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History
The very first St. Charles Holiday Parade took place on Saturday, November 29th, 1980. Although, unlike the nighttime Electric Christmas Parade we all know and love, it first began as a daytime parade, kicking off at 9:30am.
This annual tradition remained during the day until 2001, until event organizers, including this year's Community Guest of Honor, Deborah Foote, saw an opportunity to breath new life to the event. In 2001 the first nighttime parade had 65 entries - including many lighted inflatables, five bands, and even a garbage truck and cement mixer.
Today, the Electric Christmas Parade continues to take place in the evening, on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. One element that has always remained the same, however, is a visit from the North Pole's most famous resident himself! The event is now organized by the St. Charles Business Alliance along with numerous dedicated volunteers that help make the event possible. To learn more about the St. Charles Business Alliance and it's mission, please click below.
1980
First Holiday Parade took place on Saturday, November 29th kicking off in the morning at 9:30am.
2001
The Holiday Parade transitioned to a nighttime Electric Christmas Parade that we know and love today.
Today
The Electric Christmas Parade is still an annual tradition to this day, with the 25th Anniversary being this year!
Community Guest of Honor
In honor of this year's 25th Anniversary of the Electric Christmas Parade, we will be honoring Deborah Foote as the Community Guest of Honor! Deborah Foote was instrumental in the inception of the St. Charles Electric Christmas Parade which was introduced to the community in 2001. Foote recognized an opportunity to transform the event and create a special experience for the community.
Photos Through the Years
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