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Ottawa Festival of Lights Parade

Name: Ottawa Festival of Lights Parade
Address: 301 West Main Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, US
Telephone: +18153242655

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Ottawa’s annual Festival of Lights Parade the Friday after Thanksgiving! Stay updated on parade info, staging, volunteers, and event highlights.

Join us as we kick off the holiday season with lights, music, fireworks, and community cheer!

10/10/2026

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10/01/2026

Save The Date!

12/02/2025

THANK YOU, OTTAWA!

What an incredible night! The Festival of Lights Parade was pure magic, and it couldn’t have happened without so many amazing people who brought this tradition to life.

To all of our volunteers, performers, city crews, parade participants, sponsors, and the thousands of families who lined the streets — thank you for making this year unforgettable.

From the fire spinners and the spinner snail to Dunken the Dragon, the beautifully lit floats, and of course Santa himself… this community truly knows how to shine.

Here’s a look back at the night — enjoy!
See you next year for the 39th Annual Festival of Lights Parade!

11/28/2025

Ottawa… tonight’s the night! The 38th Annual Festival of Lights Parade rolls through downtown, and we cannot wait to kick off the holiday season with all of you!

Bundle up, grab your favorite spot along the route, and get ready for some seriously festive floats, twinkling lights, and holiday cheer. See you at 6 PM!

And don’t rush home after the parade — head straight to the Jordan Block! We’ll keep the magic going with a few Christmas carols performed by Friendly City Sound, followed by a special visit from Santa, who will help us countdown to our Annual Tree Lighting and Fireworks. It’s the perfect way to launch the season in true Ottawa style.

See you tonight!

11/27/2025

Wishing everyone a warm and happy Thanksgiving! Once the leftovers are packed up and the naps are taken, bundle up and head downtown because tomorrow night is the Festival of Lights Parade!

We’re lighting up Ottawa with an incredible lineup of floats, music, and holiday magic—and rumor has it the big guy himself will be making a grand appearance… and he’s bringing company!

We can’t wait to see you tomorrow night as we kick off the holiday season together. Let’s make it magical!

11/25/2025

Get ready, Ottawa… Tuggers the Tugboat is BACK and brighter than ever!

He’s been polishing his light bulbs, practicing his smile, and rumor has it he’s consumed an unhealthy amount of Christmas spirit to prepare for this Friday’s 38th Annual Festival of Lights Parade!

Join us this Friday as Tuggers leads the way for one of our biggest parades yet — packed with glowing floats, sparkling cheer, and holiday magic from bow to stern. If you hear a faint “toot toot,” don’t panic… that’s just Tuggers warming up his holiday engines.

Bundle up, bring the family, and come wave to Tuggers as he lights up the night — he promises to be on his best boating behavior.

Let’s make this the brightest parade yet!

11/20/2025

A brand-new spark is coming to this year’s Festival of Lights Parade!

For the first time ever, we’re turning up the excitement with firespinners lighting up the night sky and stilt walkers towering above the crowd, bringing a whole new level of energy and spectacle to LaSalle Street.

These performers are joining our lineup to make the parade bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever before — and we cannot wait for you to see them in action.

Join us Friday, November 28 at 6:00 PM as we kick off the holiday season with dazzling lights, magical performances, the city tree lighting, and festive fireworks.

Get ready, Ottawa… this year, we’re adding some heat.

11/15/2025

Look who’s back and glowing bright!

Our iconic light-up Teddy Bear is making its big return to the 38th Annual Festival of Lights Parade — and if you know the parade, you know what that means…

When the Teddy Bear rolls through, the big guy himself isn’t far behind.This cheerful drummer is the perfect sign that Santa is making his way down the route shortly after!

Join us Friday, November 28, 2025 at 6PM in downtown Ottawa as we kick off the season with one of our favorite traditions. Bundle up, bring the family, and get ready for some holiday magic.

See you along the parade route!

11/14/2025

One of the most iconic sights of the season is making its return — the Spinning Snail!

This glowing, swirling float has become a fan favorite, and it’s gearing up to glide through downtown Ottawa at the 38th Annual Festival of Lights Parade on Friday, November 28, 2025 at 6 PM.

With its neon colors, spinning shell, and mesmerizing lights, the Snail always brings a little extra magic to the parade. It’s the perfect warm-up before Santa makes his big arrival at the end of the night!

Bundle up, grab a good spot along the route, and get ready — the beloved Spinning Snail is almost here!

11/13/2025

The magic is almost here!

Get ready for the 38th Annual Festival of Lights Parade lighting up downtown Ottawa on Friday, November 28th at 6 PM!

This reel gives you just a taste of what’s coming — glowing floats, holiday music, and that small-town Christmas charm we all love. Grab your family, bundle up, and join us for one of Ottawa’s brightest traditions.

Let’s kick off the season together!

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Address

301 West Main Street
Ottawa, IL
61350

Opening Hours

Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18153242655

Website

facebook.com

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