McKinney Rotary Parade of Lights
2026 Parade of Lights Register a Parade Entry
Showcase your organization to more than 40,000 spectators. Businesses, schools, churches, nonprofits, community groups, performance teams, and marching units are invited to participate.
Registration opens July 15, 2026, and closes December 1, 2026.
Registration for Sponsors and Parade Entries→ HERE
IMPORTANT: READ BEFORE REGISTRATION!
Before selecting your parade ticket, please open the guide that matches your entry type.
Each guide explains what qualifies as a vehicle, float, trailer, or larger parade display. It also shows how to measure your full entry and when walkers are required.
Choosing the correct entry type helps the Parade Committee plan staging, lineup space, safety, and participant flow.
Please review the correct guide before completing registration:
- Car Entry Guide
- Business Vehicle Guide
- Business Float / Trailer Guide
- Political Vehicle Guide
- Political Float / Trailer Guide
- Nonprofit Vehicle Guide
- Nonprofit Float / Trailer Guide
All entries are subject to review and final approval by the Parade Committee. If the selected ticket does not match the actual entry, the registration may need to be corrected before final approval.
Help support one of McKinney's largest community events. Join our volunteer team and play an important role in bringing the magic of the McKinney Rotary Christmas Parade of Lights to life.
Become a and register here: Volunteer Registration
Watch, Read & Listen
Listen to the Parade Story
Hear directly from Parade Chair Anca Wetegrove and Rotary leaders as they discuss the history of the parade, the 2026 theme "Passport to the Holidays," volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, and the impact this community tradition has on McKinney.
Parade Photo Galleries
See the lights, floats, performers, volunteers, and holiday memories that have made the Parade of Lights a beloved community tradition for more than 27 years.
Browse photos from past parades and experience the magic through the eyes of our participants and spectators.
Welcome to the McKinney Rotary Parade of Lights, one of North Texas' most cherished holiday traditions and a hallmark event of Historic Downtown McKinney.
Each December, thousands of families, visitors, businesses, and community organizations come together to celebrate the spirit of the season through dazzling floats, festive entertainment, and unforgettable memories. More than a parade, this event is a community celebration that showcases the pride, generosity, and volunteer spirit that make McKinney such a special place to live, work, and visit.
Whether you are looking to participate with a parade entry, volunteer behind the scenes, become a sponsor, or simply enjoy the festivities with family and friends, we invite you to be part of this remarkable tradition.
The Parade of Lights is made possible through the dedication of countless volunteers, the support of our sponsors and local businesses, and the continued partnership of the McKinney Community Development Corporation (MCDC), whose support helps bring this beloved event to life year after year.
Together, we are creating an experience that brings our community together, supports our historic downtown, and fills the holiday season with joy, wonder, and lasting memories.
Join us as we light up Downtown McKinney and celebrate the magic of the season.Type caption here
In 1996, McKinney voters approved a half-cent sales tax to be used to provide grants to projects and events that would enhance McKinney’s quality of life for our residents and visitors. Over the past 30 years, the McKinney Community Development Corporation (MCDC) has invested over $330 million back into the community.
MCDC is committed to honoring McKinney’s history, celebrating today, and planning for the future. While McKinney’s population continues to grow, we remain dedicated to being a driving force in making McKinney a unique and special place to live, work, and visit.
Title Sponsor - Santa Claus CBTX
In 1996, McKinney voters approved a half-cent sales tax to be used to provide grants to projects and events that would enhance McKinney’s quality of life for our residents and visitors. Over the past 30 years, the McKinney Community Development Corporation (MCDC) has invested over $330 million back into the community.
MCDC is committed to honoring McKinney’s history, celebrating today, and planning for the future. While McKinney’s population continues to grow, we remain dedicated to being a driving force in making McKinney a unique and special place to live, work, and visit.