Participate
Light up the night and lead the holiday cheer at the GM Financial Parade of Lights!
We are officially looking for the boldest, brightest, and most creative entries to join this year’s GM Financial Parade of Lights. Whether you are a school, marching band, competitive dance troupe, arts group, family, or solo performer, this is your chance to turn your truck, flatbed, bicycle, or walking group into an illuminated masterpiece.
The success of the GM Financial Parade of Lights relies entirely on the artistic brilliance of our entries, and the more imaginative your use of lights and spectacle, the higher your chance of acceptance.
Here are three great ways to participate in the 2026 GM Financial Parade of Lights:
- Enter a unit! Every year, we look for the most creative, high-energy entries to light up Downtown; it is a nighttime parade after all! Whether you’re debuting an illuminated motorized float, a human-powered masterpiece, walking group, or a marching band, we want you to apply. The more lights, the merrier!
- Purchase the best views in the house! Don’t miss a single second of the holiday magic! Grab a front-row spot for the whole family or purchase a block of seats to treat your employees, clients, and VIP guests to an unforgettable holiday celebration. Tickets are available on August 14 at 10 AM.
- Volunteer! The GM Financial Parade of Lights wouldn’t be possible without hundreds of dedicated volunteers. Join us to walk alongside the floats, help wrangle staging behind the scenes, or keep the energy high; we need you!
We are focused more than ever on the quality of our entries. Last year, we received over 150 applications for the 100 available entries!
Please check out our Parade Policies before submitting your application.