Lighted Christmas Parades in Iowa (2026): Dates, Times, and Locations

Updated: November 2, 2026. This list is being revised as 2026 parade details are confirmed. Parades are listed in date order, starting with the earliest.

If you’re looking for my favorite lighted Christmas parade in Iowa, it’s Oskaloosa. The illuminated floats and decorated storefronts around the historic town square make it a holiday road trip worth taking.

But there are plenty of other communities lighting up the season. Below, you’ll find Iowa’s lighted Christmas parades in date order, with start times added as organizers announce them. Dates marked “expected” follow the community’s usual schedule and are awaiting confirmation.

Check the linked event page before heading out, since weather can change parade schedules.

More ways to enjoy Christmas in Iowa

• Iowa’s best free Christmas lights: Find displays to visit beyond parade night.
• Iowa’s best holiday markets: Add seasonal shopping and holiday treats to your plans.
• Christmas trees on Iowa’s Main Streets: Explore the downtown traditions that give Iowa towns their Christmas character.

Thurs, Nov 19 (expected): Holiday in the Ville in Estherville, Iowa

Location: Downtown Estherville and Library Square

Date and time: Awaiting confirmation. The Chamber holds Holiday in the Ville every year on the Thursday before Thanksgiving, which is November 19, 2026. In past years, the Parade of Lights has started at 7 p.m. and traveled down Central Avenue from 13th Street to 5th Street.

Details: Holiday in the Ville features a Chocolate Walk, horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers, and a Parade of Lights. After the parade, visitors gather at Library Square to watch Santa light the Christmas trees.

Updates: Estherville Area Chamber holiday events

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Sat, Nov 21: Lighted Christmas Parade in Humboldt and Dakota City, Iowa

Location: Humboldt and Dakota City, Iowa. Check the organizer’s page for route and viewing locations.

Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026

Parade time: Awaiting confirmation. Last year’s parade started at 7 p.m.

Details: Celebrate the season with the community’s annual lighted Christmas parade. Follow the organizers for the latest start time, route, and participation details.

Updates: Lighted Christmas Parade – Humboldt & Dakota City on Facebook

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Mon, Nov 23: IBEW Holiday Lighted Parade in Sioux City, Iowa

Location: Downtown Sioux City. The parade follows 4th Street from Iowa Street to Nebraska Street.

Date and time: Monday, November 23, 2026, at 6:15 p.m.

Details: Lighted floats kick off the holiday season, followed by the downtown Christmas tree lighting in front of the Sioux City Public Museum and a visit from Santa.

An accessible viewing area will be available outside the Sioux City Convention Center, with a sensory-friendly space inside.

Updates: Downtown Sioux City’s 2026 holiday announcement

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Wed, Nov 25 (expected): A Night Under the Lights in Waukee, Iowa

Location: Previously held at Centennial Park in Waukee. The 2026 location is awaiting confirmation.

Date and time: Awaiting confirmation. The event has been held the Wednesday before Thanksgiving in recent years. Last year, activities began at 4 p.m., and the parade started at 6 p.m.

Details: Past celebrations have featured a lighted parade, food vendors, live entertainment, and family activities at Centennial Park. Check for the 2026 announcement before planning your visit.

Updates: Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce events calendar

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Fri, Nov 27: Clarinda’s Lighted Christmas Parade

Location: Downtown square in Clarinda, Iowa

Date and time: Friday, November 27, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Details: Clarinda’s 34th annual Christmas parade features more than 60 lighted floats and fire trucks, with the Page County Courthouse’s red-and-green canopy of lights providing a festive backdrop.

The parade honors the area fire departments that fought the Page County Courthouse fire on December 11, 1991.

Updates: Clarinda Christmas Parade on Travel Iowa

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Fri, Nov 27: Weihnachtsfest in Manning, Iowa

Location: Main Street in downtown Manning, Iowa

Date and time: Friday, November 27, 2026. The community band performs at 5:45 p.m., and the lighted parade starts at 6 p.m.

Details: Manning’s Weihnachtsfest brings Christmas celebrations to Main Street with a lighted parade, shopping, food, and family activities. After the parade, visit Santa at The Market Place and enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, hayrack rides, marshmallow roasting, hot apple cider, cookie decorating, and crafts.

Updates: Manning’s official Weihnachtsfest schedule

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Fri, Nov 27: Fort Madison Parade of Lights

Location: Avenue G in downtown Fort Madison, Iowa, heading toward Central Park

Date and time: Friday, November 27, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

Details: Lighted floats travel through downtown Fort Madison to kick off the Christmas season. After the parade, the floats remain illuminated in Central Park throughout the holiday season, giving visitors another opportunity to enjoy the displays.

Updates: Fort Madison Parade of Lights event details

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Fri, Nov 27: Belmond Parade of Lights

Location: Main Street in Belmond, Iowa

Date and time: Friday, November 27, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Details: Belmond’s Parade of Lights brings illuminated floats to Main Street for a family-friendly holiday celebration. The event also includes a fireworks show by 4G’s Pyrotechnics.

Updates: Belmond’s official Parade of Lights listing

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Fri, Nov 27: Perry’s Lighted Holiday Parade

Location: Downtown Perry, Iowa

Date and time: Friday, November 27, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Details: Celebrate the start of the holiday season with Perry’s annual lighted parade through downtown. Check the event page for parade route information and any weather-related updates.

Updates: Perry’s Lighted Holiday Parade Facebook event

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Fri, Nov 27: Winterset Festival of Lights

Location: Downtown courthouse square in Winterset, Iowa

Date and time: Friday, November 27, 2026. Activities begin at 5 p.m., and the lighted parade starts at 7:15 p.m.

Details: Arrive early to enjoy live and lighted storefront displays, food and beverages on the west side of the courthouse lawn, and visits with Santa inside the courthouse until 6:45 p.m.

After the parade, the Iowa Theater will show Elf at 8 p.m., with free admission in exchange for a food pantry donation.

Updates: Winterset Festival of Lights event details

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Fri, Nov 27: Greenfield Festival of Lights

Location: Historic town square in Greenfield, Iowa

Date: Friday, November 27, 2026

Parade time: Awaiting confirmation. Last year’s parade started at 6 p.m. around the square.

Details: Greenfield’s Festival of Lights celebrates the holiday season with a community lighted parade. Check the Chamber’s calendar for the parade start time and this year’s activities before heading out.

Updates: Greenfield Chamber community calendar

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Fri, Nov 27: Christmas in the City in Webster City, Iowa

Location: Downtown Webster City

Festival dates: November 27–28, 2026

Lighted parade: Not yet confirmed for 2026

Christmas in the City begins Friday, November 27, with the downtown tree lighting and living windows at 5 p.m. Clydesdale carriage rides run from 5–8 p.m., with advance tickets required. Saturday brings activities at Fuller Hall from 9 a.m. to noon. A lighted parade is not currently listed in the 2026 schedule.

Updates: Webster City’s Christmas in the City

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Crowds gather around the town square in Oskaloosa for their annual lighted Christmas parade.

Sat, Nov 28: Anamosa Holiday Parade of Lights

Location: Downtown Anamosa, Iowa

Date and time: Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 5–7 p.m.

Anamosa’s Holiday Parade of Lights brings illuminated floats, music, and holiday cheer downtown. Gather along the parade route for this community Christmas tradition. The Chamber lists Lawrence Community Center, 600 E. Main Street, as the event location.

Updates: Anamosa Holiday Parade of Lights event details

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Sat, Nov 28: Belle Plaine Holiday Homecoming Lighted Parade

Location: Downtown Belle Plaine, Iowa

Date and time: Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

Celebrate Belle Plaine’s Holiday Homecoming with a lighted parade presented by Belle Plaine Community Development. Other festivities include Santa’s workshop, local shopping specials, a tree lighting, and a free movie at King Theater.

Updates: Belle Plaine Community Development

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Sat, Nov 28: Light Up the Night in Hampton

Location: Downtown Hampton, Iowa

Date and time: Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

Franklin REC’s Light Up the Night celebration features a lighted parade through downtown Hampton. Come earlier for lunch at the firehouse, visits with Santa, holiday crafts, and other afternoon activities before the illuminated floats roll through town.

Updates: Franklin REC’s Light Up the Night

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Sat, Nov 28: Washington Lighted Holiday Parade

Location: Downtown Washington, Iowa

Date and time: Saturday, November 28, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Washington’s Lighted Holiday Parade circles downtown as part of its Wonderland celebration. Arrive early for free horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The lighting ceremony and Lights of Love Memory Trees celebration begin at the bandstand at 6 p.m., followed by the parade.

Updates: Main Street Washington’s Wonderland schedule

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Sat, Nov 28 (expected): Kiwanis Lighted Holiday Parade in Burlington, Iowa

Location: Downtown Burlington, Iowa, along Jefferson Street

Date and time: Awaiting confirmation. The parade is traditionally held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which is November 28, 2026. Last year’s parade started at 5 p.m.

Details: Burlington’s annual Kiwanis Lighted Holiday Parade brings illuminated floats downtown for a festive evening. Check for the 2026 schedule, route, and theme before planning your visit.

Updates: Downtown Burlington on Facebook

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Sat, Nov 28 (expected): Albert’s Lighted Parade in Audubon

Location: Audubon, Iowa, starting and ending at Albert the Bull Park

Date and time: Awaiting confirmation. The parade has been held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which is November 28, 2026. Last year’s parade started at 5:30 p.m.

Albert’s Lighted Parade has been part of Audubon’s Hometown Christmas celebration, bringing illuminated entries through town. Check for the confirmed 2026 schedule before planning your visit.

Updates: City of Audubon

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Sat, Nov 28: Dazzle Fest in Chariton

Location: Downtown Chariton, Iowa

Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026

Parade time: Awaiting confirmation.

Dazzle Fest brings holiday festivities and a lighted parade to Chariton’s historic downtown square. Check with Chariton Area Chamber/Main Street for the complete 2026 activity schedule and parade start time.

Updates: Dazzle Fest 2026 event page

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Sat, Nov 28: Bellevue’s Lighted Christmas Parade

Location: Bellevue, Iowa

Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026

Parade time: Awaiting confirmation. In past years, fireworks over the river started at 7 p.m., followed by the lighted parade down Riverview Street.

Bellevue’s Unwrap the Magic of Christmas celebration includes a lighted parade and fireworks on Saturday, November 28. Holiday activities continue throughout the weekend. Check with the Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce for the parade start time and complete schedule.

Updates: Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce

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Sat, Nov 28: Guttenberg Christmas by the River & Holiday Parade

Location: Guttenberg, Iowa

Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026

Event hours: 1–6 p.m.

Parade time: Awaiting confirmation.

Celebrate the season in Guttenberg with Christmas by the River and the fifth annual holiday parade. Check the event updates for the parade start time and complete schedule of holiday activities.

Updates: City of Guttenberg’s event calendar

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Sat, Nov 28: Corning Holiday Lighted Parade

Location: Downtown Corning, Iowa

Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026

Parade time: Awaiting confirmation.

Corning’s Holiday Lighted Parade returns to downtown with decorated floats to celebrate the Christmas season. Check Main Street Corning’s updates for this year’s theme, parade start time, and additional activities.

Updates: Main Street Corning

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Thurs, Dec 3: Sioux Center Hometown Holidays Lighted Parade

Location: First Avenue SW, Sioux Center, Iowa

Date and time: Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

Watch illuminated floats and decorated vehicles travel along First Avenue SW during Sioux Center’s Hometown Holidays celebration. A tree lighting follows immediately inside Centre Mall, where visitors can also enjoy food, hot drinks, mini train rides, and holiday entertainment. The broader Hometown Holidays celebration runs December 2–6.

Updates: Sioux Center’s Hometown Holidays schedule

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Thurs, Dec 3: Miracle on Lake Avenue in Storm Lake

Location: Lake Avenue in downtown Storm Lake, Iowa

Date and time: Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 6:15 p.m.

Miracle on Lake Avenue brings a lighted Christmas parade to downtown Storm Lake, along with a tree-lighting ceremony, musical performances, crafts, treats, and activities at local businesses. Check Storm Lake United’s updates for the complete evening schedule.

Updates: Storm Lake United’s event calendar

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Thurs, Dec 3: Creston Lighted Christmas Parade

Location: Uptown Creston, Iowa

Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026

Parade time: Awaiting confirmation. In recent years, the community tree lighting at the Depot has come first, with the parade at 7 p.m.

Creston’s annual Lighted Christmas Parade is part of the community’s “No Place Like Creston for the Holidays” celebration. Santa visits the depot that same day. Check the latest schedule for parade and Santa visit times before heading out.

Updates: Southern Iowa Tourism’s Union County event listings

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Thurs, Dec 3 (expected): Cherokee Lighted Christmas Parade

Location: Main Street in downtown Cherokee, Iowa

Date and time: Awaiting confirmation. The parade is usually held on the first Thursday in December, which is December 3, 2026. Past parades have started at 6 p.m.

Cherokee’s annual Lighted Christmas Parade brings illuminated entries to historic Main Street during the holiday season. Check the Cherokee Chamber’s event calendar for the confirmed 2026 date and start time before planning your visit.

Updates: Cherokee’s event calendar

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Thurs, Dec 3: Manchester Window Walk & Static Christmas Parade

Location: Downtown Manchester, Iowa

Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026

Time: Awaiting confirmation.

Manchester’s 39th Annual Window Walk and Static Christmas Parade invites visitors to stroll downtown, view stationary parade displays, and visit participating businesses. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy an evening with family and friends. The event is weather permitting.

Updates: Manchester Chamber’s Window Walk event page

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Fri, Dec 4: Light Up LeClaire Christmas Parade

Location: LeClaire, Iowa. The parade starts from the south end of the LeClaire Riverfront (110 N. Front Street), and lighted vehicles travel down Wisconsin Street.

Date and time: Friday, December 4, 2026, at 5 p.m.

The Light Up LeClaire Christmas Parade kicks off the 42nd annual Christmas in LeClaire weekend (December 4–6), with cars, trucks, golf carts, and UTVs covered in lights. The same evening, the riverfront hosts a tree lighting ceremony, fireworks, caroling, and a live nativity. The weekend also includes free trolley rides, Santa visits, a craft fair, and an Ugly Sweater 5K.

Updates: Christmas in LeClaire

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Fri, Dec 4: Mount Pleasant Holiday on Main Parade

Location: Downtown Mount Pleasant, Iowa

Date: Friday, December 4, 2026

Parade time: Awaiting confirmation.

Mount Pleasant’s Holiday on Main Parade brings the community downtown to celebrate the Christmas season. Check the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce’s updates for the confirmed start time, parade route, and additional holiday activities.

Updates: Mount Pleasant Chamber’s event calendar

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Fri–Sat, Dec 4–5: Traer Lighted Christmas Parade

Location: Downtown Traer, Iowa

Holiday Happenings: December 4–5, 2026

Parade date and time: Awaiting confirmation.

Traer’s lighted Christmas parade is part of its annual Holiday Happenings celebration. The community tradition includes downtown holiday lights and seasonal shopping. Check the Traer Chamber’s updates for the parade schedule and complete list of activities.

Updates: Traer Chamber of Commerce

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Sat, Dec 5: Preston Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary’s Lighted Christmas Parade

Location: Preston, Iowa

Date and time: Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 5 p.m.

The Preston Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary hosts its seventh annual Lighted Christmas Parade. Bundle up for an evening of illuminated parade entries and small-town holiday cheer.

Updates: Preston’s Lighted Christmas Parade

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Sat, Dec 5: Christmas by the Lake in Clear Lake, Iowa

Location: Downtown Clear Lake, along Main Avenue

Date and time: Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 5:07 p.m.

Clear Lake’s lighted Christmas parade starts at Eighth Street and Main Avenue, travels toward the lake, and turns north onto North Lakeview Drive. Stay for the fireworks after the parade! Come early for holiday shopping, carriage and wagon rides, and visits with Santa.

Updates: Christmas by the Lake

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Sat, Dec 5: Gowrie Hometown Christmas Parade

Location: Gowrie, Iowa, with activities at City Park

Date and time: Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Gowrie’s third annual Hometown Christmas celebration begins with a lighted parade. Afterward, head to City Park for the tree-lighting ceremony, walk-through light displays, visits with Santa, and food and refreshments including chili, hot cocoa, cookies, and popcorn.

Updates: Gowrie’s Hometown Christmas schedule and parade map

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Sat, Dec 5: Lighted Christmas Parade and Fireworks in Atlantic, Iowa

Location: Downtown Atlantic, along Chestnut Street

Date and time: Saturday, December 5, 2026, starting at 6 p.m.

Atlantic’s celebration begins with fireworks, followed by the annual Lighted Christmas Parade. Arrive early to explore downtown shops, enjoy the Christmas lights, and pick up warm treats along Chestnut Street.

Updates: Atlantic Lighted Parade and Fireworks

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Sat, Dec 5: Lighted Christmas Parade in Oskaloosa, Iowa

Location: Downtown Oskaloosa, around the city square

Date and time: Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Oskaloosa Main Street hosts its 39th annual Lighted Christmas Parade with illuminated floats traveling through downtown. This is one of my favorite holiday parades! Arrive early to explore the shops, grab dinner, and enjoy the holiday atmosphere around the square.

Updates: Oskaloosa Lighted Christmas Parade

Lighted Christmas Parade in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

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Sat, Dec 5: Christmas in the Park in Osceola, Iowa

Location: Downtown Osceola, around the square

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026

Parade time: Awaiting confirmation. Last year’s lighted parade started at 6 p.m.

Osceola’s Christmas in the Park features a lighted parade, visits with Santa, and holiday activities around the downtown square. Check with Osceola Chamber Main Street for the 2026 schedule before planning your visit.

Updates: Osceola Christmas in the Park

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Sat, Dec 5 (expected): DeWitt’s Hometown Christmas

Location: Downtown DeWitt, along Sixth Avenue

Date and time: Awaiting confirmation. Hometown Christmas is held on the first Saturday in December, which is December 5, 2026. In past years, the lighted parade started at 5 p.m. on South Sixth Avenue and ended at Lincoln Park for the tree lighting.

DeWitt’s Hometown Christmas brings holiday cheer downtown with a lighted parade, Christmas tree lighting, and decorated storefronts during the Live & Lit Window Walk. Check the Chamber’s schedule for confirmed parade details before planning your visit.

Updates: DeWitt’s Hometown Christmas

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Sat, Dec 5: Milo’s Small Town Country Christmas

Location: Milo, Iowa

Festival date: Saturday, December 5, 2026

2026 lighted parade details: Awaiting confirmation

Milo’s Small Town Country Christmas returns December 5. The celebration has traditionally included holiday shopping, activities with Santa, and a lighted parade. Check the official event page for this year’s parade time and lineup details before planning your visit.

Updates: Milo’s Small Town Country Christmas

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Sat, Dec 5: Christmas in a Small Town in Coon Rapids, Iowa

Location: Main Street, Coon Rapids

Festival date: Saturday, December 5, 2026

Lighted parade: Not yet confirmed for 2026

Coon Rapids’ Christmas in a Small Town features holiday shopping, children’s activities, visits with Santa, and a community meal. The festival date is confirmed, but a lighted parade has not been verified for this year. Check the official schedule before planning a trip specifically for the parade.

Updates: Christmas in a Small Town

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Sun, Dec 6: Merry & Bright Parade in Bondurant, Iowa

Location: Bondurant, Iowa

Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026

Parade time: Awaiting confirmation. Last year’s parade started at 5 p.m.

Bondurant’s Merry & Bright celebration returns with holiday activities and a lighted parade. Check the city’s event information for the confirmed parade time, route, and full schedule before planning your visit.

Updates: Bondurant Community Events

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Mon, Dec 7: Madrid Christmas Kickoff & Lighted Parade

Location: Downtown Madrid, Iowa

Date and time: Monday, December 7, 2026. Activities begin at 5:30 p.m., with the lighted parade at 7:30 p.m.

Madrid’s Christmas Kickoff includes visits with Santa at the bank, a vendor show, horse-drawn carriage rides, food trucks, and downtown businesses offering holiday activities. The lighted parade travels east along Second Street to South Union Street.

Updates: Madrid Chamber’s Christmas Kickoff

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Fri, Dec 11: Water Street Lighted Parade in Decorah, Iowa

Location: Water Street, downtown Decorah

Date and time: Friday, December 11, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Decorah’s 34th annual Water Street Lighted Parade celebrates “It’s a Wonderful Life,” inspired by the classic Christmas movie. The parade travels from Riverside Avenue onto Water Street, continues through downtown, and turns onto Mill Street at Vesterheim Museum.

Updates: Decorah’s Water Street Lighted Parade

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Sat, Dec 12 (expected): A Very Merry Christmas in Swisher, Iowa

Location: Downtown Swisher

Date and time: Awaiting confirmation. The celebration has been held on a mid-December Saturday, with events from 4–7 p.m. and the lighted parade on Second Street at 6 p.m.

Swisher’s A Very Merry Christmas celebration has featured a lighted parade along Second Street, horse-drawn wagon rides, children’s activities, and visits with Santa. Check the event’s official page for the confirmed 2026 schedule before planning your visit.

Updates: A Very Merry Christmas in Swisher

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