The 3rd Annual Holly Days Parade is on December 3, 2023, at 5 PM, in downtown Galesburg and The Downtown Community Partnership of Galesburg (DCP) is inviging the public to support the 3rd Annual Holly Days Parade. The parade starts at 4:30 PM with the Santa Rescue and is sponsored by Blick Art Materials. The theme for the parade this year is “Decades of Holly Days” and features over 70 entries, more than 1,500 people, and tens of thousands of lights. Local organizations, businesses, schools, and community groups will feature festive scenes and lights in the parade this year.
Former Galesburg Fire Chief, Tom Simkins, is the Parade Grand Marshal for the 3rd Annual Holly Days Parade. The Galesburg Fire Department will rescue Santa and Mrs. Claus and deliver them safely atop the First Mid Bank & Trust to kick off the festivities.
“The Holly Days Parade is the pinnacle of community togetherness, just with holiday cheer added in,” said Tessa Jones, Communications Manager for Experience Galesburg and the Parade Coordinator.
“We’re grateful for the many people that participate, showcasing their creative talents and those that attend year after year allowing Galesburg to glow through more than just lights.”
The parade route will begin at Chambers and Main Streets, traveling west, before turning left onto South Cherry Street and ending at the Knox County Courthouse. Those who are unable to make it in person can stream live on the City of Galesburg YouTube channel or Experience Galesburg’s Facebook page.
If you arrive early, enjoy events at downtown locations like The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales, Lindstrom’s TV & Appliance, The Bar 65, and more! While at the parade, enjoy music from The UPS Store, hot chocolate from Innkeeper’s Fresh Roasted Coffee, and plenty of cheer from the thousands of parade attendees! Santa & Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance at the end of the parade, so be sure to stick around.
The mission of the Downtown Community Partnership of Galesburg is to seek bridges of collaboration between small businesses, local organizations, and residents for inclusive progress, innovation, and community engagement.
