Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade
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Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade

Annual community parade celebrating the start of the holiday season.

About

The Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade is a cherished annual event that officially kicks off the holiday season. Since 1977, this beloved tradition has brought the community together to celebrate with a spectacular display of illuminated floats, lively marching bands, and festive characters. Experience the enchantment of "A Child's Holiday Fantasy" as thousands of lights transform downtown Los Altos into a magical wonderland.

Our Take

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and community members

Vibe

Festive and magical

Energy Level

Low

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

High

Special Events & Promotions

  • Watch the replay of the parade at home.
  • Volunteer opportunities available.
  • Donations managed by Los Altos Community Foundation.

Tags

paradesholiday traditioncommunity celebrationfamily friendlySanta visitsfestive decorationsholiday seasonfree event

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Location

Los Altos, CA

Event Details

Pricing

FREE

Duration

Approximately 1.5 hours

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Los Altos

Timed Entry

No

Featured Performers

  • Local high school marching bands

Organizer

Los Altos Festival of Lights Association

Practical Information

Pet Policy

No pets allowed

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the parade route, especially near First and Main streets, as crowds can gather quickly.
  • Check the parade lineup in advance to know which floats and performers to look forward to.
  • Consider watching the parade from home via the provided replay link if you prefer a more relaxed viewing experience.
  • If you're interested in participating, explore volunteer opportunities to help make the event a success.
  • Donations are managed by the Los Altos Community Foundation; consider contributing to support this beloved annual tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the parade start?

The parade is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM.

What is the theme of the parade?

The theme for the parade is "A Child's Holiday Fantasy."

Is there a cost to attend the parade?

No, admission to the parade is free for all spectators.

Where can I find more information about parade participants?

You can view the 2024 parade lineup on their website for details on floats and groups.

How is the parade funded?

The parade is funded by community grants and donations from spectators, managed by the Los Altos Community Foundation.

Nearby Places (10 total)

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 23, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The ChristmasLocal.com editorial team

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