2025 Parade Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 5:50pm
For questions related to registration, please contact csfestivaloflights@gmail.com
Colorado Springs Festival of Lights
Registration has been extended through November 13!
Entry Timeline & Fee Structure
Sept. 3 – Oct. 15, 2025: Luminous Launch Window
Oct. 16 – Nov. 13, 2025: Sparkling Grand Finale
Non-Profit
Sparkling Grand Finale
$275
Commercial
Sparkling Grand Finale
$650
Join Us for the 41st Annual Festival of Lights Parade
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | Parade begins at 5:50 p.m. | Staging opens at 2:30 p.m.
You’re invited to participate in the 41st Annual Festival of Lights Parade — one of the most treasured holiday traditions in Downtown Colorado Springs! This magical event lights up Tejon Street with nearly 100 dazzling entries and draws tens of thousands of spectators to celebrate the season in true community spirit.
With more than 3,000 participants each year, the Parade showcases a spectacular variety of illuminated floats, marching bands, dancers, and creative displays—all embracing the enchantment of the holidays. Participants compete for top honors in their respective categories, making the evening one of festive fun and friendly competition.
Space is limited and entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Each year, we reach capacity and must turn away late applicants—so we encourage you to submit your entry early.
The final registration deadline is November 6, 2025. Applications received after this date will only be considered if space allows.
Be a part of the tradition. Be a part of the magic. We can’t wait to see your creativity shine!
A non-profit organization for the Festival of Lights Parade is defined as a local organization with income largely derived from donations and grants. If you have a question as to whether your organization is a non-profit or commercial entry, please email kevin.p.leonardo@gmail.com
Payment Options
We accept a range of payment methods, including credit cards, ACH transfers, and conventional paper checks. If opting for paper checks, please make them payable to “Festival of Lights, Inc.” and send them via mail to: Festival of Lights, Inc. 6910 Yellowpine Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919. All entry payments are NON-REFUNDABLE.
Participation Guidelines
Timing and Arrival
- Entries should be in their assigned staging positions no later than 4:00 p.m. for roll call and judging. Access to the staging area will begin at 2:30 p.m.
Decoration and Theme Expression
- We encourage entries to showcase an array of lights and sounds, and kindly suggest that vehicles towing entries be decorated as well. Entries will be evaluated for their creative use of lighting, festive spirit, and over alignment with the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
- Please ensure that your entry design aligns with the photo or sketch you’ve submitted via the official Parade Entry Application.
- Participants are requested to wear costumes that complement their float theme, their entity or organization, or at a minimum, in holiday decor.
Application Requirements
- For an application to be considered complete, the entry package should include the Entry Fee, Signed Parade Application Form, Completed and Signed Liability Waiver Form, Proof of Insurance, and Proof of Non-Profit Status (if applicable).
Float Operation and Arrangements
- In consideration of traffic regulations, please leave cars either in the parking garage at the parade start or in the designated parking lot at the end of the parade route. Floats are not permitted to be driven in traffic. To ensure equal representation and a timely parade length for broadcast, we ask that the size of your entry be equivalent to one semi tractor-trailer unit.
- To prioritize safety, each float should be equipped with a fire extinguisher. It’s recommended that enclosed spaces are well-ventilated, particularly when using portable generators.
- Kindly ensure that any animals are cared for in terms of cleaning up before, during, and after the parade.
Restrictions and Conduct
- Entries should refrain from promoting political, social, or specific causes, ensuring a festive atmosphere.
- Weapons, fireworks, pyro elements or devices creating extremely loud noises are strictly prohibited. Motorcycles and cars should avoid revving their engines.
- With the exception of the Santa float at the end, standard Santa Claus costumes will not be allowed (Santa Hats are permitted).
- Smoking and drinking of alcoholic beverages are not permitted before or during the parade.
- When children under 18 are present, we kindly ask for the presence of an adult.
General Guidance and Courtesies
- Considering the significance of this citywide event, we encourage all entries to contribute to its overall quality.
- We kindly ask that you follow the guidance of parade staff, contributing to a memorable experience for everyone. Your cooperation will brighten this event for thousands of people, both young and old.
- Please help maintain cleanliness by leaving your area as you found it.
The Festival of Lights parade committee reserves the right to remove from the parade, at any time, any entrant not conforming to rules and regulations.
Completed application packets must include the following:
- Completed and signed Parade Application Form.
- Completed and signed Liability Waiver.
- Proof of Insurance.
- Entry details, including approximate size of vehicles and participants