You’re invited to be part of one of Pontiac’s favorite winter traditions: The Downtown Light Up Parade, the highlighted event for the Hometown Holiday Winter Fest. For years, this event has been a kick-off to the holiday season in Pontiac, taking place the Friday after Thanksgiving. We owe the longevity and success of the event to you, the businesses and organizations that participate in the fun!

We will once again have a chosen theme for the parade, this year's theme is A Christmas in Toyland, a Grand Marshall selection, they will be announced on November 16th, and prizes awarded in the following categories: Mayor’s Choice, Best Representation of Theme, and Best Usage of Lights.

This year, the City of Pontiac is hosting its Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony immediately before the parade starts. At 5:30 on Friday, November 27th, festivities will be held on Block 59, south of the courthouse with a performance by the PTHS Madrigal singers, hear a few words from the mayor, including the list of sponsors for the annual Winter Fest Tree Display, and watch everything light up with holiday magic!

At the conclusion of the Tree Lighting ceremony, the parade will step off promptly at 6:00 pm from the First Lutheran Church and head north on Mill St., east on Washington St., north on Chicago St., and west on Madison St. to County Market. As is tradition, Santa will make his first visit of the season to Pontiac, riding in the parade, and will return to his house afterwards to visit with the children there to see him.

There is no fee for participation, and all are welcome. Please note that anything passed out from your float cannot be thrown from the vehicle but must be handed out by people walking with your float. Parade line-up begins at 5:00PM in the First Lutheran Church parking lot (311 W. Grove St., Pontiac), which will allow for judging beforehand, and step off is at 6:00 PM, anyone arriving after 5:15PM will NOT be eligible for awards.

Whether you’re in the parade or just taking in all the sights, we hope to see you in Downtown Pontiac this holiday season!

P.S. Don’t forget to enjoy all of downtown Pontiac on Small Business Saturday, November 28th, as the holiday season kick-off weekend continues!