Ashland’s 2025 Christmas parade spotlights community groups, Ashland University and tree lighting

Downtown Ashland filled with lights and music as the city’s 2025 Christmas parade proceeded past the corner of Claremont and Main Street and concluded with preparations for the annual tree lighting.

Mayor Matt Miller welcomed the crowd and thanked presenting sponsor Ashland University, introducing Dr. John Parrish Peede, the university’s president. "Student enrollment grew 6%," Peede said, adding that students from across the region are increasingly involved in downtown volunteerism and campus life.

The broadcast highlighted veterans, first responders and community groups that took part in the procession. Organizers congratulated the Ashland High School boys — named grand marshals — and thanked the Ashland Fire Department and county public-safety partners for their participation. The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office was noted for a donor-funded marking on vehicles bearing the motto "In God We Trust," a speaker said.

Floats and entries came from a wide mix of local organizations and businesses, including the VFW honor guard, Ashland University, Hands of Grace, McBee Paving and Seal Coating, Farmers State Bank, Directions Credit Union, the Ashland Humane Society, Ashland Regional Ballet, and numerous school groups. Parade judges named on air included Michael Zickefoos, Eric Snyder of the Ashland County Park District and Alexis Schlegel, owner of Opal and Olive.

Organizers said they expected a large procession — an on-air estimate cited about 85 floats — while later commentary referenced roughly 75 floats moving through downtown. The broadcast repeatedly encouraged donations and community support for local nonprofits and promoted upcoming seasonal offerings such as the Ashland Regional Ballet’s performances of The Nutcracker and the volunteer-led Ashland Christmas Village at Corner Park.

In addition to community programming, the mayor used the mic to announce next year’s Ashland Balloon Fest dates (June 25–28, 2026) and to recognize the parade’s presenting and supporting sponsors. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived near the parade’s end on the Ashland Express, which will also host Christmas Village story times and events for children.

As the parade wound down, Mayor Miller invited attendees to remain downtown for the lighting of a 40-foot artificial pine decorated with more than 20,000 lights. The evening’s events were also broadcast live via Ashland University/WRDL 88.9, Armstrong Cable, and the city’s livestream partners.

Organizers and hosts used the broadcast to promote the city’s calendar of community events and thanked volunteers, sponsors and municipal staff for facilitating the parade and tree-lighting festivities.