2025 Christmas Parade Application

UPDATED!

2025 Christmas Parade of Lights Application Form

Thank you for joining the 2025 Christmas Parade of Lights on Friday, December 6 (Inclement Weather Day: December 11)! This year's theme is "Once Upon a Small-Town Christmas"—let your creativity shine as we bring the holiday spirit to life!

Check-in Details

• Time: Check-in begins at 5:30 PM, with the parade starting promptly at 7:00 PM.
• Location: Church & Crawford (all participants must check in here).

Parade Route

The parade starts at the Anderson County Courthouse and proceeds along Ave A, right on W Main St, right on N Queen St, right W Crawford St, and left on Elm St to disburse.

Awards and Judging

To be eligible for awards, please submit your application by 12 PM on Wednesday, December 4, 2025. First-place prizes of $100 will be awarded in each of three categories:

1. Band/Performing Group (No Float)
2. Organization Float
3. Business Float

Entries will be judged on:

1. Creativity and Originality
2. Spirit and Enthusiasm
3. Visual Appeal and Presentation
4. Note: Music and holiday lights are highly encouraged to add sparkle to the festivities!

Entry Identification

All entries must be clearly identified by:

1. Affixing a sign (provided at checkin) as directed with the organization or business name and/or entry number for judged entries.
2. Providing a detailed description of your entry on the application form.

Parade Rules and Regulations

1. Santa Claus Representation: Only the City-provided Santa Claus is allowed; no life-like Santas on any entry.
2. Vehicle Insurance: If your entry includes a vehicle, upload current proof of insurance. Multiple vehicles (e.g., car clubs) require proof of insurance at check-in.
3. Lights: All entries must include Christmas lights.
4. Theme Incorporation: Entries must reflect the parade theme for judging eligibility.
5. Waivers & Insurance: Signed waivers and insurance documents are required for participation.
6. Child Safety: No walking children under 12, no bicycles for children under 12 are allowed, and no toy vehicles.
7. Vehicle Movement: Excessive movement, such as wheelies or engine revving, is prohibited.
8. Disbanding: Early disbanding or rider drop-off outside designated areas may result in future bans.
9. Equine Entries: Equine entries must present current Coggins papers at check-in and provide a volunteer walking immediately behind to clean up after horses.
10. Entry Approval: The City of Palestine reserves the right to accept or reject any application.
11. Conduct: Obscene music, language, or actions will not be tolerated.
12. Candy Distribution: Candy and other materials may be handed out, not thrown, by walkers alongside entries.
13. 18-Wheelers: 18-wheelers with trailers are not permitted; cabs without trailers are allowed.

We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you in this year’s Parade of Lights!