Christmas on the Square in Cambridge

Cambridge is gearing up for one of its most cherished traditions: the annual Village on the Square Christmas Festivities, taking place Saturday, December 6th, 2025, in and around College Square Park. 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 PM) at the United Methodist ChurchFreewill donation benefiting Cambridge Cares

• Cookie Walk (3–5 PM) at the United Methodist ChurchSupporting Backpack Blessings

Parade, Santa, and Tree Lighting

• Santa Parade leaves the Fire Station at 4:50 PM, arriving at the bandshell at 5 PM.

• 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 PM)

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 PM) – Cambridge Lutheran Church

• Grace Notes Trio Performance, 2 PM – 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.