MainStreet Rockville Hometown Holidays and Parade of Lights

The MainStreet Rockville Hometown Holidays and Parade of Lights is a festive one-day event held on December 6, 2025, centered around Rockville Courthouse Square in Parke County, West region. The event includes a Santa 5k run, a parade of lights that proceeds from Beechwood Park to the Courthouse Square, followed by a tree lighting ceremony and opportunities to visit with Santa. The atmosphere is family-friendly and community-oriented, with a mix of holiday cheer and local shopping featuring 17 unique storefronts around the area. The event is handicapped accessible and hosted by the MainStreet Rockville organization.

Surrounding Area and Vibe

Rockville Courthouse Square is a central gathering place exhibiting a quaint, charming small-town feel, ideal for holiday celebrations. The community-focused event generates a warm, festive ambiance with streets adorned in holiday lights, local shops open for unique seasonal shopping, and a sense of local pride and togetherness. The parade and running event bring active, outdoor engagement, complementing the traditional holiday social activities like the tree lighting and Santa visits, encouraging broad age group participation from kids to adults.

Activities & Descriptions

• Santa 5K Run: A family-friendly race that invites participants to kick off the day actively, often with festive character and community spirit.
• Parade of Lights: A nighttime procession starting at Beechwood Park, traveling to the Courthouse Square, featuring illuminated floats, community groups, and holiday music, creating a vibrant holiday spectacle.
• Tree Lighting Ceremony: A central highlight where the community gathers to witness the official lighting of the holiday tree in the Courthouse Square, marking the official start of the holiday season in Rockville.
• Visits with Santa: Children and families can meet Santa Claus in a festive setting, perfect for photo opportunities and sharing holiday wishes.
• Shopping at Unique Storefronts: The event highlights 17 local shops offering holiday-themed goods, crafts, and gifts, supporting local businesses and artisans.

Rough Schedule & Locations

• Morning: Santa 5K run begins (likely at or near Beechwood Park or Courthouse Square area)
• Early Evening: Parade of Lights commences at Beechwood Park, proceeding to Courthouse Square
• Post-parade: Tree lighting ceremony at Courthouse Square
• Concurrent or Post-events: Santa visits at Courthouse Square and shops open for extended holiday hours and specials

Event History and Founding

While specific founding details of the "MainStreet Rockville Hometown Holidays and Parade of Lights" event are not outlined in available data, it is typical for MainStreet Rockville initiatives to aim at promoting downtown vibrancy through annual festivals. The festival joins other Rockville community-focused events like the long-running Memorial Day Hometown Holidays festival held at Rockville Town Center in May, indicating a tradition of seasonal community celebrations that strengthen local identity and commerce throughout the year.

The MainStreet Rockville organization emphasizes supporting local commerce, culture, and community spirit, which aligns with the parade, holiday run, tree lighting, and Santa visits format seen here. The accessibility and inclusive design indicate a well-organized, long-term community event intended to foster engagement and holiday joy across a diverse population.

For additional details, schedules, or accessibility accommodations, contacting MainStreet Rockville directly or visiting their website would provide the most current information.