The Lighted Christmas Parade will travel east along West Fourth Street from Fifth Avenue to Library Plaza. Community members are invited to line the parade route and enjoy an evening filled with festive lights, holiday decorations, music, and community spirit.
Businesses, organizations, clubs, and community groups are invited to participate in the parade. Participants can decorate a float, vehicle, or walking group and help bring the holiday spirit to life throughout downtown Sterling.
Bringing up the end of the parade will be a very special guest, Santa Claus! Santa will make his way to Library Plaza following the parade to join the community for the Christmas Walk and Christmas Tree Lighting.
Sights and Sounds, presented by the Sauk Valley Chamber of Commerce and Sterling Main Street, will continue the holiday celebration. Santa will be on hand for the Christmas Tree Lighting, officially marking the beginning of the holiday season in downtown Sterling.
The City of Sterling is pleased to partner with the Sauk Valley Chamber of Commerce and Sterling Main Street to bring this special evening to the community.
Community members are encouraged to gather family and friends, find a spot along the parade route, and join the celebration downtown as Sterling welcomes Santa and lights up the city for the holidays!
Lighted Christmas Parade
- Friday, Dec. 4, 2026
- 5:30 p.m.
- East Fourth Street, from Fifth Avenue to Library Plaza
- Presented by the City of Sterling
- Sterling-IL.gov | 815-632-6630 | 212 Third Ave., Sterling, IL 61081
Want to Be in the Parade?
Businesses, organizations, clubs and community groups can register their entries at https://forms.gle/SvEK22F9cyXWDthGA.
Contact:
- Teri Sathoff
- 815-632-6630
- tsathoff@sterling-il.gov
