Xcel Energy Holiday Lights Parade 2025

To help us create a spectacular and seamless parade experience, we ask that every float or group register in advance. Your registration ensures we can allocate the necessary space and volunteers for lineup and operations.

Your support directly contributes to the success of this beloved holiday tradition. As a small nonprofit, the DCP depends on the generosity of participants like you to help cover the costs of producing an event of this scale. With your registration, you're not only securing your place in the parade but also helping us continue this annual celebration for years to come.

Thank you for being a part of the Xcel Energy Holiday Lights Parade and for your commitment to making downtown Fargo an even more vibrant and festive community! We look forward to celebrating the season with you.

The 2025 Xcel Energy Holiday Lights Parade will take place on Saturday, December 6th, 2025 at 6:30 PM.

• Parade line-up will begin at 5:00 PM unless otherwise instructed.
• We’ll send out the official parade lineup instructions as we get closer to the event — the parade will kick off in Moorhead.
• A completed parade entry form, along with applicable fees, must be received by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. 

Décor:

• No pyrotechnics, open flames, or the firing of firearms are allowed under any circumstances.
• Entries with live animals must ensure immediate clean-up after the animals.
• You may use generators, converters, or batteries to power lights and sound equipment on your parade unit.
• Ensure that your power source is sufficient and capable of powering equipment safely.

Float Requirements:

• Float Dimensions: Entries may not exceed 13 feet in height, 12 feet in width, and 65 feet in length, including tow units, to accommodate clearance for skyways and safety.
• The float’s framework must be at least 12 inches from the ground once fully decorated and loaded to ensure necessary ground clearance.
• Ensure sufficient wheel and wagon tongue clearance to avoid interference with the chassis during the parade.
• All entries must be self-propelled, motor-pulled, or horse-drawn.
• This is a Forward Motion Parade. All units must keep moving forward at all times.
• Tow vehicles are strongly encouraged to be decorated as well, and we recommend trailer skirting for aesthetic purposes.
• Entries must not cause any gaps between floats or entries during the parade.

Safety:

• All children under the age of 13 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• For safety reasons, throwing candy or prizes from floats or vehicles is strictly prohibited.
• Each unit may have participants walking alongside the float to hand out candy or small prizes to the crowd.
• Each entry must have an easily accessible fire extinguisher on the float or in the tow vehicle.
• A kit containing appropriate tools for minor repairs is recommended.
• Floats using gas-powered generators must ensure safe ventilation of fumes. All fuel must be stored in appropriate containers, and allow a hot generator to cool for 15 minutes before refueling. The sound from gas-powered generators should be muffled as much as possible.
• Disposal of all float materials is the responsibility of the sponsoring organization or individuals.
• Please respect private property during the event.