Festival of Lights
Saturday, December 6, 2025
6:00 p.m. parade | downtown Baldwin City
Experience the magic of the season and a day filled with lights, music, food, crafts, and festivities! Bring your family, friend, or neighbor; for as Charles Dickens penned, “…there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good-humour.”
ACTIVITIES
Festival of Lights sponsored by One Choice Heating and AC
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Festival of Lights Parade
DOWNTOWN BALDWIN CITY
Parade Sponsored by Mediacom
5:30 pm: live holiday music by the BHS Brass Band at 8th and High Streets.
6 pm: Floats draped in thousands of lights parade down 8th Street and east on High Street. As the last float goes by, the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will commence beside City Hall followed by pictures with Santa Claus and the Grinch.
Float registration for the parade is open! Registration deadline: Friday, December 5th. No entry fee. Cash prizes are awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category.
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Festival of Lights Market
Sullivan Square | 4 pm - 7:30 pm
Sip. Shop. Celebrate.
Pick out a live Christmas tree and other holiday greenery sold by Vinland Valley Nursery.
Warm up with a free hot drink and cookie at the concessions stand. Sponsored by Baldwin City Library, Baldwin Education Foundation, Lovely Flower Co, and South Baldwin Farms.
Shop from local vendors with quality gifts and stocking stuffers.
DIY Pictures with Santa on Sullivan Square Stage from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
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Life 88.5 On Site
8th and High Street Intersection | 4 pm - 7:30 pm
Join the Life 88.5 radio station for music, a snow machine, prizes, and holiday cheer!
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Breakfast with Santa
BALDWIN CITY RECREATION COMMISSION
Session 1: 7:30 am - 8:30 am
Session 2: 8:45 am - 9:45 am
Session 3: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Breakfast with Santa is back and more festive than ever! Enjoy pancakes, professional photos, and holiday cheer for FREE*, thanks to our partner Cody Anno State Farm and the support of Baldwin City Masonic Organizations.
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12th Annual Gingerbread House Party
LUMBERYARD ARTS CENTER
We are grateful that, once again, this event is offered FREE to the USD 348 community through generous sponsorship by Xtream powered by Mediacom.
This event is one of Baldwin City's holiday traditions and a highlight of the Festival of Lights evening. We cannot wait to see this year's creations that will be on display during the Festival of Lights Parade, December 6, 5-7 pm.
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Holiday Bazaar
NEW LIFE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
118 5th Street | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Lunch available for purchase 11 am - 1 pm.
Come and enjoy a calm, festive shopping experience. Browse unique, handmade gifts while supporting local makers at your own pace, and treat yourself to complimentary seasonal goodies along the way. No rush. No crowds. just good cheer and great finds.
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Holiday Bazaar
VINTAGE PARK
321 Crimson Avenue | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
More Information to Come
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Holiday Crafternoon
BALDWIN CITY LIBRARY
800 7th Street | 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Let us help you get into the holiday spirit with our Holiday Crafternoon for all ages. Come de-stress and make Shrinky Dink Ornaments!
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Warm Up Inside Lumberyard Arts Center
718 High Street | 4 - 6 pm
Art Gallery Opening Reception featuring Nostalgic Memoriam: Extended by Jewel Marsh. See Flyer
Gingerbread House creations for Gingerbread House Party will be on display. Vote with spare change for the Community Favorite Award. Proceeds benefit Baldwin High School Art & Culinary Programs and FCCLA.
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Holiday Open House
BALDWIN CITY CREATIVE ARTS
711 High Street | 4:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Free Event during the Festival of Lights. Will be paused during the parade.
Cindy’s Special Recipe Hot Cider
Ornament crafts
Obstacle course
Special toddler climbing area
Photos with Sugar Plum Fairy after the parade! -

Soup Supper
BALDWIN FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
704 Eighth Street
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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Living Nativity
BALDWIN FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
704 Eighth Street
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
All are welcome to come view the holy family, wise men, and shepherds with their animals.

