Holiday Parades in Central Iowa 2025

The nights are long this time of year, and lighted parades are a joyful way to brighten the season. With various themes and activities from fireworks to carriage rides, you are bound to find a festive parade for you. Check out a holiday parade or two around Central Iowa. 

Bookmark these other fun holiday guides to plan this season:

A Night Under the Lights in Waukee, IA

When: Wednesday, November 26, 4:00 PM-8:00 PM (Parade at 6:00 PM)

Where: Centennial Park, 1255 Warrior Lane, Waukee, IA 50263

Kick off the holiday season at A Night Under the Lights at Centennial Park in Waukee. Throughout the evening, there will be trolley rides, food trucks, local vendors, kids’ activities, and a DJ. The parade begins at 6:00 PM. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to those in need. 

Winterset Festival of Lights

When: Friday, November 28, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM (Parade is at 7:15 PM)

Where: Winterset Courthouse, 112 S John Wayne Dr, Winterset, IA 50273

Starting at 5:00 PM, there will be food and beverages available on the west side of the courthouse lawn. Santa will be inside the courthouse for visits and your own photos. Then, at 7:15 PM, the parade will begin. Finish the evening off by watching Elf at the Iowa Theater. Admission is free with a food pantry donation. 

Festival of Lights in Greenfield, IA

When: Friday, November 28, 6:00 PM

Where: Greenfield town square

Head to Greenfield for their annual Festival of Lights. There will be cookies & cocoa before the parade. The parade goes around the square at 6:00 PM. The parade theme is “Home for the Holidays”. Visit with Santa after the parade. 

Perry’s Lighted Holiday Parade

When: Friday, November 28, 7:00 PM

Where: Downtown Perry, IA

Come early to do a little holiday shopping at the downtown businesses, but at 7:00 P.M., everything will go dark for the parade. The parade route starts at the corner of 2nd and Otley (by Oasis Market). The parade will first head east on Otley to 3rd Street (by Fareway) and then will head north on 3rd to Pattee, turning left and left again to head south on 2nd Street through downtown. After the parade, Santa will be at Hotel Pattee.

Hy-Vee Holiday Parade in Des Moines, IA

When: Saturday, November 29, 10:00 AM

Where: Principal Park and Court Avenue District 

Hy-Vee is hosting this new Holiday Parade. It will begin at Principal Park, loop through Court Avenue, and pass by the Science Center. There will be festive floats, dance teams, the Budweiser Clydesdales, live reindeer, and, of course, Santa! 

Christmas Kickoff in Madrid, IA

When: Monday, December 1, 5:30 PM-7:30 PM

Where: 2nd Street, Madrid, IA

Madrid hosts Christmas Kickoff with all sorts of holiday cheer. Throughout the evening, visit the local businesses along 2nd & 3rd street for fun activities.  Food Trucks will be available in the Bannor Toys parking lot all evening, and horse-drawn carriage rides will begin outside the Bannor Toys building, too. The parade starts at 7:30 PM, and the route will travel along 2nd Street, straight east to South Union Street. 

Sinterklaas Parade in Pella, IA

When: Saturday, December 6, 10:00 AM

Where: Downtown Pella, Scholte Church, 507 Franklin Street, Pella, IA 50219

Sinterklaas, the Dutch Santa Claus, is coming to Pella. Watch the Sinterklaas Parade in downtown Pella at 10 am, or dress up in holiday-themed outfits and march in it! To be a part of the parade, line up at 9:45 am in front of Scholte Church. Following the parade, head to Scholte Church to meet Sinterklaas and the 2026 Tulip Queen and Royal Court. Sinterklaas goodie bags are available for children while supplies last.

Credit to: Megan Rochelle Photography

Christmas Lighted Parade in Boone, IA

When: Saturday, December 6, 5:30 PM

Where: 803 Story St, Boone, IA 50036

The Boone parade begins at 5:30 PM, and this year’s theme is Shine Bright, Boone. From 4:30 PM-7:30 PM, the Boone County History Center will be serving 5 kinds of soup, corn muffin or roll, veggies and dip, cookies, and a drink for $8. Kids 5 and under are free. 

Lighted Parade in Osceola, IA

When: Saturday, December 6, 6:00 PM

Where: Osceola Square

Drive a little south to Osceola for some holiday cheer. This year’s theme is “Christmas Classics”.  Before the parade, they host Christmas in the Park from 2:00 PM-6:00 PM. 

Lighted Parade and Fireworks in Atlantic, IA

When: Saturday, December 6, 6:00 PM

Where: Downtown Atlantic

Step into a holiday movie an hour west of Des Moines in Atlantic. The event kicks off with fireworks over the historic Rock Island Depot, followed by the parade. Be sure to check out the other fun events around town, including carriage rides and Santa’s Cabin. 

Merry & Bright in Bondurant, IA

When: Sunday, December 7, 5:00 PM

Where: TBD 

Bondurant has a full day of holiday festivities that includes a lighted parade at 5:00 PM. Other fun activities include a Winter Market, carolers, carriage rides, and a movie after the parade at the Bondurant Library.

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