Parade Of Lights Caps Downtown Champaign Activities

Businesses in downtown Champaign are marking Small Business Saturday with a variety of activities, capped off by an annual Christmas parade.

Many activities begin around 5 PM, as crowds gather for the Parade of Lights.

Businesses will host refreshments and musical performances, including the Urbana High School Jazz Band at the Executive Center building on Neil Street, and the Prince of Peace Choirchime Ensemble inside Jos. Kuhn and Company.

The Virginia Theatre will hold an open house, featuring free tours and David Schroeder on the theatre’s 1921 Wurlitzer pipe organ. The Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company’s Dickensian Carolers will perform as they stroll through downtown streets.

The 13th annual Parade of Lights begins in downtown Champaign at 6 PM, featuring floats, marching bands and Santa Claus. It’s followed immediately by the lighting of the downtown Christmas Tree at One Main Plaza.

Saturday’s activities are coordinated by the Champaign Center Partnership, a group representing businesses in Champaign in the Downtown, Midtown and Campustown areas.