2023 Woodstock Christmas Parade

Kick off the holiday season with Woodstock's Annual Christmas Parade the Sunday after Thanksgiving! Come out and welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus all your favorite local organizations and businesses parading on floats.

The route begins at Woodstock Water Works and moves toward the Square east on Jackson Street.

PARADE INFO

• Registrations Due: 12:00 p.m. on 11/20. No late entries accepted.
• Parade Date: Sunday, 11/26
• Line Up: Woodstock Water Works Parking Lot, 1:00 p.m.
• Parade Step-Off Time: 2:00 p.m.

Questions? (815) 338-2436 or Click Here to Send an Email

PARTICIPATION
Participation in the parade is open to any persons, groups or organizations wishing to be involved. There is no fee for entry. Those interested should use the online form linked at this page to register. Advance registration is required.

PARADE ROUTE
The Parade starts at the Woodstock Water Works parking lot and will travel down Jackson Street through the Square and out Cass Street. If your vehicle needs to return to the Woodstock Water Works, please use Judd Street until the parade is over. Due to the length of the parade route, all groups must be in a car, truck, trailer or float. Organizations are allowed more than one vehicle.

LINE UP
Line up for the parade is at Woodstock Water Works off Kishwaukee Road. You will be given a number and map the week prior to the parade. Your float will line up in that parking space until directed into the parade line. Line-up begins at 1:30 PM in the WWW south parking lot. Look for staff with yellow vests to guide your vehicle/float to your spot in the parade.

DROP OFF?s
Drop off participants for the parade in the parking lot by the softball field and Woodstock Water Works. Only floats should park in the large Water Works parking lot. Parking for vehicles not in the parade is by the softball fields.

BAD WEATHER
In case of bad weather the decision to cancel will be made by 11:00 AM the day of the parade. Those registered will be notified by phone or email of any changes or cancellation. Notice of cancellation will also be posted on our website and Facebook page. Please DO NOT contact the office with concerns about cancellation. If the parade is cancelled, we will email your registered contact and post on the website and social media. If no cancellation information is posted, the parade is on!

PARADE CONTEST
All entries will be judged based on the following criteria: a) Best Use of the Holiday Theme b) Most Creative c) Best Overall Presentation. Judging will take place in front of the Opera House during the parade. Floats must be decorated for a family atmosphere and constructed in a safe manner, as well as not present a health and safety hazard to the general public. Prizes will be awarded for the winner of each category.

For questions, please call the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry at (815) 338-2436 or send an email to chamber@woodstockilchamber.com.