This free, family-friendly celebration brings together the entire community for an evening packed with holiday spirit, small-town charm, and many free activities for all ages.
Saturday, December 6th 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 p.m.
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, December 7th Events
- BBQ Luncheon & Bake Sale (12–2 p.m.) – Cambridge Lutheran Church
- Grace Notes Trio Performance, 2 p.m. – Cambridge Baptist Church
A Celebration of Community
“Village on the Square is one of those magical days that remind us how lucky we are to live in Cambridge,” said event organizers. “It’s a day filled with joy, generosity, and moments families remember for years.”
Residents and visitors alike are invited to bundle up, bring loved ones, and enjoy a day of festive cheer in the heart of Cambridge. For more information, please contact the Village Office or follow Cambridge community announcements on social media.
