Cambridge will usher in the holiday season with its annual “Christmas on the Square” celebration, set for Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. at College Square Park.
The family-friendly event will feature festive lights, caroling and community activities designed to bring residents and visitors together in the heart of the village.
Highlights will include a lighted parade that will accompany Santa Claus as he ventures to the park, along with a traditional tree lighting ceremony and holiday music performances. Local vendors will offer seasonal treats such as hot cocoa and cookies.
“This event is one of our most cherished traditions,” said Village President Jason Beam. “Christmas on the Square is about more than decorations, it’s about neighbors gathering, families celebrating, and the community coming together in the spirit of the season.”
Saturday, Dec. 6 events:
Events kick off in the afternoon and continue into the evening:
● Spaghetti Dinner 4–6 p.m. at the United Methodist Church
Freewill donation benefiting Cambridge Cares
● Cookie Walk 3–5 p.m. at the United Methodist Church
Supporting Backpack Blessings
Parade, Santa, and Tree Lighting
● Santa Parade leaves the Fire Station at 4:50 p.m., arriving at the bandshell at 5 p.m.
● 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 p.m
Once Santa arrives, the park comes alive with festive magic:
● 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, Dec. 7 events:
● BBQ Luncheon & Bake Sale 12–2 p.m. – Cambridge Lutheran Church
● Grace Notes Trio Performance, 2 p.m. – Cambridge Baptist Church
The event is free and open to the public. Parking will be available near College Square Park.
For more information, contact the Cambridge Village Office at 309-937-2626 or visit the village’s official website.
