Newton’s beloved Christmas on the Square celebration is returning on Saturday, December 13th, 2025, bringing a full day of festive activities, family fun, and the much-anticipated Christmas Lights Night Parade. Hosted by the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce, this year’s celebration promises more attractions, more holiday cheer, and more reasons for families to spend the day together on the Square.
Festivities Begin Early
The celebration kicks off at 8:00 a.m. as Scott Avenue Christian Church hosts Breakfast with Santa at the church on Scott Avenue. At 11:00 a.m., children can enjoy Story Time with Mrs. Claus at the Newton Public Library, setting the tone for a magical day.
The Santa House will officially open at 2:00 p.m., providing families with an opportunity to visit Santa, share their wish lists, and take holiday photos throughout the afternoon and again after the parade.
An Afternoon Packed with Free Activities
From 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Square will be filled with free activities for kids and families. Visitors can enjoy trackless Christmas train rides, a petting zoo provided by Lucky R Mobile Zoo, popcorn from the Sainte Marie Community Club, the mobile virtual reality gaming trailer, hair tinsel at Elf Headquarters, holiday face painting on the south side of the Square, balloons by Kimberly, and a party globe balloon activity.
Children can also experience the Mouse House from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., hosted at Farley Insurance with the Jackson Street entrance. The Mouse House allows children to shop independently for small gifts for family and friends.
Additional Christmas craft opportunities will be available from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Ginger’s Gardens & Gifts, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Newton Public Library, and from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. with a reindeer food activity at Expert Collision Center.
Food and Drinks on the Square
Food and drink vendors will be available throughout the day, including Flo’s Coffee Shoppe, Kolb’s Culinary Creations, Kolb’s Mini Donuts, Macklin Meadow Kettle Corn, and Vanderhoof 4H Soups.
Christmas Lights Night Parade
The Christmas Lights Night Parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. Parade participants are reminded of the following rules: no Santas are allowed on floats, as the community Santa will appear at the end of the parade; entries will be judged during lineup in the south parking lot of NCHS by 5:30 p.m.; floats are encouraged to use lights generously; and judging will be based on creativity and crowd appeal.
Float entries may be emailed to sdk.jccc@gmail.com or dropped off at the Jasper County Chamber, 124 S. Van Buren St., Newton, IL 62448. The entry deadline is December 5, 2025.
Santa House Reopens After the Parade
Following the parade, the Santa House will reopen for families wishing to visit Santa one more time before heading home for the evening.
Stay Updated
Attendees can check the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for additional details, updates, and announcements as the event approaches.
