Downtown Urbana will shine brighter than ever as the Monument Square District hosts its beloved Holiday Horse Parade on Friday, November 28, marking a full day of shopping, dining, music, and Christmas cheer. The event has become a treasured post-Thanksgiving tradition since debuting in 2015 as an expansion of Urbana’s original Santa Parade.
The celebration begins at 10:00 a.m., when downtown shops and eateries open their doors for Black Friday and Christmas shopping. By 4:00 p.m., the streets will come alive with an assortment of food trucks and craft vendors, offering everything from festive treats to handmade holiday gifts.
At 4:30 p.m., holiday music by DJ Tray Huntsman will fill the streets, setting the tone for an evening of community spirit. Visitors are invited to gather at 5:15 p.m. in Legacy Park for group caroling, with music sheets provided for all. The magic continues at 5:30 p.m. with the beloved Tree Lighting Ceremony, a glowing kickoff to the night’s biggest attractions.
The highlight of the celebration, the Lighted Horse Parade, begins at 6:30 p.m. Featuring approximately 125 beautifully decorated horses and carriages, the parade starts at the Lawn/Scioto intersection, loops around the monument, and returns to Patrick Avenue. This year’s Parade Grand Marshals are Tim and Tonya West, honored for their outstanding contributions to the community.
At 7:15 p.m., as the parade concludes, Santa Claus arrives in a carriage to greet families and officially open Santa Land at Oxner’s (122 S. Main St.). Free carriage and trolley rides will be available from 7:15 to 9:00 p.m. for an extra touch of holiday charm. Vendors begin closing at 8:00 p.m., though the celebration continues until 9:00 p.m.
Parking and attendance are completely free, making the event accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
The Monument Square District, organizer of the Holiday Horse Parade, remains dedicated to promoting downtown Urbana through community engagement, beautification, and support of local businesses. Their work ensures that this event remains a cherished part of Champaign County’s holiday traditions.
Food & Craft Vendors Include:
- Schmidts Food Truck
- Hoose’s Sizzlin’ Tortillas
- The Forking Pierogi
- Sweet Concessions
- Piece by Piece Sweet Treats
- Tasty Sips
- Fork in the Road
- The Ole Pine Coffee Trailer
- Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee & Drinks
- Alisa’s Blankets and Bags
- Monkey Craft Wagon
- Sweet Serenity
- Raegan’s Legacy Dog Bakery
- Retro Scents Candles
- A Walk in the Woods
- Bear Spike Designs
- Krafty Crumble
Santa Land Hours
- Fri, Nov 28: After the parade – 9:00 p.m.
- Sat, Dec 13: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Fri, Dec 19: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Sat, Dec 20: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Sun, Dec 21: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Mon, Dec 22: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Tue, Dec 23: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
President of the Monument Square Board, Elton Cultice, shares more information, along with his excitement to see the community get involved with this event.
For more details, visit the Monument Square District website HERE.
