Turn on the Lights! with Oskaloosa Main Street

Downtown Oskaloosa
222 1st Ave. East
Oskaloosa, IA
Map to Event

November 21, 2026
5:00 pm · 8:00 pm

Join us as we magically Turn on the Lights around the town square at 6:00 p.m. sharp!  

There will be horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa, Cookies, Cider, Hot Chocolate, and popcorn begin at 5pm! 

Young Ambassador Ceremony

Penn Central Mall
Penn Central Mall
Oskaloosa, IA
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November 30, 2026
6:00 pm

The Young Ambassador Contest is back!  One young man and one young lady will once again be chosen as Oskaloosa's young ambassadors. The winner will be determined by the amount of money raised, which will be used for local preschools & daycares along with the Lighted Christmas Parade

The king and queen will be announced on Monday, November 30 @ 6:00 pm in Penn Central Mall. All participants will receive great prizes and will have the opportunity to participate in the "Winter Wonderland: Let it Glow" Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7pm.

 

Annual Oskaloosa Lighted Christmas Parade

Downtown Oskaloosa
222 1st Ave. East
Oskaloosa, IA
Map to Event

December 5, 2026
7:00 pm

Parade and Shuttle Route Maps to be updated for 2025! Check back for details. 

Join us for the 39th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade. You've seen the Painting with Lights in Oskaloosa, come check out the creativity of the parade entries with all the colors and lights. 

The weeklong festivities will include the Young Ambassador Contest, Window Decorating, Home Decorating contests, Gospel Christmas Concert, Merry Little Downtown Christmas and more. We welcome the community to invite family, friends and visitors to make a trip to Oskaloosa.

As you visit the town, you can always get hot cocoa, apple cider or that warm Christmas cup of coffee at the local coffee shop; visit the Alley, decorated for the holiday; visit the quaint little bookstore for a Christmas read; or shop unique shops along the square for that perfect Christmas gift. Come see the lights, grab your cameras, and come celebrate Christmas in Oskaloosa.