The magic of the holiday season is nearly upon us. In Meridian, we usher in the holiday season with our Christmas in Meridian Winter Lights Parade and Tree Lighting celebration. We come together to watch brightly lit parade floats, visit with Santa and help countdown to flip the switch for the Christmas tree lights.
The mainstage is located at Main Street and Idaho Street just across the street from Generations Plaza where the tree will stay all season long.
Save the Date for 2024!
Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
Times: The parade is at 7:00 pm with pre-parade activities at 6:00 pm.
Joyfully Sponsored By:
Parade Hosts!
Michelle Heart from 107.9 Lite FM will join Mayor Robert Simison on the Main Stage. These two will share details about the Winter Lights parade entries and help Santa light the tree. The stage is located Idaho & Main.
Free Shuttle
Pick up the free shuttle anytime between 5:30 - 9:00 pm in the Alberson's parking lot on the corner of Fairview and Meridian roads. The shuttle ends at Carlton and Main Street.
Please note: The shuttle takes about 20 minutes round trip. Give yourself plenty of time to catch the shuttle and get to the parade route by 7:00 pm.
Be in the parade!
Meridian is currently accepting applications for 2024 Christmas in Meridian Winter Lights Parade. Fifty of the brightest entries will be accepted. Floats, walking, bands, motorized and animal entries will all be accepted, but each must be decorated and be brightly lit. A few tips:
Step 1:
Submit your online application. Add a brief description of your float and your organization. Entries that are bright, decorated and crowd pleasures will be preferred.
The theme this year is "So bright you gotta wear shades." Entries can play on this or any other Christmas theme.
Tips:
- Every person and vehicle must be brightly lit up for both safety, visibility and enjoyment.
- Floats must have 2 or more spotters walking along side.
- Music is encouraged but must be family friendly Christmas music.
- No Santas are allowed. Don't worry, we've already contacted the real Santa and he is coming!
Step 2:
Once your application has been accepted, a link to pay your entry fees will be emailed. You can pay online, or call the Parks & Recreation office during business hours to submit payment. Entry fees are:
- $200
- $100 for nonprofit organizations as designed by the Idaho State Tax Code of a 501 (c) 3
- Free: Bands
Step 3:
Final line-up directions with your parade line up number will be emailed after the entry deadline. In the meantime, get those lights ordered and costumes ready! Keep in mind these rules.
- Nothing may be thrown or tossed into the crowd. Walkers may hand out pre-approved items such as candy or swag.
- All entries with a generator are required to have a fire extinguisher and all entries will be inspected by the fire marshal.
- Animal entries must have pooper scoopers following their group.
Be in the parade!
Be a part of the sponsorship community.
Be a volunteer.
Pre-Parade Entertainment:
The Grinch!
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" will once again be shown right before the parade! It's become a tradition. Look for the outdoor movie at 6:00 pm and 6:30 pm next to the main stage on Idaho and Main streets.
Also watch for him in the parade!
Bistro Babe
Coned
Big Juds
Road Closures
Expect traffic delays on I-84 exit onto Meridian Road heading north. The affected areas will be from the Meridian Speedway, down Main Street to Fairview.
The parade route and roads intersecting it will close at the following times:
- Access to N. Main Street from E. Idaho Avenue will be closed from 8:00 am – 11:00 pm to accommodate the main stage.
- Main Street will be closed from the split corridor to E. Carlton Avenue from 4:00 – 9:00 pm for the Parade Route.
- Franklin Road will remain open until 6:30 pm, right before the parade starts. E. Franklin will be closed from Stratford to Meridian Road from 6:30 – 9:00 pm.
- After the parade, N. Main Street closure will be reduced to E. Broadway to E. Pine Avenue until 9:00 pm - or all the pedestrians have cleared the street.
- 3rd Street will be closed from E. Broadway Avenue to E. Franklin Road from 7:00 – 9:00 pm for the return route back to the Meridian Speedway.
- Lane restrictions will be in place from 4:00 – 9:00 pm on E. Fairview Avenue from N Meridian Road to N Main Street. Business access to remain open.
- Business access will also remain open on N. Main Street from Fairview – Washington.
Thanks to:
Parade Trophies Sponsored By:
White Pine Dental
Look for Santa at the end of the parade
Location
33. E. Broadway Ave. #206
Meridian, Idaho 83642
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Emergency Contact
After-Hours Park Emergency Contact: (208) 409-6666