Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Parade! We are excited to have you as a partner in this Grand Rapids tradition. The parade will take place Saturday, November 21st, in the late afternoon and evening. 

Please note the following rules and regulations related to the parade:

• For safety reasons, no candy, trinkets, or other giveaways may be thrown from parade floats or entries. Instead, all participants must hand giveaway items to individuals at the fencing along the parade route.
• Festive clothing is encouraged.
• Applications will be accepted through November 6.
• No semi-trucks or similarly sized trailers.
• Lights are a mandatory addition to each entry.
• Accepted entries will be announced by November 7 (payment in full is required for acceptance - NO REFUNDS).
  • For-Profit Organizations: $300
  • Non-Profit Organizations: $75
  • A donation of $150 will be made to marching bands that are accepted into the parade
• Accepted entries will receive their parade packets (including line up, timing, staging and de-staging information) the week of 11/9.
• Expect to arrive for staging between 3:00 and 4:00 pm, depending on placement in the line-up; your parade packet will provide further details
• Parade will begin at approx. 5:15 pm
• Be in theme- Entries MUST be decorated with holiday or coordinated themed decoration/apparel.
• All entries should be properly identified with signs or banners for media and spectator recognition.
• No Santa's- Parade entrants/participants are asked to refrain from having a Santa Claus (person) included in their entry. This is due to the float that has the official event Santa displayed. This Santa can also be found taking photos with guest's post-parade. This does not forgo participants from wearing Santa hats and/or similar clothing. If you are questioning your costume, it is advised to share a photo with the Parade Committee prior to the event.
• The only vehicles permitted in the parade are those carrying dignitaries, towing a float or fully decorated as a parade entry.
• No political flags, banners or statements are allowed. The purpose of the parade is to celebrate the Grand Rapids community and the holiday season.
• No politics or political ‘hot topics’ permitted. Organizers reserve the right to ask any entry to leave or alter their entry to meet the goal of ‘no political statements’.
• No Campaigning Politicians.  We support no political candidate or party.
• No politician seeking office or reelection will be permitted in the parade.
• Any official who is already in office and is not actively campaigning for reelection is welcome to participate, keeping in mind restrictions against political messaging.
• Obey all City of Grand Rapids laws and regulations and promptly obey any requests or commands issued by law enforcement officers or first responders.
• Promptly obey any requests by a Parade worker/volunteer to aid with logistics and safety.