Antioch to host 46th annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting event

ANTIOCH – The village of Antioch Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony will return as an in-person event Nov. 26.

This will be the 46th year the village has hosted a version of the tree lighting and parade. Last year’s parade and tree lighting were held virtually.

Mayor Scott Gartner said he is excited to see the festivities return to downtown Antioch.

“The atmosphere of the parade and tree lighting is like something out of a movie,” Gartner said in a news release. “The people, the sights, the sounds, it all is magical fun for the entire family.”

The parade will step off at 6:30 p.m. from Main Street and Park Avenue and head north to Depot Street. Parade entries feature numerous community groups and elected officials, followed by Santa Claus in a horse-drawn carriage. Santa’s carriage is sponsored by the State Bank of the Lakes.

After the parade, Santa and the Antioch pageant queens will lead the tree-lighting festivities in front of Village Hall. The event will feature free hot chocolate and a performance by the Antioch Community High School Chorus.

Santa will be around to mingle and remind residents that he’ll be hosting visits with children during December at the Saw Mill. A mailbox will be set up to accept letters to Santa. Santa’s mailbox will be in front of Village Hall starting Nov. 26 and will be in place until Dec. 20. Anyone who writes Santa is reminded to include a return address on their letter so Santa can respond.

During December, the Village Parks Department will host Santa at the Saw Mill and Storytime with Santa events. Santa at the Saw Mill is a free event and open to the public without the need for registration. Storytime with Santa requires registration and a $10 a person fee.

More information is available on the parks department page at www.antioch.il.gov.