Columbus Festival of lights

December 6, 2025

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Parade Entry

Thank you for applying to participate in the 2024 Columbus Festival of Lights! The parade will be Dember 7th at 6 pm. This year’s theme is “Home For The Holidays”! Below is a small portion of the guidelines. You will find the full Parade Entry Guideline packet here.  All drivers, primary contacts and walking marshals should read the full guideline packet. Red Arch Community Events, Inc. reserves the right to deny an application. The application does not guarantee entry due to a limited amount of 100 entries. Entries are on a first-come, first-serve basis. In September, we will email you an acceptance email and your invoice. After we reach 100 entries, we will put the remaining applications on a wait list. If you have any questions, please email info@columbusfestivaloflights.com or call Amy Stoughton Berquist at 812.552.4737.

Things to Note

Important Information
  • All drivers, main contacts and walking marshals must attend one of two mandatory parade entry meetings. They will be held at Ivy Tech – Moravec Hall. The dates are November 14th at 6pm and November 19th at 6 pm. If you are unable to attend you must reach out to Red Arch Community Events, Inc. to ensure you will still be able to participate.
  • ALL entries must have a walking marshal. Please see instructions for walking marshals below.
  • There is NO throwing candy from floats or vehicles.
  • All drivers will be required to submit their drivers license number and vehicle insurance information.
  • There is only ONE Santa and Mrs. Claus in the parade. Red Arch Community Events will have Santa and Mrs. Claus in the last float of the parade.
  • There is absolutely NO stopping during the parade. Doing so will result in a ban from participating in future parades. This is a serious safety hazard and no exceptions to the ban will be allowed.
  • This year groups that intend to have a motorized vehicle will only be allowed the following. Float entries will only be allowed one vehicle that is pulling the float. Vehicle entries will only be allowed to have one vehicle and one ATV. ATVs and golf carts will be allowed two per entry.  If you wish to have more than what is listed, you will be charged entry fees based on the limit per entry. For example, if you plan on entering 4 vehicles there will be 4 entry fees applied. You must fill out an applications for each vehicle or entry. We will invoice you appropriately.
  • It is important you fill out the application as best as possible. We understand we are still several months from the parade so please fill it out to the best of your ability!
  • Parade Unit may be no wider than 8 feet, no taller than 13 feet and must safely navigate the route due.
Group types and fees
  • First responders: A First Responder Entry will include a Police Department, Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department, and EMS/Paramedic. There is no charge to participate.
  • Non-Profits: A Non-Profit / Community Organization entry is an organization certified as a 501(c)(3) organization, or Community Service Group such as Girls/Boys Scouts, High School Clubs, Marching Bands, and others determined by Red Arch Community Events, Inc. No company or sponsor logos will be permitted. You may display the nonprofit or group logo. There is a $25 charge per entry.
  • General Entry: General entries are businesses, individuals, families, or groups that are not community-based organizations or non-profits. The General entries are the only group that may display a company logo. There is a $50 charge per entry.
Entry Types
  • Floats
  • Vehicles – Trucks – ATVs – Golf Carts – Auto Clubs – Car Groups
  • Walking groups - performing groups – Bicycle Groups
  • Animal groups. All animal groups will be subject to approval from Red Arch Community Events, Inc. No animals with a bite history and all small animals must be leashed. 
Walking Marshals

Every entry must have a walking marshal. Walking Marshals are critical to the success of the parade by keeping their group on the required pace which eliminates parade gaps.

  • Walking Marshal (WM) must carry an entry number for entry identification for the judges and ensure the number is visible as the entry approaches the judges' table and sound stations areas. Entry number is issued the day of the parade.
  • WM must be at least 16 years of age.
  • WM are required to walk approximately five feet in front of the entry on the left driver’s headlight side and, through communication with their entry, maintain the pace required to ensure no gaps are created.
  • WM must have the ability to listen, follow instructions and communicate issues to the parade monitors along the route.
  • WM must be able to provide instruction/direction to their entry. If your entry suffers a breakdown during the parade, move the entry to the left side and communicate with and allow the entries behind you to pass. WM must notify the closest parade monitor of the breakdown.
Commentary Samples

When completing the commentary section, include information that can be used to identify and describe your entry for the spectators. The Emcees will use this description to announce your entry. Your commentary should be a brief narrative – Use 2-5 sentences. Remember, to maintain the spirit of the event, the script should be fun to hear! Red Arch Community Events, Inc. reserves the right to edit and use the material as needed. Commentary Samples Examples:

  • "A heartfelt salute to our troops as the parade showcases a patriotic float, reminding us of the sacrifices made for our freedom. It's a poignant reminder that the holiday spirit extends beyond festivities and into our gratitude for those who serve."
  • "Wow, folks, talk about a winter wonderland that came to life! As the Nutcracker-themed float waltzes past, notice the intricate detailing on those costumes and the way those lights dance to the rhythm of Tchaikovsky's music. Pure enchantment!"
  • "Hold onto your reindeer reins, because the Griswold family has joined our parade with their over-the-top Christmas lights extravaganza! Clark would be proud. This one is definitely lighting up the neighborhood.”

Enter the Parade

Parade entry applications are now closed - we are officially full!

Frequently Asked Questions

General
Parade
Get Involved
What is the Columbus Festival of Lights Parade?
The Lights Festival is an event where people of all backgrounds and beliefs can come together to have an uplifting, positive, and unforgettable experience! We love seeing the variation of significance this event has for different people. We hope you’ll join us!
What is the date of the event?
Saturday December 6, 2025 at 6 pm. The parade lasts approximately an hour.
(The event will happen the first Saturday of December each year following.)
Where Can I Park?
You can park in any of the legal street, garage or parking lots available throughout the downtown area that is not blocked off. Plan to arrive up to an hour early and to walk a bit. For more parking information and resources visit the City of Columbus website here.
What if the Event is canceled?
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY: The Columbus Festival of Lights Parade is an outdoor event we sometimes encounter unpredictable or bad weather. We will make a final decision on moving forward with the event based on the safety of our entries and attendees by noon on the day of the event. Once a decision has been made, we will email all entries via the email provided, post to our website and all social media feeds, and inform local media outlets.

Parade entry fees for accepted entries are non-refundable. There is no ‘reschedule date’ should the parade be canceled or shortened due to inclement weather.

Usually, the parade will be held in rain, snow, or clear weather. In the event of inclement weather, the parade will go on schedule, except in the event of extreme and/or dangerous conditions such as ice storms, temperatures (including wind chill) nearing zero degrees, blizzards, etc. The Parade Committee defines these conditions as situations when the downtown streets cannot be cleared by the City of Columbus AND/OR it is deemed unsafe to be outside by the National Weather Service. Should inclement weather occur prior to the parade, the Festival of Lights Parade Committee will determine if it is sufficiently severe to cancel or delay the parade.

If the parade is canceled, it will not be rescheduled for a later date.

All participants should make provisions for foul weather.
Is the parade family and animal friendly?
The Lights Fest is for all ages! There’s nothing like seeing the amazement in a child’s eyes while they gaze up into this genuinely magical sight. There is ample security at each event.

We love your pets! … but we caution bringing them to the event. We do make exceptions for service animals. Keep in Mind that loud music and flashing lights may provide an uncomfortable atmosphere for your animal. They must be kept on a leash.

Creating memories that will last a lifetime is what we are all about! We hope to see you at The Lights Fest!
Can I throw things from my entry in the parade?
Per the City of Columbus and Columbus Police Department, candy or any other objects MAY NOT be thrown from parade entries. If you wish to distribute any goodies, walkers may hand items to spectators along the route. Walkers must be at the curb. Safety is our primary concern and we will enforce this policy.
What is the Parade Route This Year?
See the map on the home page.
Will There Be Awards Given for the Best and Most Creative Floats?
Award winners will be named at the after the parade. Award categories are "Best Overall". "Best Use of Lights" and "Kids Choice Award".
Where’s the best place to sit to see the Parade?
There are many great places to view the Parade. We suggest Washington Street from 4th Street to 9th Street. Please be aware of the safety line and try to remain behind that line. We also ask that you respect law enforcement and security as they are there to keep the parade safe and fun for everyone.
What types of groups are in the parade?
The parade has a variety of units including floats, bands, balloons, and marching units.
What Can I Do to Help with the Parade?
We hope you’ll get involved with us and make this the best Christmas parade we’ve ever had. Here are just a few things you can do: Like us on Facebook, share the event with your friends, and click here to volunteer for the parade.
How do I register to have a float in the parade?
You will need to fill out an application on the applications page. 
Application
How can my business get involved?
There are various ways businesses can be involved in the Parade, from sponsorships to parade entries. Email Below
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