fri Nov 24th, 2023
Details: The parade starts at 6:30 pm with fireworks by 4G Pyrotechnics and then Santa!
Website: https://belmondiowa.com/event/parade-of-lights-november-25th/
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Sat Nov 25th, 2023
Lighted Holiday Parade in Burlington
Location: Downtown Burlington, Iowa.
Date/Time: 5 pm on Sat Nov 25, 2023
Details: Grab your seat on Jefferson Street to watch this year’s lighted parade with the theme “Merry & Bright”
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/193717747012449
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Sat Nov 25, 2023
Belle Plaine Holiday Homecoming Lighted Parade
Location: Main Street in Belle Plaine, Iowa
Date/Time: 5: 30 pm Sat Nov 25th, 2023
Details: Santa will be leading the parade at 5:30pm on Main Street in Belle Plaine, Iowa. After the parade, Santa helps light the town’s Christmas tree.
Website: https://jimmagdefrau.com/benton-county-calendar/
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Sat Nov 25, 2023
Lighted Holiday Parade in Washington, Iowa.
Location: Washington, Iowa
Date/Time: 6:30 pm Sat Nov 25th, 2023
Details: 27th annual lighted holiday parade which circles downtown Washington, Iowa.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/184950047959761
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Sat Nov 25, 2023
Hometown Christmas Parade of Lights in Humboldt, Iowa.
Location: Humboldt, Iowa
Date/Time: 7 pm Sat Nov 25th, 2023
Details: annual lighted holiday parade in Humboldt, Iowa.
Website: https://www.cityofhumboldt.org/visitors/attractions/christmas_in_humboldt/index.php
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Sat Nov 25, 2023
Light Up the Night in Hampton, Iowa.
Location: Hampton, Iowa
Date/Time:5:30 pm Sat Nov 25th, 2023
Details: The lighted parade travels through downtown Hampton starting at 5:30pm, then ends up at Band Shell Park where they light up the park for the season.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/824878182378424
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Sat Nov 25, 2023
DazzleFest in Chariton, Iowa.
Location: Downtown Chariton, Iowa
Date/Time: 7pm Sat Nov 25th, 2023
Details: The lighted parade travels through downtown Chariton starting at 7pm, however, there are numerous other activities scheduled before the parade.
Website: https://www.charitonareachambermainstreet.com/dazzle-fest-2022?fbclid=IwAR3GGS2_rHgfe_TgoypQzRhXh2125kOqCyN_0OBt8BmS3Ykt2MsIeCca5yE
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Sat Nov 25, 2023
Bellevue’s Annual Lighted Christmas Parade
Location: Bellevue, Iowa
Date/Time: 7 pm Sat Nov 25th, 2023
Details: Parade starts at 7 pm, followed by fireworks.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/879995913749278
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Sat Nov 25, 2023
Guttenberg Christmas Market & Parade
Location: Guttenberg, Iowa
Date/Time: 5 pm Sat Nov 25th, 2023
Details: The parade starts at 5 pm on Clayton Ridge, turns on Schiller, then 1st Street to Pearl Street.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1044515656715501
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Sat Nov 25, 2023
Corning Lighted Parade
Location: Corning, Iowa
Date/Time: 6 pm Sat Nov 25th, 2023
Details: The parade starts at 6 pm, join us for cookies, cocoa, and carolers.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/271040685524004
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Sat Nov 25, 2023
Anamosa Parade of Lights
Location: Anamosa, Iowa
Date/Time: 6 pm Sat Nov 25th, 2023
Details: The parade starts at 6 pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/651521149813749/
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Thurs Nov 30, 2023
Creston Lighted Christmas Parade
Location: Creston, Iowa
Date/Time: 6:00 pm Thurs Nov 30, 2023
Details: Creston’s annual lighted Christmas Parade.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/7213052908739989
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Thurs Nov 30, 2023
Boone Lighted Christmas Parade
Location: Boone, Iowa
Date/Time: 7:00 pm Thurs Nov 30, 2023
Details: Boone’s annual lighted Christmas Parade, along with other Christmas Celebrations
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/629334452499925/
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Fri Dec 1, 2023
Oelwein Olde Tyme Christmas
Location: Oelwein, Iowa.
Date/Time: Fri Dec 1, 2023
Details: Event is held first Friday of December every year, parade runs from Frederick Ave / Advanced Auto to 2nd St SW
Website: https://www.oelwein.com/directory/listing/olde-tyme-christmas/
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Sat Dec 2, 2023
Christmas in the Park in Osceola, Iowa
Location: Osceola, Iowa
Date/Time: 6pm Sat Dec 2, 2023
Details: The parade starts at 6 pm on the downtown square.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/646222737628361
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Sat Dec 2, 2023
Merry & Bright Parade in Bondurant, Iowa.
Location: Downtown Bondurant, Iowa
Date/Time: 5 pm Sat Dec 2, 2023
Details: Come celebrate their annual parade which is a family-friendly, kids-appropriate event.
Website: https://www.cityofbondurant.com/community-events-and-festivals/pages/bondurant-community-events-calendar
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Sat Dec 2, 2023
DeWitt’s Hometown Christmas, Iowa.
Location: DeWitt, Iowa
Date/Time: 5 pm Sat Dec 2, 2023
Details: The lighted parade starts at 5pm, however, there’s a day worth of activities including a kid’s Christmas carnival, window walks, and lighting of the town Christmas tree.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/6877237905652298
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Sat Dec 2, 2023
Christmas by the Lake in Clear Lake, Iowa.
Location: The parade begins at 8th Street and Main Avenue and will travel down Main Avenue and North Lakeview Drive in Clear Lake, Iowa.
Date/Time: 5:07 pm Sat Dec 2, 2023
Details: There’s a whole weekend of activities in Clear Lake: breakfast with Santa, polar plunge, carriage rides, and craft show. After the lighted parade, there are fireworks over the lake!
Website: https://members.clearlakeiowa.com/events/details/christmas-by-the-lake-735735
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Sat Dec 2, 2023
Lighted Parade in Coon Rapids, Iowa.
Location: Coon Rapids, Iowa
Date/Time: 5:30 pm Sat Dec 2, 2023
Details: Lighted parade starts in downtown Coon Rapids at 5:30 pm.
Website: https://www.coonrapidsiowa.com/pview.aspx?id=35872&catid=462&fbclid=IwAR1_hRQj2BTlRzWIhjx-MYGwNNhqNAY94Ma16km7JaYr-SRFnvpvr9UcBj4
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Sat Dec 2, 2023
Oskaloosa’s Lighted Christmas Parade.
Location: Downtown Square in Oskaloosa, Iowa
Date/Time: 7 pm Sat Dec 2, 2023
Details: This is the granddaddy of all lighted parades in Iowa. It’s been held for 36 years and probably has the largest number of lighted floats. And don’t forget the setting – the downtown square in Oskaloosa is perhaps the most lighted town square in the entire state. If you live anywhere near Oskaloosa, this is worth the drive. I personally think this is the best lighted Christmas parade in Iowa.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/693573832267477
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Sat Dec 2, 2023
Lighted Christmas Parade in Atlantic, Iowa.
Location: Atlantic, Iowa
Date/Time: 6 pm Sat Dec 2, 2023
Details: Fireworks and a lighted parade await you in Atlantic, where the downtown district is covered with thousands of holiday lights.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/2169465289890331
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Sat Dec 2, 2023
Light up LeClaire Parade
Location: LeClair, Iowa
Date/Time: 5:30 pm Sat Dec 2, 2023
Details: Takes place on Wisconsin Ave in LeClaire, Iowa, starting at 5:30pm.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087184471863
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Sat Dec 2, 2023
Preston Fire Women’s Auxiliary’s Lighted Christmas Parade
Location: Preston, Iowa
Date/Time: 6 pm Sat Dec 2, 2023
Details: Annual lighted Christmas parade in Preston, Iowa.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/676195514577388
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Sat Dec 2, 2023
Christmas in the City, Webster City, Iowa
Location: Webster City, Iowa
Date/Time: 5:30 pm Sat Dec 2, 2023
Details: Webster City Lighted Parade starts at 5:30pm, however, the entire is filled with activities.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/2311244699086274
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Sat Dec 2, 2023
Lighted Parade in Milo, Iowa
Location: Milo, Iowa
Date/Time: 7 pm Sat Dec 2, 2023
Details: 6:30pm lineup at Smith Fertilizer and Grain
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/709433671235596
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Sun Dec 3, 2023
Annual Winter Lights Parade in Waverly, Iowa.
Location: Waverly, Iowa
Date/Time: 5 pm Sun Dec 3, 2023
Details: It’s the third annual winter lights parade in Waverly, Iowa.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/waverlywinterlights
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Mon Dec 4, 2023
Lighted Parade in Madrid, Iowa.
Location: Madrid, Iowa
Date/Time: 6:30 pm Mon Dec 4, 2023
Details: Lighted parade starts at 6:30 pm in Madrid.
Website: https://madridiachamber.com/save-the-date-christmas-kickoff-in-madrid/
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Thurs Dec 7, 2023
Miracle on Lake Avenue in Storm Lake, Iowa.
Location: Storm Lake, Iowa
Date/Time: 6:15 pm Thurs Dec 7, 2023
Details: The parade starts at 6:15 pm, but retailers kick things off as early at 5:30 pm with warming stations and other activities. The annual tree lighting takes place right after the parade and Santa’s Castle will open after the tree lighting.
Website: https://www.stormlake.org/759/Events-2023
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Thur Dec 7, 2023
Lighted Christmas Parade in Cherokee, Iowa
Location: Cherokee, Iowa.
Date/Time: 6 pm Thurs Dec 7, 2023
Details: Annual lighted Christmas parade in Cherokee, Iowa.
Website: https://cherokeeiowa.com/events/lighted-christmas-parade/
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Thurs Dec 7, 2023
Window walk and static Christmas parade in Manchester, Iowa.
Location: Manchester, Iowa
Date/Time: 5:30 pm Thur Dec 7, 2023
Details: This year’s theme is “Candyland”. Stores are open for extended hours and feature static float parade.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/174187902399100
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Thurs Dec 7, 2023
Holiday Parade in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
Location: Mount Pleasants downtown Central Park
Date/Time: 5:15 pm Thurs Dec 7, 2023
Details: Kick off the holiday season with The Grinch and Cindy Lou who will join this year’s parade.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=728746885952645&set=a.448765670617436
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Fri Dec 8, 2023
Lighted Holiday Parade in Decorah, Iowa.
Location: Decorah, Iowa
Date/Time: 6 pm Fri Dec 8, 2023
Details:
As in past years, the parade will line up on South Avenue (behind Helms Funeral Home) and begin promptly at 6pm. The parade route will travel from Riverside Avenue to Water Street. The route continues through downtown and turns right on Mill Street at the Vesterheim Museum.
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Sat Dec 9, 2023
Swisher’s A Very Merry Christmas, Iowa.
Location: 2nd Street in Swisher, Iowa
Date/Time: 6 pm Sat Dec 9, 2023
Details: Lighted parade starts on 2nd Street at 6 pm. However, the activities start as early as 4pm and include crafts, wagon rides, and holiday tree walk.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/5982161958550711/?ref=newsfeed
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