Light the Night Parade

Light the Night Parade

The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Village of Potsdam, invites the community to celebrate the holiday season at the annual Light the Night Parade on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Potsdam.

Following the parade, join us in Ives Park at 6:30 p.m. for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Businesses, organizations, clubs, families, and individuals are welcome to participate! Enter a float, decorate and light up a vehicle, or bring a group to walk or perform holiday music. All parade entries must include lights.

Parade Lineup & Route

Lineup begins at 4:00 p.m. at the Potsdam Central School parking lot on Leroy Street. The parade will travel down Garden Street to Market Street and end in the lot across from the cinema.

Register to Participate

Submit your parade application by November 20, 2026. Space is limited, and registration may close earlier if capacity is reached.

Complete the online registration form or download the parade application below.

For questions, contact the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce at (315) 274-9000 or director@potsdamchamber.com.

Participation Rules

General Participation

• The event is tobacco- and alcohol-free.
• All entries must display a sign or banner identifying their organization, group, or participant name.
• All entries must be illuminated.
• Entries must remain in continuous forward motion. No stopping for performances.
• Themes, decorations, costumes, and music must relate to the holiday season.

Music & Performance

• Bands and music ensembles are expected to play holiday music.
• Music is encouraged for other entries but is not required.

Supervision & Safety

• Children must be accompanied by adult chaperones before, during, and after the parade. A ratio of one adult for every 10 children is recommended.
• Candy may only be handed directly to spectators by walking participants. Candy may not be tossed or thrown from vehicles or floats.
• No literature, pamphlets, or other materials may be distributed along the route.

Vehicles & Floats

• Motorized vehicles must move forward only.
• Maintain two car lengths between entries unless directed otherwise by parade officials.
• Candles and open flames are prohibited.
• Floats using generators must carry a fire extinguisher.
• All drivers must hold a valid driver’s license.
• All motorized vehicles driven in the parade must be insured.

Conduct & Compliance

• All entries must be family-friendly. Obscene, suggestive, or controversial/political messages are prohibited.
• Parade officials may remove any entry that does not comply with these rules.
• Participants are responsible for safety around their vehicles and floats.
• Parade officials assume no liability for injuries or damages.