Families from around Central Illinois have various options to ring in the holiday season. It begins with the 126th Santa Claus Parade. The longest running holiday parade in the country kicks off at 10:15 this morning at the Central Fire House on Monroe and continues to Main, Jefferson, Liberty and Adams ending at the Courthouse. The theme is “the Sights and Sounds of Christmas” and features more than 85 costumed characters, novelty walking units, horses, and decorated floats. Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis is also again partnering with the Salvation Army and Midwest Food Bank to run a community food and coat drive at the event. Parade attendees are asked to bring canned goods and gently used coats that will be donated to those in need.
The 22nd annual Yule Like Peoria Walk-a-Bout is this evening. The event kicks off with the lighting of thousands of lights at the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza at 6. Area residents are then encouraged to stroll through the downtown where more than 20 businesses will be open showcasing various forms of entertainment. CityLink will also be providing free trolley rides throughout the night. The event ends at 9.