Colorado Springs Festival of Lights

Registration is Open! Scroll down for the registration form.

Parade Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 5:50pm

For questions related to registration, please contact csfestivaloflights@gmail.com

Entry Timeline & Fee Structure

Sept. 4 – Oct. 16, 2024: Luminous Launch Window
Oct. 17 – Nov. 6, 2024: Sparkling Grand Finale

Non-Profit

Sparkling Grand Finale

$250

Commercial

Sparkling Grand Finale

$600

You’re invited to join the 40th annual Festival of Lights Event, taking place on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The parade kicks off at 5:50 p.m. with the staging area opening for entries at 2:30 p.m.

With tens of thousands of spectators converging on downtown, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of a stunning spectacle featuring over 3,000 total participants. This vibrant event will showcase captivating artistic displays, enthralling performances, and the enchanting ambiance of the season. From bands to floats and a variety of unique entries, participants will vie for top honors in their respective categories.

Due to limited space, entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. As we consistently reach capacity and have to turn away applicants, it’s essential to submit your application early. The final submission deadline is November 6, 2024, but please note that available spots may fill up before then. After this date, space availability cannot be guaranteed.

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. P.O. Box 967 Colorado Springs, CO, 80901. 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

Register for the Parade!