Call for Athens Christmas Parade entries
Issued by ACC Leisure Services:
The Leisure Services Department announces online entry applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Athens-Clarke County Downtown Parade of Lights.
This year’s parade is scheduled for Thursday, December 3 at 7:00 p.m.
The deadline for entry applications is Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Late applications are not accepted. This is a firm deadline.The online application are available at www.accgov.com/parade. The parade application fee is $40.
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."
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
