Downtown Parade of Lights

Save the Date!  The 2022 Downtown Parade of Lights is scheduled for Thursday, December 1, 2022.  Applications for parade entries and floats will open around November 1, 2022.

2021 Downtown Parade of Lights Video

A video of the 2021 Downtown Parade of Lights will broadcast daily on ACTV, the Athens-Clarke County government access television channel, at 8:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 2:00 AM, except when pre-empted by broadcasts or rebroadcasts of Mayor and Commission meetings. The parade will run through Friday, December 31. The video runs approximately 42 minutes.

The parade video is also available online for on-demand viewing through the Athens-Clarke County website below and the official Athens-Clarke County YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/accgov. Residents with a Roku, Apple TV, or other streaming video device can also find the ACCGov YouTube channel through the YouTube app by searching for 'accgov.'

In addition to airing the 2021 parade, ACTV will broadcast a special marathon of back-to-back Downtown Parade of Lights videos from 2003-2021 on repeat during the 48 hours of December 24 and 25.


downtown parade of lights - christmas tree in front of city hall, santa waving from his sleigh

The Downtown Parade of Lights for 2021 is scheduled for December 2, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and Athens Downtown Development Authority are proud to present the Downtown Parade of Lights. The theme for this year is “A Super Hero Holiday.” All participants are encouraged to embrace this year’s theme by highlighting heroes: real and/or fictional. 

The ACC Downtown Parade of Lights is a “rain or shine” event.    If safety becomes an issue for participants and spectators due to severe weather, the parade may be cancelled by the event organizer.  

The ACC Downtown Parade of Lights is contingent upon local COVID-19 case numbers and may be modified or canceled to ensure public health and safety.

2021 Downtown Parade of Lights 

Take a look to see who is participating in this year's event and the marching order.

Meet this year's parade marshals, real life super heroes who served the community during the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • breckenridge.lauraLaura Breckenridge, Piedmont Athens Regional
    Laura is a registered nurse in Cardiac Telemetry.  She was named the 2021 Promise 360 Champion for Piedmont Athens Regional.  Laura was recognized for going above and beyond in highlighting Piedmont’s core values - patient-centered care, teamwork, ownership, and embracing the future.   Laura is honored to represent her Piedmont Athens Regional colleagues who during the COVID pandemic have done their very best to be a positive difference in the lives of their patients and the Athens community.  Thank you, Laura!
  • DAISY_Luke Duncan_8x10_tight_med rezLuke Duncan, St. Mary's Health Care System
    Luke is a registered nurse in St. Mary's Neurosciences Critical Care Unit. He recently received St. Mary’s DAISY Award for excellence in nursing because of the extraordinary care he provides to critically ill patients and their loved ones. Luke is honored to be here today to represent all the St. Mary's colleagues who have been so strong and compassionate throughout the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Thank you, Luke!
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Click for Map

downtown-parade-map

Downtown Parking Options

Learn more about downtown parking options.

Past Downtown Parades of Lights (2010-2019)


 Past Parade Videos:

Participate in the 2021 Downtown Parade of Lights!

Applications will be accepted for the 2021 Downtown Parade of Lights until November 8, 2021. 

Applications AND Payment must be received by Monday, November 8, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. to be considered. 

Due to downtown construction, the parade will have a new route and significantly fewer entries will be included in the parade. Applicants will receive notification by November 10, 2021 if they will be accepted in the parade.

  • 2021 Downtown Parade of Lights Guidelines
  • 2021 Downtown Parade of Lights Online Application - Now Closed
  • 2021 Downtown Parade of Lights Application Fee = $40 
    •  Pay Online    -OR-
    • Pay by Check (payable to Athens-Clarke County) 
      • Checks must be received at 205 Old Commerce Road, Athens, GA 30607 before deadline

For more information, please call 706-613-3800 or email leisureservices@accgov.com