2025 Downtown Traverse City Light Parade, Santa's Arrival & Tree Lighting

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!

3:00pm: Streets close (please move vehicles from the designated parade spaces)

Cass & Front Streets:
5:00-5:45pm: Treats & goody giveaways, games, and holiday music
5:45pm: Special guests and Santa’s arrival
6:00pm: Tree Lighting with Santa

Front Street, from Franklin to Union Streets:
6:30pm: Light Parade

Cass & State Streets:
Post-parade until 9pm: Santa’s House visits

NEW for 2025 – Tree Lighting Treat Patrol
To keep all little ones safe during the parade, candy and giveaways will be offered beforehand at the Tree Lighting celebration at Cass & Front Streets. Starting around 5:00pm, while the crowd gathers to welcome Santa just before 6:00pm, Santa’s Street Team will be out sharing treats and goodies from participating businesses and organizations. This way, everyone can enjoy the parade without children needing to step into the darkened street with large vehicles. Thank you for helping us keep this a fun and safe holiday tradition!