A Snow-Globe Weekend in Clear Lake

The Clear Lake Chamber’s Christmas by the Lake 2025 delivered a true snow-globe weekend in Clear Lake. More than 8,000 visitors filled downtown and the shoreline for a festive blend of tradition, twinkling lights, and fresh snowfall that made the whole celebration feel cinematic. From Santa’s House and holiday shopping to fireworks and cozy fire barrels, every corner of town buzzed with winter cheer.+

This year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony carried a little extra meaning. Every ornament on the Memory Tree represented someone special, and every purchase helped support families right here in our community. With the support of our community, $1,134 was raised for the Clear Lake Community School District’s Holiday Meal Program, helping ensure local families had meals during the holiday season.
(Click here to view the Facebook post recognizing the individuals remembered on the Memory Tree.)

From start to finish, the weekend delivered can’t-miss moments, capped by the always-popular lighted parade and fireworks. Both drew huge crowds — and you can relive them right here through our video highlights and photo gallery. The parade line-up was especially memorable, with creative themes, big laughs, and plenty of sparkle.

Below are the parade winners, followed by the full gallery of photos and videos from Clear Lake’s favorite holiday tradition.

Lighted Parade Winners
1st: Pritchard Family Auto Stores – “Christmas Vacation”
2nd: Farmers State Bank – “Shrek”
3rd: The Nightmare Haunted Hike – “Skeleton Grinch”

Thank you to presenting sponsors Clear Lake Bank & Trust, Curries/Assa Abloy, ITC, Pritchard Family Auto Stores and CL Tel.

Thank you to activity sponsors: The Other Place, Mediacom, Fareway, Kingland, Dean Snyder Construction and Laird Law Firm.

Thank you to the Christmas by the Lake Committee: Kristy Priebe (Clear Lake Bank & Trust), Amy Hogg (Bank Iowa) and Chamber staff Trish Fundermann, Jenny Fasbender, and Maddie Anderly.

  • 1st Place Parade Entry: Pritchard Family Auto Stores

  • Santa atop the Pritchard float

  • 2nd Place Parade Entry: Farmers State Bank

  • 3rd Place Parade Entry: Skeleton Grinch