Our Daily Show Interview! Holiday Treat Trail & Winter Lights Parade Set for Saturday
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GRAFTON - The annual Grafton Winter Lights Parade promises a gorgeous view on the Mississippi River.
At 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, the parade will start at Hawg Pit BBQ and travel down Water Street towards The Loading Dock. Community members are invited to line up or park their cars along Water Street to enjoy the fun.
“It’s a highlight of the community,” said organizer Paula Jameson. “I love bringing people to Grafton in what other people think is the off-season. To me, Grafton is magical in the winter, and people don’t even realize it.”
This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Grafton Winter Lights Parade. Lineup begins at 4:30 p.m. at Hawg Pit BBQ and the parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m.
Jameson promises a “dazzling procession of lights, floats, and community spirit.” There are over 60 participants in the parade.
In addition to the many local businesses, organizations and community members who will be featured, St. Louis Blues mascot Louie will be present with the St. Louis Blues Hockey Van. A Monster Truck will also travel down the parade route.
While there will be plenty of spots for people to sit or stand along the parade route, there are a few optimal locations where you can park your car and watch from inside your vehicle. Jameson emphasized this is perfect for people with little ones or those who can’t traverse the cold as well.
“That’s something that really sets the Grafton Winter Lights parade off from other holiday parades,” she explained. “The way the parade route is organized, if you come early and get a great spot, you can park your vehicle, back it in or face it right into the parade route, and you can watch it from the comfort of your own vehicle. Little kids, people who are physically challenged in other ways or have health concerns that couldn't typically get out and enjoy a winter parade — this is the one for them.”
You can show up early to secure your spot. But Jameson actually recommends arriving in Grafton in the morning so you can participate in Grafton’s Holiday Treat Trail, a free experience for 300 participants to shop and enjoy goodies around downtown Grafton.
She also pointed out that Santa Con is scheduled for Dec. 13, and The Bloody Bucket is currently offering their Holly Jolly Bucket Christmas pop-up experience.
All of these events reinforce Jameson’s belief that Grafton is the place to be this holiday season. She noted that there is plenty to do, eat, shop and experience, and she hopes many people come out this weekend to enjoy Grafton’s offerings, including the Winter Lights Parade.
“You can spend an entire weekend in Grafton having winter fun with your family and all within, like, a mile and a half radius. Park your car on Friday night and you don’t even have to get back in it,” she laughed. “There’s no reason you can’t have a great day in Grafton. Stick around, knock some shopping out, and then enjoy the Winter Lights Parade that night.”
For more information about the Grafton Winter Lights Parade, visit the official Facebook event page.
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