2026 Grove City Town Center Christmas Parade Application

Thank you for your interest in participating in the 2026 Grove City Christmas Parade, presented by Grove City Town Center!

The Christmas Parade is one of Grove City’s favorite holiday traditions, bringing together local businesses, community organizations, schools, performers and families for an evening of holiday fun in the Town Center.

We invite you to get creative, add plenty of lights and help us make this year’s parade one to remember!

Application Information

Application Fee: $25 participation fee - fee will be charged upon acceptance into the parade and is nonrefundable once the entry has been accepted.
Application Deadline: Friday, November 20th

All parade entries must complete an application and be approved prior to participating.

There will be no walk-in registration on parade day. Only registered and approved entries will be permitted to participate.

The $25 participation fee is nonrefundable.

Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Grove City Town Center reserves the right to approve or decline entries based on safety, available space and compliance with parade guidelines.

About the Event

2026 Grove City Christmas Parade

Friday, December 4, 2026
Parade Step-Off: 7:00 PM

Staging Location: Park Street Intermediate School

Participant Arrival & Staging: Begins at 5:30 PM
Check-In Deadline: 6:30 PM
Parade Step-Off: 7:00 PM sharp

Participants should enter the staging area using the Park Street entrance only.

Final staging instructions and additional parade-day information will be emailed to approved participants prior to the event.

Parade Guidelines

To help us provide a safe and festive experience for participants and spectators, all entries must follow these guidelines:

All entries must have a Christmas/holiday theme.
Entries should be decorated and well-lit. Remember - the parade takes place after dark!
Semi-trucks are not permitted.
Floats, trailers and participating vehicles must be in safe operating condition.
Drivers must possess a valid driver’s license and appropriate vehicle insurance.
Maximum of 25 walkers per entry, excluding marching bands.
Lighted clothing, necklaces or other illumination is required for walkers.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are reserved for the official parade grand finale. Please do not include Santa or Mrs. Claus with your entry.
Participants must remain with their assigned entry and follow instructions from parade staff and public safety personnel.

For the safety of spectators, candy and promotional items may not be thrown from moving vehicles or floats. Items may be handed to spectators by registered walkers accompanying the entry.
Alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited before and during parade participation.
No dangerous, inappropriate or disruptive behavior will be permitted.
Grove City Town Center reserves the right to remove an entry or participant that presents a safety concern or fails to follow parade guidelines.
Only registered and approved entries may participate. No walk-ins or additions to the parade lineup will be accepted on parade day.

2026 Grove City Christmas Parade Participant Agreement

By submitting this application and participating in the Grove City Christmas Parade, the applicant acknowledges and agrees to the following:

Parade Rules & Conduct
I have reviewed the parade guidelines and agree that I, my organization and all individuals participating with my entry will follow the rules and instructions provided by Grove City Town Center, parade staff, volunteers, law enforcement and public safety personnel.

Responsibility for Entry
I understand that I am responsible for the safety and conduct of my parade entry, including participants, vehicles, floats, trailers, equipment and other property associated with my entry.

Vehicle Safety & Insurance
I certify that vehicles used in the parade will be properly licensed and insured as required by law, operated by appropriately licensed drivers and maintained in safe operating condition.

Assumption of Risk
I understand that participation in a parade may involve risks, including risks associated with pedestrians, crowds, vehicles, floats, trailers, weather conditions and other parade activities. I voluntarily assume the risks associated with participation to the extent permitted by law.

Release, Indemnification & Hold Harmless
To the extent permitted by Ohio law, I agree to release, indemnify and hold harmless Grove City Town Center, Inc., its officers, board members, employees, volunteers, agents, sponsors and representatives from claims, losses, damages or liabilities arising from my entry’s participation in the Grove City Christmas Parade, except where such release or indemnification is prohibited by law.

Acceptance & Participation
I understand that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the parade. Grove City Town Center reserves the right to deny an application or remove an entry that does not comply with parade rules, presents a safety concern or is otherwise determined to be inappropriate for the event.

Registration Requirement
I understand that all entries must be registered and approved prior to the parade. Walk-in entries and unregistered parade entries will not be permitted.

Application Fee
I understand that the $25 participation fee is nonrefundable, including if I withdraw or fail to participate after my entry has been accepted.

Cancellation & Weather
I understand that the parade may be delayed, modified or canceled due to severe weather, unsafe conditions, emergencies or circumstances beyond the control of Grove City Town Center. Participation fees are nonrefundable in the event of cancellation.

Photography & Publicity
I grant Grove City Town Center permission to photograph and/or record my parade entry and participants during the event and to use those images or recordings for promotional, marketing and archival purposes without compensation.