From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services

The Leisure Services Department announces that applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Athens-Clarke County Downtown Parade of Lights. This year’s parade is scheduled for Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m

The deadline for entries is Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.  Late applications are not accepted.  This is a firm deadline.

The online application is available at www.accgov.com/parade  The parade application fee is $40. 

Annually, more than 75 entries including floats and performing units, compete for such prizes as “Most Original Float,” “Best Use of Theme,“ “Best Performance,” and “Best Use of Lights.”  The best overall float receives the “Mayor’s Award.”

This year’s theme is “Cooking up a Great Holiday.”   

The parade begins on the corner of Hancock Avenue and Pulaski Street ending in front of the stage at City Hall for the traditional tree lighting ceremony.

The Athens-Clarke County Downtown Parade of Lights is coordinated by the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department.  It is sponsored by the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and the Athens Downtown Development Authority.  

Parade information and application forms can be found at 

www.accgov.com/parade  or by contacting Leisure Services at 706-613-3800 or paradeoflights@accgov.com