The 43rd Annual Christmas in Ida Festival and Parade of Lights opens its doors to the world. December 4–6, 2025, welcoming families to experience the excitement and warmth of the holiday season in small-town America.
Nestled in the heart of Monroe County, Ida, Michigan transforms into a winter wonderland filled with hometown hospitality, dazzling entertainment, and beloved traditions. The festival brings back childhood memories while creating new ones that will inspire your holiday cheer for years to come. Recognized as a Midwest family destination, Christmas in Ida culminates in the spectacular Christmas in Ida Parade of Lights—the “Granddaddy of them all.” Thousands of sparkling lights illuminate the streets as floats, balloons, cartoon characters, farm implements, fire trucks, bands, and marching groups delight spectators for two full hours. Visitors travel from across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Canada to take part in this extraordinary holiday celebration.
The Christmas in Ida Executive Board proudly announces the return of the La-Z-Boy Family Concert Series headlining with country music icons Little Texas, presented by STAR Towing, Duffy Towing, Zorn Towing, and Roberts Spill Response and Restoration. Celebrating 37 years together and 34 years on country radio, Little Texas will perform their biggest hits, including three consecutive #1 singles — What Might Have Been, My Love, and God Blessed Texas — as well as fan favorites like Amy’s Back in Austin, Kick a Little, and First Time for Everything.
Rising country star Nicole Croteau will headline The Young Country Concert, presented by Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Superstore. Croteau has quickly become one of Nashville’s most promising voices, with hit singles such as I Don’t Drink (2021), Something I Would Do (2023), Who Do You Love (2024), and Jill of All Trades (2024).
Beyond her own recordings, Croteau is an accomplished songwriter with over 60 songs placed with other artists, amassing more than 40 million streams. Her songs have been featured everywhere from the Grand Ole Opry to movie soundtracks and the CBS series The Road — co-created by Blake Shelton and Taylor Sheridan, starring Keith Urban.
The Country Concerts will take place in the outdoor heated Christmas in Ida Theater Center, presented by Directions Credit Union, on Saturday, December 6, beginning at 4:25 PM. All festival concerts are free.
A public meet and greet with the stars of the Young Country Concert will follow the performance in the Partners Tent, presented by TLC Community Credit Union.
Regional entertainment runs all day featuring Holiday dance performances including highlights from the Nutcracker Suite.
Christmas in Ida opens Thursday, Dec. 4, with an encore concert, Twas the Night Before Christmas in Ida – A Unique Evening of Trans-Siberian Music featuring Siberian Solstice, presented by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Experience a high-energy holiday concert inspired by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, blending classic Christmas melodies with powerful rock instrumentation, stunning light displays, and immersive visuals. Siberian Solstice delivers a dynamic and unforgettable performance that captures the magic of the season for all ages.
The Boychoir of Ann Arbor will present the Commemorative Concert on Friday, Dec. 5 at 7:00 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, followed by a reception. This distinguished performance will feature classical and traditional Christmas music, showcasing the exceptional talent of boys ages 8 to 18 under the direction of Dr. John Boonenberg. Now in its fourth decade, the Boychoir includes three ensembles—Treble Choir, Young Men’s Ensemble, and Cantabile—and is known for its wide-ranging repertoire and musical excellence.
Presented by Senator Joe Bellino, Representatives William Bruck and Jim DeSana, Senator Emeritus Dale W. Zorn, State Representative Candidate Lura Perry, and Monroe County Commissioner Candidate Dale Bienick the concert also features Holiday Arts on the Avenue, presented by Family Medical Center of Michigan. This interactive art exhibit brings to life the 2025 theme Christmas Traditions from Around the World.
A cherished tradition since the 25th anniversary of Christmas in Ida, the Commemorative Concert continues to celebrate youth music and global holiday heritage.
Friday night will be a rocking fun time at The Jingle Bell Rockout! Concert when it returns with six high-energy regional bands featuring Dads on Couches, Blockhouse Valley, Wipeout, BlairTuller, The Boy Detective, and Rust Belt Rising. Hailing from Michigan and Ohio, with many members tied to the Ida community, the bands will each perform a 30-minute set in a fast-paced collage format. The concert is presented by ITC Holdings.
This concert takes place at the heated outdoor Christmas in Ida Theater Center, located in the Ida Township Parking Lot, and presented by Directions Credit Union.
Ida Public School Bands Collage Concert directed by Mr. Chris Bennett is a delightful ending to the Christmas in Ida Festival.
The performance will be at the Ida High School on Sunday December 7th starting at 2pm
Enjoy an afternoon of music with Ida Public School Bands and music students performing your favorite Christmas and Holiday music.
The festival continues its cherished Holiday Art on the Avenue tradition, where professional and amateur artists bring the theme “Christmas Traditions From Around the World” to life on canvas. Artwork will be displayed Thursday and Friday evenings, December 4–5, and all-day Saturday,December 6.
Other family-friendly activities include:
Holiday Hounds on Parade
Craft and merchandise vendors
Fine arts displays
Santa’s Zoo
Horse-drawn carriage rides
Children’s Lunch with Santa
Family video arcade
Lighted Fun Run
Spectacular fireworks show
Ethnic foods and festival favorites
In keeping with tradition, all events—including concerts—are free!
Follow the Christmas in Ida Facebook page for updates: facebook.com/christmasinida
Visit www.christmasinida.com or call 734-269-6017 for more information.
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Also check out other Entertainment events in Ida, Music events in Ida.
