Registration Open for 35th Annual Lights Fantastic Parade
Date/Time
Date(s) - 10/14/2026 - 11/20/2026
12:00 am
Categories
Businesses, schools, and community organizations encouraged to enter floats
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Registration is now open for the 35th Annual Lights Fantastic Parade, taking place
Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM in downtown Carbondale. Organizers invite businesses, schools,
community organizations, and individuals throughout Southern Illinois to help make this year’s parade
brighter than ever.
For 35 years, the Lights Fantastic Parade has brought the community together to celebrate the holiday
season with lighted floats, festive music, and holiday cheer. This year, the Lights Fantastic Parade
Committee is especially encouraging new and returning groups to participate by creating brightly lit
floats.
Whether it’s a local business, school, nonprofit, or group of friends, entering a float is a fun way to
showcase community spirit and become part of a cherished Carbondale tradition. Floats must feature a
minimum of 5,000 lights, and a holiday/fantastic lights theme is preferred.
Registration is also open for marching bands, walking groups, and other parade participants, as well as
vendors interested in joining the festivities.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the 35th Annual Lights Fantastic Parade! Businesses, schools,
organizations, and community groups are encouraged to start planning their entries and register today.
First-time and returning participants are welcome.
Registration closes Friday, November 20, 2026. Visit www.lightsfantasticparade.com to register and
review participation guidelines.
The Lights Fantastic Parade is free and open to the public.
Media Contact:
Trey Anderson
President, Lights Fantastic Parade Committee
618-529-4147 | tanderson@carbondaleparkdistrict.com
About the Lights Fantastic Parade
Since 1990, the Lights Fantastic Parade has been a Carbondale holiday tradition, bringing together
residents, businesses, and visitors from across Southern Illinois to celebrate the holiday season and the
spirit of community.