PEORIA — The Peoria Santa Claus Parade is the longest continually running holiday parade in the United States, and it returns for 2025. The 138th annual parade features costumed characters, novelty walking units, decorated floats, marching bands, and of course Santa Claus.
Here are some things to know about the 2025 Peoria Santa Claus Parade.
When is the Peoria Santa Claus Parade 2025?
The 138th annual parade is scheduled to step off at 9:15 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28.
How to watch the Peoria Santa Claus Parade 2025
Viewers can attend the parade by lining up along Monroe, Main and Adams streets. See the parade route map below. The parade will also be televised locally at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 28 on WMBD-TV.
Peoria Santa Claus Parade 2025 route map
The parade begins at the Peoria Central Firehouse on Monroe and Bryan Streets, then proceeds on Monroe to Main Street, left on Main, left on Adams Street, and will end past the Peoria County Courthouse on Fayette Street.
Peoria Santa Parade 2025 theme
The 2025 parade’s theme is “Decades of Holiday Celebrations,” with floats competing for five awards: Best Novelty Unit, Best Overall Unit, Best New Entry, Best Commercial Float Entry, and Best Non-Profit Float Entry.
Peoria Santa Parade 2025 grand marshal
The Grand Marshal of the parade is recently retired Chuck Collins, who worked as the chief meteorologist at WEEK-25 News from 2009 until he retired in September and previously worked at WMBD-TV for 23 years. He is a member and earned the broadcasting seal of approval from the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association. He is also the winner of the Illinois Broadcaster’s Association’s “Silver Dome” award for best downstate TV weather.
For more information about the Peoria Santa Claus Parade, visit www.peoriaevents.com.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria’s Santa Claus Parade is almost here. Here’s what to know
Reporting by Mike Kramer, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
