A woman walks past the newly erected Christmas tree Monday on the corner of Neil and East Main streets in front of Guido’s in downtown Champaign. The tree is still awaiting the finishing touch, which it’ll receive during a tree-lighting ceremony Saturday as the culmination of the 24th Annual Parade of Lights. The parade kicks off at 6 p.m., and several streets throughout the downtown area will be closed to traffic from 4:30 p.m. onward in order for it to happen: Neil between University Avenue and Columbia Street; Main between Neil and Chestnut streets; Washington between Neil and Walnut streets; Chester between Market and Neil streets; and Walnut between Washington and University. Taylor Street from Neil to Walnut will be closed starting at 10 a.m.
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CHAMPAIGN — Downtown Champaign is set to turn into a winter wonderland Saturday, culminating with the 24th Annual Parade of Lights at 6 p.m. and the tree lighting ceremony afterward. This year’s theme is “Candy Cane Lane.”
Leadership from the Champaign Center Partnership, which organizes the event with support from sponsors, said that the day is not just about getting into the holiday spirit but also supporting local merchants.
“By shopping local, we’re not just supporting businesses—we’re keeping our hometown alive and growing,” said Jenna Manolakes, executive director of Champaign Center Partnership. “It’s important to me that my daughter can experience the magic of this community the same way I did growing up. When you shop local, you’re investing in the vibrancy and future of Champaign.”
Downtown will also play host to a variety of other holiday events throughout the day thanks to the Champaign Center Partnership, its sponsors and local businesses, including:
— Starting at 1 p.m., Taylor Street will turn into “Candy Cane Lane” and feature vendors, live music, holiday characters, crafts for kids, face painting, balloon animals, photography and a scavenger hunt.
— Visits with Santa at Big Grove Tavern, 1 E. Main St., with sensory-friendly hours from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and general visits from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
— Carriage rides from Merrybeth Farm from 1 to 5 p.m.
— The tree lighting ceremony will take place at 2 E. Main St., in front of Guido’s Bar and Grill, after the parade ends. It is scheduled for 7 p.m.
— “After-hours festivities” at participating businesses starting at 8 p.m.
Santa Claus himself brought up the end of the Parade of Lights on Saturday before leading the countdown to light the Tree of Lights.
Additionally, the Champaign Center Partnership will launch “the Passport of Presents” on Saturday as an incentive to shop local. Community members can pick up their passport at the gingerbread man booth on Candy Cane Lane or at participating businesses.
During the holiday season, residents can earn stamps by spending at least $20 at participating businesses. Those who collect five stamps and return their passport to the Champaign Center Partnership by Jan. 8 will be entered into a raffle for a prize valued at over $500.
According to the city of Champaign, the following streets will be closed to traffic from 4:30 p.m. until after the end of the parade:
- Neil Street between University Avenue and Columbia Street
- Main Street between Neil Street and Chestnut Street
- Washington Street between Neil Street and Walnut Street
- Chester Street between Market Street and Neil Street
- Walnut Street between Washington Street and University Avenue
Furthermore, Taylor Street from Neil Street to Walnut Street will be closed starting at 10 a.m. Saturday.
“All vehicles within this area will need to be relocated prior to the 4:30 p.m. cutoff time,” city staff said. “Free parking will be available at the Hill Street Parking Deck on Saturday. Detour routes around this area will be State Street, Randolph Street, and University Avenue.”
Manolakes told The News-Gazette that the parade will follow the same route as last year. It will start at the Walnut Street and Washington Street parking lot behind the Orpheum, go south down Walnut, turn west onto Chester, go north up Neil and end at Neil and Washington, she said.
Parade-watchers and downtown visitors throughout the day will want to bundle up; Saturday’s high isn’t expected to exceed 30.