One of our favorite traditions around Christmas time is the annual City Lights Parade. We have our theme for 2025 and now we need floats for this year's event.

Listen, my brain is 100% focused on Halloween right now. However, I know folks planning out the annual City Lights Parade have got to get this ready to go before it comes up on December 6th. So here is what we know so far and how you can enter.

City Lights Theme for 2025: A Country Christmas

Every year, City Lights mixes up the event with a different theme. According to Downtown Wichita Falls Development, they're looking for, 'rustic barns, glowing tractors, twinkling hay bales, cowboy boots, and plenty of Texas charm — all lit up for the holidays.'

How Do I Register a Float in the City Lights Parade?

You have until November 10, to get registered. 30 spots remain open in the parade for additional floats. It will have 100 entries in total, but you can get signed up here if you're interested. You will have to follow certain rules to enter a float as always

City Lights Parade Float Rules

1. No Live Santas Allowed.
2. No Live Animals Allowed. Entries with live animals will not be permitted in the parade lineup.
3. Only one entry per business/organization. Each entry will receive a number — no number = no entry.
4. Candy may not be thrown from moving vehicles. Candy must be handed out by walkers alongside floats/vehicles (not into the street). Violators will be disqualified from next year’s parade.
5. No stopping on the parade route (except at the stage on 8th & Scott).
6. No political campaign entries will be accepted.

How Much Does the City Lights Parade Cost for a Float?

• Floats
  
  • Judged: $50
  • Not Judged: $40
• Decorated Vehicle (Car, Truck, Tractor, etc.) – $50
• Marching Bands – Free
• Marching Groups (drill teams, scouts, dance groups, etc.) – Free
• Car / Bicycle Clubs
  
  • $40 for up to 5 cars/riders
  • +$5 per additional car/rider over 5
• Firetrucks, Fire Departments, Police Departments – Free

Judged Float Cash Prizes

You can enter into the judged float categories for an additional fee and it will give you a shot at some cash if you have one of the best in the parade.

• 1st Place – $500
• 2nd Place – $300
• 3rd Place – $150

For those interested in signing up, get everything you need to know here.