For the first time in its 35-year history, the 2022 Welcome Santa Holiday Parade will be an illuminated night parade! Recreation & Parks is looking for parade units to help us light up the night and welcome Santa to Akron. Registration is free and open to community groups, arts and cultural organizations, marching bands, drum lines, and businesses with illuminated floats, vehicles, costumes, and/or outfits. The parade will step off at 6:00 PM on Friday, November 25, 2022, in Downtown Akron. Immediately following the parade, please join us for Lock 3’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Fireworks.

All units must be illuminated/lighted (lighting is required for the safety of parade attendees as well as for entertainment value).
Parade check-in time is 5:00 PM. Lineup numbers will be provided at check-in .
Only one Santa Claus is permitted in the parade.
Units with animals must provide their own cleanup services.
No throwing of candy/other objects (must be handed out).
Only nationally recognized beauty contest winners permitted.
Only politicians currently in office may participate.
No stationary performances in front of the reviewing stand. The parade must keep moving.
Applications must be returned no later than November 4th by emailing them to Tracy Murphy at TMurphy@akronohio.gov