Light Up Downtown Day 2: Traverse City Light Parade
Light Up Downtown Day 2: Traverse City Light Parade
11/21/2026 06:00 pm - 08:00 pm
There's nothing quite like the magic of the holidays in Downtown Traverse City. The annual Light Up Downtown Celebration transforms downtown into a sparkling winter wonderland. Whether you're continuing a family tradition or experiencing it for the first time, Light Up Downtown is the perfect way to celebrate the season and enjoy everything downtown has to offer.
Double the Holiday Magic in Downtown Traverse City
When: Saturday, November 21
Over the years, our cozy downtown tree lighting and light parade, hosted by the Downtown Traverse City Association (DTCA), has grown into a massive community tradition drawing nearly 20,000 spectators to Front Street. To ensure the event remains safe, comfortable, and sustainable for everyone, we're expanding our holiday kickoff into a full two-day celebration dubbed "Light Up Downtown!"
Splitting the festivities across Friday and Saturday eases sidewalk and street congestion, gives families more space to enjoy every moment, and creates double the holiday cheer for our downtown merchants and visitors alike.
Weekend Schedule at a Glance
Friday, Nov 20 | Traverse City Tree Lighting (Produced by the DTCA): Enjoy special holiday activities, treat giveaways, music and games, Santa's arrival, the official Tree Lighting, and visits to Santa's House afterward. More Details to come!
Saturday, Nov 21 | Traverse City Light Parade (Produced in partnership with The Festival Foundation): Grab a spot along Front Street to watch glowing floats, marchers, and decked-out vehicles illuminate the night.
Parade Entry Applications Open Thru October 1
Want to light up Front Street with your business or community group? We are currently accepting Light Parade applications, but space will fill up quickly!
To ensure saftey and proper staging along the route, the 2026 Traverse City Light Parade is capped at 50 entries. A waitlist will open once capacity is reached.
- Entry Fees: Free for Non-Profits & Municipalities | $50 for Commercial Businesses
- Event Policy: Guidelines and rules are in place - make sure that you can follow them before applying.
- Deadline: October 1
More Details will be shared as we get closer to the holiday celebrations.
Sponsor the Magic
Want to help light up Downtown? Join us as a sponsor of this two-day celebration, Light up Downtown! Connect with Sara Klebba to receive a sponsorship packet to check out the various partnership opportunities.