Bundle up this holiday season for a Christmas Light Parade near Ann Arbor. There are a number of Christmas parades throughout Washtenaw County, but no Ann Arbor Christmas Parade or Ypsilanti Parade. Check out light parades in Saline, Chelsea, Dexter, Milan, and Manchester. Plus parades beyond Washtenaw County in Tecumseh and Ida.
Christmas Parades Near Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor does not have its own Christmas parade. However, many of the small towns in the area have their own light parades. Check out the Saline Christmas Parade or the Dexter Christmas Parade. Travel a little further for a parade in Tecumseh or the Ida Christmas Parade 2023.
From the map you can see where there are Christmas parades near Ann Arbor.
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Gear Up for the Parades
Michigan Christmas Parades bring the cheer of holiday lights, but that also brings the after dark chill. Be sure to bundle up. Make sure to bring a blanket or chairs to sit as the curb will be cold. It’s also a great idea to either bring a warm drink or stop for one before or after the parade.
Why leave the lights to the parade route? Get your glow on by wearing some lights:
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More than Parades
Many of the parades are part of larger celebrations! Chelsea Christmas Parade is part of Hometown Holidays. Manchester Christmas Parade is part of Christmas in the Village. Saline’s Parade has evolved to a whole day.
Several of the parades include Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and a chance to visit with Santa Claus. Don’t miss your chance for a photo with Santa. While in town for the parades, be sure to check out the local shops and dining options.
Christmas Parades Near Ann Arbor
Check out these Christmas parades – and be sure to bundle up if it’s cold outside.
No EventsFriday, December 6, 2024
Manchester Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Downtown Manchester – Main Street Manchester
Time: 6:30pm
The Manchester Christmas Parade is part of the Christmas in the Village Celebration on December 1 & 2. The parade features lit floats and vehicles. The parade begins near the Emmanuel Church and heads down Main St to the Manchester Mill. The parade ends with Santa's arrival, his lighting of the tree, and then greeting children at the Mill. This year's theme is Grinchmas. More Grinchmas in the Village Events:
Tecumseh Christmas Parade
Downtown Tecumseh – Chicago Boulevard & S Maumee Tecumseh
Time: 7:00pm
Head to Tecumseh for their 2043 Christmas Parade through Downtown Tecumseh. The parade runs along Chicago Blvd from N Maumee to N Union. Santa will be in the parade and after you can visit him at his house at the corner of Pearl and Chicago. This year's parade theme is "A Vintage Christmas"
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Winterfest Light Parade & Fireworks
Downtown Belleville – Main St Belleville
Time: 5:30pm
Head to Belleville for their Winterfest Light Parade. This year's theme is Classic Christmas Movies. The Winterfest Fireworks will be held at 7p after the parade.
Chelsea Lights Parade
Downtown Chelsea – Main St and Middle St Chelsea
Time: 6:00pm-6:30pm
Join Chelsea Hometown Holidays for their Annual Chelsea Lights Parade along Main Street from Old US 12 to Jackson St. The parade will include lights, floats bands, and of course Santa. Parade starts Old US 12 and ends at Middle Street
Saline's Annual Holiday Parade
Downtown Saline – 10 North Ann Arbor St Saline
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Saline will be holding their Annual Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 7 This year's parade theme is Winter Wonderland The parade is part of an all day celebration. Head to downtown for: noon-6p - Cocoa Crawl 5-6p Tree Lighting 5:30p - Merry Mile 6:15p - Holiday Parade (waiting for 2024 details) 7:30-8:30p - Photos with Santa at White Pine Studios.
Christmas in Ida Parade
Downtown Ida – Lewis Avenue Ida
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Ida Michigan hosts a large light parade with more than 130 illuminated and animated entries. The evening fun kicks off with a fun run at 6p, fireworks at 6:30p, and the parade at 7p. Note road closures start at 5p, they suggest arriving early Be sure to bundle up for the weather. The 2021 parade video is 1hr and 38 minutes Arrive earlier in the day for more Christmas fun like craft & vendor shows, Santa's Zoo, Children's Lunch with Santa, Story time with Mrs Claus, and more.
Milan Christmas Parade
Downtown Milan – Main St Milan
Time: 7:00pm-9:15pm
Milan's annual Christmas parade has a "Glittering Lights and Nutcracker Sights" theme this year. Start parade morning off with a Fun Run/Walk. Then in the afternoon, there is a Sugar Plum Tea. Don't miss the fun in Tolan Square before and after the parade! Live music starts at 5:30p. Several mascots (Hungry Howies, Little Caesars, and Kona Ice) will be in Tolan Square for photo ops from 5:15-6:15p. For a $5 donation to fund Milan Chamber events, you can take a snow globe photo op and get autographs, The parade will be along West Main to Park Street. Santa willread more…
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Dexter Light Parade
Monument Park – 8000-8558 Ann Arbor St Dexter
Time: 6:00pm-6:30pm
The Annual Dexter Daze Light Parade will be held after the Holiday Hustle.
See More Ann Arbor Christmas Lights
Do you want to see more Christmas Lights? Check out our list of Christmas Light Displays.
Events We are Watching For
Many events repeat year after year. The following parades near Ann Arbor were offered in the past and we have not yet updated them on our calendar. We will be updating them shortly – or as information becomes available
Arbor Annie’s Guide to an Amazing Christmas
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