A Main Street Christmas Brings Holiday Cheer to Downtown Paris December 3

The magic of Christmas will soon fill downtown Paris as the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce prepares for its annual A Main Street Christmas celebration on Thursday, December 3, 2026. The community-wide event promises an evening filled with holiday traditions, entertainment, family activities, prizes and opportunities for neighbors to come together and celebrate the season.

One of the evening's main attractions will be the annual Christmas Parade, featuring decorated floats, vehicles, walking groups and other festive entries. Parade participants will begin lining up at 4:30 p.m. on Washington Street, with the parade scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

The parade route will travel from Washington Street to West Locust, continue onto Main Street, head north to East Monroe Street and then to Market Street and Washington Street. The parade will return to Main Street, travel south to West Locust and finish at Washington Street.

Local businesses, organizations, families and individuals are encouraged to participate. Parade categories include floats with trailers, decorated trucks and cars, antique cars, walking groups, senior high bands, Scout troops, twirlers, golf carts, animals, motorcycles, costumes, Jeeps and other entries.

Participants are reminded that live Santa appearances are not permitted on parade floats, as Santa will have a special place of his own during the evening.

Parade entries will be judged on Christmas themes, Storybook Christmas creativity and enthusiasm. Prizes will be awarded in Chamber Bucks, with first place receiving $125, second place $100 and third place $70.

Those interested in participating can register by emailing the form to info@parisareachamber.com, mailing it to the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce, 225 N. Main St., Paris, MO 65275, or signing up online at www.parisareachamber.com.

Soup Supper and Silent Auction

The Paris Senior Center will be a hub of activity during the evening, hosting a soup supper and silent auction from 5 to 7 p.m.

The soup supper will feature soup, sandwiches, desserts and drinks, all available for a freewill donation. Community members are encouraged to stop by, enjoy a warm meal and visit with friends and neighbors while supporting local organizations.

A silent auction will also take place at the Paris Senior Center from 5 to 7 p.m. Proceeds will be divided equally among Christmas Is Caring, the Paris Senior Center and the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce.

Following the parade, the Coyote Carolers will provide additional holiday entertainment at the Senior Center, filling the evening with the sounds of Christmas.

Santa Claus Coming to Town

No Christmas celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus!

Children and families will have the opportunity to visit Santa at the Santa House on the courthouse lawn following the Christmas Parade. Santa will be available from 6 to 8 p.m., giving youngsters an opportunity to share their Christmas wishes and enjoy a favorite holiday tradition.

Santa will also return to the courthouse lawn on Saturday, December 12, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., providing another opportunity for children to visit.

Christmas Cash for Kidz Gives Local Children a Chance to Win

The courthouse gang will once again spread extra Christmas cheer through Christmas Cash for Kidz.

Children up to 12 years of age will have an opportunity to win either a $2 or $5 bill. Pre-registration is required, and children must be present to win.

Registration forms may be dropped in the mailbox at 225 N. Main St. in Paris, emailed to info@parisareachamber.com or completed through the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.parisareachamber.com.

The drawing offers a fun opportunity to add a little extra excitement to the holiday celebration for local youngsters.

Best Decorated Storefront and Window Contest

The Paris Area Chamber of Commerce is also encouraging local businesses to participate in its Best Decorated Storefront/Window Contest, featuring the theme "A Main Street Christmas."

Businesses are invited to decorate their storefronts and windows to help bring holiday magic to Main Street and the Paris community.

The winning business will be announced December 3 during the Christmas Parade, and a special sign will be placed in the winner's window.

The Chamber encourages businesses to participate and help make Main Street and Paris shine this Christmas in support of the community's Christmas Is Caring events.

New This Year: Hooves for Horses

A new attraction this year will be Hooves for Horses, featuring an exciting program in the parking lot east of the courthouse.

This new addition will offer another unique experience for families and visitors attending the holiday celebration.

A Community Christmas Celebration

A Main Street Christmas is an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate the holiday season and support local businesses, organizations and traditions.

From the excitement of the Christmas Parade and visits with Santa to the soup supper, silent auction, Christmas Cash for Kidz, decorated storefronts and musical entertainment, there will be something for residents of all ages to enjoy.

The Paris Area Chamber of Commerce encourages everyone to make plans to attend, bring their families and help make this year's celebration a memorable one.

For additional information, parade registration or questions about the event, contact the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce at 225 N. Main St., Paris, MO 65275; email info@parisareachamber.com; or visit www.parisareachamber.com.