2026 Downtown Parade of Lights announced
Released by ACC Leisure Services
This year’s parade is scheduled for Thursday, December 3 at 7:00 p.m.
Annually, more than 80 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 “Holiday Party."
This year's Parade Marshal is legendary caterer and party planner Lee Epting.
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, parking details, and the parade route are available at
