The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department announces that float or performing unit 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, 2025. The deadline for entries is Tuesday, November 4, 2025 by 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.  The parade application fee is non-refundable.

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 at 7:00 p.m. 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