Downtown Holiday Festivities
Annual Tree Lighting with Santa & Light Parade
Saturday, November 23, 5:30-9pm
The Downtown Traverse City Association invites you to get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with holiday magic! Join us for the Santa’s Arrival, the Tree Lighting, and the dazzling Light Parade, all happening in the heart of downtown Traverse City!
This cherished community event is free and open to everyone, and we invite you to be part of the festive fun. The night kicks off with the tree lighting at Cass and Front Street, where Santa himself will join the mayor and special guests to illuminate our holiday tree. Once the lights are shining bright, the Light Parade will roll down Front Street from Franklin Street west to Union Street, showcasing creatively decked-out floats and vehicles, musical performances, the Big Guy himself, and thousands of twinkling lights from local businesses and community partners.
Gather along the parade route, don your favorite light-up accessories, and enjoy the spectacle as it lights up the night!
3:30pm: Front Street closes
5:30pm: Holiday music & special guests
6:00pm: Tree Lighting with Santa
6:30pm: Light Parade
Post-parade until 9pm: Santa’s House visits
NEW: Parade Lineup, Map & More
The parade entries are in! Look inside our event program for your favorite or find some new surprises that will leave you all aglow. Plus, see the route map, check out our sponsors, find a restroom, and learn more on seating.
Drop by Santa’s House
After the parade, be sure to stop by Santa’s House at City Center Plaza (corner of State and Cass) for a magical meet-and-greet, complete with sticky-sweet candy cane treats! Can’t make it? No worries! Visit another time.
Watch the Light Parade from Home!
While we’d love for you to join us downtown, we understand that circumstances may not allow for that. So join the UpNorthLive 7&4 team, Anchor Brendan Kinney and Meteorologist Heather Bricca, as they live broadcast the festivities from Downtown TC!
Park, Bike or Ride
Parking is easy and convenient! Park at available metered spaces (enforceable for times indicated) and the Hardy and Old Town Parking Structures. Front Street from Franklin/Railroad to Pine will be closed for through traffic/parking after 3:00pm, reopening after 9:00pm.
Avoid traffic and opt for a smooth cruise! BATA’s Bayline will be providing free rides downtown to the Light Parade events. Buses every 15 minutes with free parking at Park-n-Ride lots located at Meijer or Woodland Creek Furniture. Learn more here.
Downtown is always easily accessible by bike. Just follow the rules of the road and ensure you are visible as streets darken.
Accessible Seating Area
A seating area for individuals with disabilities will be located at Park and Front Streets, with safety barricades and easy access.
Thank you to our generous sponsors:
Light Parade Co-Presenting Sponsor
PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER
