Downtown Springfield Association
News Stories, Uncategorized

Big changes coming to Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade in 2020

November 13, 2020


The Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade, presented by Penmac, is taking a fresh new route in 2020, in more ways than one.

The Downtown Springfield Association has changed up the plans for this treasured holiday event to keep the participants and the public safe during the COVID-19 epidemic. Instead of one afternoon event, the Parade will be incorporated into a driving tour of Downtown throughout the Festival of Lights season (Nov. 21 through Dec. 31).

Area marching bands, always a favorite part of the Parade, will offer performances on Park Central Square on two special Saturday nights, Nov. 21 and Dec. 12.

Follow the lights

“The Christmas Parade is our gift to the community and we love celebrating the season,” Jennifer Moseley, DSA Events Manager, said. “The holiday lighting along the Downtown route will allow patrons six weeks to enjoy many of Springfield’s favorite community spaces from the safety of their vehicle. The two special nights will allow us to treat Southwest Missouri to the sights and sounds of the holiday season, with provisions for social distancing.”

Festive light displays will be set up across Downtown at these locations:

  • Founders Park
  • Jordan Valley Park
  • Jubilee Park
  • Park Central Square
  • Springfield Expo Center lot

The bands will play 20-30 minute sets on the Square, serenading you with the sounds of the season. The current schedule includes several award-winning Christmas parade favorites. Here’s the current list:

  • Central High School Marching Bulldogs
  • Central High School Kilties
  • Drury University Panther Marching Band
  • Kickapoo High School Golden Arrow Band
  • Kickapoo High School Golden Girls
  • Parkview High School Lassies
  • Parkview High School Viking Band
  • Strafford High School Pride of the Tribe Band
  • Willard High School’s The Cutting Edge

“We want people to grab something warm to drink from their favorite Downtown spot and create some special holiday memories,” Moseley said. “Our neighborhood will also be dressed up for the Team A.N.A. 417 Downtown Springfield Holiday Window Challenge, so Downtown will be a can’t-miss destination for family-friendly holiday fun. It will be a perfect opportunity to support local retailers in a year where it is important to support our neighbors.”

Penmac is back again as the presenting sponsor of the parade. This locally-owned business is headquartered Downtown and provides staffing services. The Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade is also sponsored by Community Foundation of the Ozarks, the Downtown Springfield CID, Kum & Go, MACCO Investments and SS&B Heating & Cooling.

Keep an eye on our website for updated information about the parade, including the schedule of bands. That information will also be shared on the Downtown Springfield social media channels.