Parade of Lights Entrant Information

  1. Home
  2. Explore
  3. Special Events
  4. Parade of Lights
  5. Parade of Lights Entrant Information
image-placeholder

Parade Details

  • Date: Dec. 5, 2026
  • Start Time: 6:45 p.m.
  • Entry Fee: $25

Parade Rules

The Parade of Lights is a fun event that gives a lot of holiday joy to the people of Chandler. These rules will help us provide a safe and pleasurable experience for all parade participants and attendees. To ensure a safe parade, violation of any of these rules will result in the disqualification of the entry.

Application

  1. A representative of every parade entrant must attend a mandatory pre-parade meeting on Tuesday, November 4, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Chandler City Hall, 175 S. Arizona Ave. (In the Council Chambers).
  2. The City of Chandler will provide the only live Santa Claus for the event.
  3. No alcoholic beverages of any kind will be allowed in the staging area or on the float or parade unit.
  4. Candy, gifts or any materials may NOT be thrown or given to the crowd from any float or unit participating in the parade.
  5. Failure by a participant or parents of participants to obey any police officer or parade official will be cause for that entry to be removed.
  6. All major construction points and lines should be outlined in electric lights or glow products to highlight the shape of the costume, float or vehicle.
  7. Foul behavior by participants, parents or representatives of the group at any time during the event will result in removal from the parade.
  8. The number of entries allowed in the Parade will be based on space available. The number of walking entries will be determined by total number of entries. This will include walking groups accompanying floats and vehicles.
  9. Entries that fail to meet the requirements of this document will be pulled from the parade.
  10. The $25 entry fee will be used towards the winners’ prize money. You will receive instructions on how to pay your $25 entry fee when accepted into the parade. DO NOT mail in the entry fee with your application.
  1. Only UL-approved wiring, lights and batteries may be used.
  2. All batteries and battery packs must be concealed within the costume and all wiring must be concealed or attached to the individual.
  3. Walking groups must have a minimum of 100 lights per participant.
  4. Walking groups must not exceed 50 participants.
  1. Each entry is required to have at least one lit signage in string or rope lights with the name of the entry or sponsoring group.
  2. Proof of vehicular insurance must be received by the Parade Coordinator when entry form is submitted, for all vehicular units.
  3. All materials used on entries must be flame retardant.
  4. All wiring must be properly secured to prevent mechanical damage and injury to entry riders.
  5. All connections must be made with UL approved electrical boxes or devices.
  6. Portable generators or compressors used on any entry must be securely mounted on a vehicle or other substantial base. A minimum of 12 inches of clearance must separate any part of the generator/compressor from combustible fabrication material.
  7. Generators/compressors must be equipped with firmly attached exhaust systems that terminate either into a common exhaust serving the vehicle or in the same manner as vehicle exhaust.
  8. The use of public address systems for broadcasting messages is prohibited.
  9. Religious expression is not prohibited, but proselytizing is discouraged. Please be sensitive to the faiths of others.
  10. Decorations on windshields of vehicles must not obscure the vision of the driver.
  11. All entries will be subject to inspection by the Chandler Police and Fire Departments.
  12. All drivers must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and be adequately trained to drive their assigned float.
  13. A minimum of one 2A10BC-type fire extinguisher must be provided on each entry or unit.
  14. Once a vehicle has been submitted and approved in the entry form, it cannot be changed. If a change is needed, the entry form is resubmitted and the process begins all over. You are no longer guaranteed a position in the parade.
  15. Floats must have a minimum of 1500 lights and vehicles must have a minimum of 350 lights.
  16. Walking groups accompanying floats must not exceed 25 participants.
  17. Trailer and vehicle length combined cannot exceed 50 feet without approval from the Parade Coordinator.
  18. Max height for all entries is 15 feet.

Judging

Entries have the option of being judged before the parade begins. Choose the category that best suits your entry.

image-placeholder

Best Lit Musical or Dance Group

image-placeholder

Best Lit Community Group

image-placeholder

Best Lit Business

image-placeholder

Biggest & Brightest

Prizes

1st place winners in each category will receive a cash prize & commemorative photo plaque.

  • $175 – Best Lit Musical or Dance, Best Lit Community & Best Lit Business Groups
  • $350 – Biggest & Brightest
  • $250 – Judges Choice (All entries judged will be considered for the Judge’s Choice.)

2nd place winners in each category will receive a commemorative photo plaque.

For specific judging criteria, please visit Parade of Lights.

Judging will begin promptly at 5:15 p.m. 
All entries wishing to be judged must be in position and lit at that time. Entries not ready at the start time will be ineligible. Judging may take up to 30 minutes. Late arrivals will not be judged once the judging process begins.