About the Starlight Parade and Festival

Kick off the holiday season in style at the Starlight Parade and Festival! With live music, crafts for all ages, a festive holiday market, and a magical Santa photo op, the fun starts early. As night falls, watch as Downtown Third Avenue transforms into a glowing wonderland of floats, bands, dancers, and performers. New this year, check out a holiday movie at the Memorial Bowl! Whether you join the fun or watch in awe, it’s an unforgettable community celebration!

More: 2024 Award Winners | Photo Gallery

2024 Parade Winners

Floats. Marching bands. Dance troupes. The Starlight Parade typically draws more than 100 entries each year, with thousands of spectators eagerly gathering along the parade route to get a look at the action! A distinguished panel of judges selects winners in a dozen parade categories. Below were the winners chosen in 2024.

Competition Categories & Winners:

🏆 Best Holiday Theme – Wolfpack Car Club
🎨 Most Creative – St. Rose of Lima School
💡 Best Use of Lights – Living Coast Discovery Center
🌟 Best Community Entry – CV Police Safety Patrol
🚗 Best Car Club – Originales Car Club
🎉 Most Enthusiastic – Feaster Charter Elementary School
💃 Best Dance – Heali’i’s Polynesian Revue
✨ Best Starlight Spirit – Mercedes Gonzalez
🎖️ Best Military Entry – Sunny Jones Chapter 49, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Auxiliary
⚾ Best Children’s Entry – South Bay Little League
🏺 Best Historical Representation – Herencia Hispana California