Cambridge is preparing for its beloved Village on the Square Christmas Festivities this Saturday and Sunday, December 6th and 7th, 2025. Centered around College Square Park, the community celebration kicks off with a Cookie Walk and Spaghetti Dinner in support of local causes. As the evening unfolds, Santa’s arrival in a festive parade will lead up to the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree and a sparkling boulevard. Families can experience horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday crafts, caroling, s’mores with first responders, and more. The celebration continues on Sunday with a BBQ luncheon and live music. Organizers invite all to share in the holiday joy.
“Village on the Square is one of those magical days that remind us how lucky we are to live in Cambridge,” said event organizers. “It’s a day filled with joy, generosity, and moments families remember for years.”
The Village of Cambridge invites community members to honor loved ones this holiday season by lighting a luminary during Christmas on the Square. You can order a luminary in someone’s name, with all donations supporting the Backpack Blessings program. Luminaries will illuminate the square on December 6th, from 5 to 7 PM. Luminaries are available for purchase on December 6th.
Saturday, December 6th Events:
- Spaghetti Dinner (4–6 PM) at the United Methodist Church (Freewill donation benefiting Cambridge Cares)
- Cookie Walk (3–5 PM) at the United Methodist Church (Supporting Backpack Blessings)
- Parade, Santa, and Tree Lighting
- Santa Parade leaves the Fire Station at 4:50 PM, arriving at the bandshell at 5 PM.
- Community Lighted Parade will follow Santa—participants should stage at the Baptist Church (contact Corrina Sprung: 309-335-7082 for more information).
- Village Christmas Tree Lighting and Lighting of the Boulevard at 5:15 PM.
FREE Activities at or near College Square Park (5–7 PM):
- Santa Visits at the Bandshell
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, Face Painting & Refreshments at Cambridge Natural History Museum
- Cookies & Hot Chocolate provided by St. John Vianney Catholic Church
- Cookie Decorating provided by Cambridge Baptist Church
- Hot Cocoa Bar, Storytelling, & Gifts for Families provided by Osco Community Church
- Fresh-Popped Popcorn provided by Cambridge Community & Youth Center
- Children’s Carols provided by Cambridge Schools
- S’mores with a First Responder provided by Cambridge Fire Department & Ambulance Service
- Remembrance Luminaries provided by Jeanette Johnson United Methodist Church
- Make & Take Crafts provided by Cambridge Public Library
- Children’s Pony Rides
- Poinsettias, Wreaths, Make-and-Take Crafts, and Scavenger Hunt provided by Cambridge FFA
- Reindeer Food Making provided by BankORION
- Children’s Identification Cards provided by Cambridge Masonic Lodge
- Spectrum Pub serving seasonal hot & cold drinks. Discount tokens for The Hangout Arcade available for purchase.
- Light Up Cambridge Lighting Contest (Register through Village Office)
Sunday, December 7th Events:
- BBQ Luncheon & Bake Sale (12–2 PM) – Cambridge Lutheran Church
- Grace Notes Trio Performance, 2 PM – Cambridge Baptist Church
