Highlights of the Holiday Horse Parade

Established in 2015 as an expansion of our original Santa Parade, the Holiday Horse Parade always takes place on the day after Thanksgiving.

​The family-friendly event begins early with afternoon shopping, dining, and children's activities, culminating with the tree lighting ceremony, horse parade, and Santa Arriving!

Attendance and Parking is free but there is No Parking in Monument Square or on Scioto Street during the event.

WHEN: Friday, November 28, 2025 | 10am - 8pm
10:00 am – Specialty shops/fine eateries open for Christmas shopping
4:00 pm - Street vendors and food trucks open
4:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Holiday music in the streets
5:15 pm - Meet in Legacy Park for Caroling (Music Sheets Provided)
5:30 pm – Tree Lighting Ceremony at Legacy Park
6:30 pm – Lighted Horse Parade Begins
7:15 pm – Santa arrives by carriage to Santa Land in Oxner's (122 S. Main St.) until he goes to bed! (Santa Land Hours for the 2025 Holiday Season are at the bottom of this page.)
7:15 pm - 9:00 pm - Free Carriage and Trolley Rides after the parade
8:00 pm - Vendors Start Closing

​Celebrate the season with holiday activities for the whole family and welcome Santa to Historic Downtown Urbana, Ohio.

For more information and/or to become involved: Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on Facebook.

Vendor Spots Are Full.

Online Parade Registration

Downloadable Parade Registration

Donate

Volunteer

Shopping

Skip the Black Friday madness and shop friendly local merchants. Urbana boasts a well-known group of vintage and antique shops as well as several stores with new home furnishings and decor. We also have several women's fashion boutiques, art galleries, and other specialty shops.
Shop small. Support local business.

Family Fun

Bring your children for a fun evening starting off with free indoor holiday activities, games, and storytelling hosted by local businesses around the Square. Then make your way to Legacy Park for the magical lighting of our 15 foot Christmas tree. Listen to carolers, patronize the street vendors, and eat while you await the parade.

Santa's Homecoming

Join us as we welcome Santa to town with a Holiday Horse Parade which will travel West on Scioto Street toward the Square from Lawn Avenue. Adorned with lights, jingle bells, and bows, the horses, carriages, and wagons will lead Santa to Santa Land in Oxner's (122 S. Main St.), where children may visit and get a picture with Jolly Old Saint Nick!

Santa Land Hours
Friday, November 28th, After the Parade until 9:00 pm
Saturday, December 13th, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Friday, December 19th, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 20th, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Sunday, December 21st, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Monday, December 22nd, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Tuesday, December 23rd, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm