About the Starlight Parade and Festival
Kick off the holiday season in style at the Starlight Parade and Festival! With live music, a festive holiday market, and a magical Santa photo op! As night falls, watch as Downtown Third Avenue transforms into a glowing wonderland of floats, bands, dancers, and performers. Whether you join the fun or watch in awe, it’s an unforgettable community celebration!
More: 2024 Award Winners | Photo Gallery
2025 Parade Winners
The Starlight Parade includes a variety of floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and other community groups. Thousands of spectators gather 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 2025.
Competition Categories & Winners:
- Best Holiday Theme – Neisha’s Dance Academy
- Most Creative – St. Rose of Lima Glee
- Best Use of Lights – Republic Services
- Best Community Entry – St. Rose of Lima Glee
- Best Car Club – San Diego OffroadHERs
- Most Enthusiastic – Mater Dei Catholic High School Elementary Cheerleaders and Dancers
- Best Dance – Grupo de Danza Folklorica Mexicana Wa-Kushma
- Best Starlight Spirit – Mercedes Gonzalez
- Best Military Entry – Sunny Jones Chapter 49 and Unit 49, Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary
- Best Children’s Entry – Mater Dei Catholic High School Elementary Cheerleaders and Dancers
- Best Historical Representation – Sunny Jones Chapter 49 and Unit 49, Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary
Marching Band Competition
- 1st Place – Eastlake High School
- 2nd Place – Bonita Vista High School Club Blue
- 3rd Place – Castle Park High School
Storefront Decorating Contest
- 1st Place – Balboa South
- 2nd Place – La Nacional
- 3rd Place – 3 Punk Ales
Photo Gallery
2024 Starlight Parade & Festival
2023 Starlight Parade & Festival
