2026 Parade of Lights Important Information
Everything You Need to Know Before Registering
Welcome to the 2026 McKinney Rotary Christmas Parade of Lights information page.
Please review this page before registering for the parade. Here you will find the most important details about the 2026 Parade of Lights, including the parade theme, entry types, vehicle and trailer registration categories, participant requirements, and helpful guides.
The official parade map and final lineup information will be published in October 2026.
Important Information Included:
- 2026 Parade Theme: Passport to the Holidays
- Parade Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Registration Opens: July 15, 2026
- Registration Closes: December 1, 2026
- Entry Type Guides: Car, vehicle, truck, trailer, float, and bus entries
- Participant Handbook: Rules, safety requirements, staging information, and parade expectations
- Parade Map: To be published in October 2026
- Final Lineup Information: To be shared closer to the event
Entry Guide
Car Entry Guide
Use this guide if you are registering one decorated car, SUV, pickup truck, or small vehicle only.
This guide explains what counts as a car entry, how to measure your vehicle from front bumper to back bumper, and when this entry type should be selected. This entry does not include a trailer, float, or large display.
Business Vehicle Guide
Use this guide if your business is registering one decorated business vehicle only.
This guide explains what qualifies as a business vehicle entry, how to measure your vehicle, and when to choose this category instead of a float or trailer entry. This entry is for one vehicle only and does not include a trailer or float.
Business Float / Trailer Guide
Use this guide if your business is registering a float, decorated trailer, bus, vehicle with trailer, or larger parade display.
This guide explains how to measure the full entry, including the vehicle, hitch, trailer, float, bus, and anything that extends from the front or back. It also explains walker requirements for larger entries.
Political Vehicle Guide
Use this guide if a political campaign, candidate, or political organization is registering one decorated vehicle only.
This guide explains what qualifies as a political vehicle entry, how to measure the vehicle, and when this category should be used. This entry does not include a trailer, float, or large display.
Political Float / Trailer Guide
Use this guide if a political campaign, candidate, or political organization is registering a float, decorated trailer, or vehicle with trailer.
This guide explains how to measure the full entry from the front of the vehicle to the back of the trailer or float. It also explains when walkers are required and why larger entries need additional safety planning.
Nonprofit Vehicle Guide
Use this guide if your nonprofit, church, school group, scout group, or community organization is registering one decorated vehicle only.
This guide explains what qualifies as a nonprofit vehicle entry, how to measure your vehicle, and when this entry type should be selected. This entry does not include a trailer or float.
Nonprofit Float / Trailer Guide
Use this guide if your nonprofit, church, school group, scout group, or community organization is registering a float, decorated trailer, or vehicle with a trailer.
This guide explains how to measure the full entry, including the vehicle, hitch, trailer, float, and anything that extends from the front or back. It also explains walker requirements for larger nonprofit and community entries.
Important Information
- 2026 Parade Theme: Passport to the Holidays
- Parade Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Registration Opens: July 15, 2026
- Registration Closes: December 1, 2026
- Entry Type Guides: Car, vehicle, truck, trailer, float, & bus entries
- Participant Handbook: Rules, safety requirements, staging information, and parade expectations
- Parade Map: To be published in October 2026
- Final Lineup Information: To be shared closer to the event
Important update for all 2026 participants:
Please review the new Maximum Participants by Entry Type requirements before parade day. These limits are in place to support participant safety, smooth check-in, and efficient staging.
Your registered entry must remain within the approved participant capacity shown above. Entries exceeding the limit may be required to reduce their group before entering the lineup.
Thank you for helping us keep the event safe, organized, and enjoyable for everyone.
Coming Soon: Official Parade Map
The official 2026 McKinney Rotary Christmas Parade of Lights route map will be published in October 2026.
The parade will take place in Historic Downtown McKinney on Saturday, December 12, 2026.
Please check back for the official route, staging details, participant instructions, and final parade updates as we get closer to the event.
For now, participants are encouraged to review the entry guides and handbook before completing registration.