Santa Maria Parade of Lights
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Santa Maria Parade of Lights

The Santa Maria Parade of Lights is a cherished hometown holiday tradition presented by the Rotary Clubs of Santa Maria and Nipomo. This vibrant parade celebrates the spirit of giving and winter holidays with a dazzling procession of decorated floats and participants. Join the community for a festive evening as the parade winds through town, bringing holiday cheer to all.

What to Expect

Hometown holiday parade celebrating the spirit of giving

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Parking: Stowell Street, from Broadway to Depot, will be closed at 3:00 p.m. for parade entrant gathering. Other streets will be closed at 4:00 p.m. Plan to use alternative routes.
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Other Christmas Events Near Santa Maria

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families, community members

Vibe

Festive, community-oriented, traditional

Energy Level

Low

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Rain or shine

Special Events & Promotions

  • Participants are encouraged to review rules and regulations before submitting an entry application.
  • Volunteer opportunities are available to help bring this holiday event to Santa Maria.

Tags

paradesholiday traditioncommunity celebrationfamily friendlyseasonal activitiesholiday cheer

Location

Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CA

Event Details

Duration

Event starts at 5:20 PM

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Rotary Clubs of Santa Maria and Nipomo

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the parade route, as streets begin closing at 3:00 PM for staging and 4:00 PM for the main route.
  • Check the parade route map and street closure details in advance to plan your travel and avoid detours.
  • Consider volunteering to help with parade operations; it's a great way to be involved in this community event.
  • Dress in layers as December evenings can be cool, and bring portable seating or blankets for comfort along the route.
  • Review the parade entry rules and regulations if you or your organization are considering participating in future years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the parade start?

The parade is scheduled to begin at 5:20 PM.

What are the street closure times?

Stowell Street will close at 3:00 PM for staging, and Broadway will close at 4:00 PM.

Is there a rain date?

The event is listed as 'Rain or Shine', indicating it will proceed regardless of weather.

How can I participate in the parade?

You can find information and submit an entry application through their website's 'Parade Entry' section.

Who organizes the parade?

The parade is presented by the Rotary Clubs of Santa Maria and Nipomo.

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.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 30, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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