Carbondale Lights Fantastic Parade
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Carbondale Lights Fantastic Parade

The Carbondale Lights Fantastic Parade is a cherished annual holiday tradition that illuminates the downtown area with dazzling light displays. Since 1990, this event has brought the community together for a festive celebration, featuring creatively decorated floats that showcase the spirit of the season. Join them for a magical evening filled with light and cheer.

What to Expect

Annual holiday parade with spectacular light displays since 1990.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Parking: Refer to the Carbondale Downtown Parking Map for available parking.
  • Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)

Other Christmas Events Near Carbondale

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and community members

Vibe

Festive and community-oriented

Energy Level

Low

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low (event is snow or shine)

Special Events & Promotions

  • Various parade day activities in the downtown area.

Tags

paradesholiday traditioncommunity celebrationfamily friendlyfestive displayslight displaysholiday seasonseasonal activities

Location

Downtown Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

Event Details

Duration

Evening event, starting at 6:00 PM

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Carbondale

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Carbondale Lights Fantastic Parade Committee

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the parade route, as street closures begin at 5 PM.
  • Check the provided detour and parking maps before heading out to navigate street closures and find convenient parking.
  • Consider visiting the downtown area before the parade to enjoy various activities and get into the festive spirit.
  • Dress warmly, as the parade takes place on the first Saturday of December, regardless of the weather.
  • If interested in participating, explore the float and vendor registration pages well in advance of the event date.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Lights Fantastic Parade held?

The parade is held annually at 6:00 PM on the first Saturday of December, rain or shine.

Is there an admission fee for the parade?

No, the parade is a free event for all attendees.

What is the parade route?

Street closures begin at 5 PM for the parade route. Specific route details can be found on their safety page.

Can I participate in the parade?

Yes, the parade is open to all entries with plenty of lights. You can find registration information on their website.

Who organizes the parade?

The parade is organized by a volunteer committee of community members and is a not-for-profit organization.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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