Lowell City of Lights Parade
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If new information for this event is already available for this year, please let us know.
If new information for this event is already available for this year, please let us know.
The City of Lights parade is an annual event that occurs in downtown Lowell in which City Hall celebrates the official start the holiday season.
The Annual City Of Lights Holiday Parade welcomes the holiday season with the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the traditional lighting of JFK Plaza and the Wannalancit smoke stack.
On Saturday, November 29 at 4:30 p.m., the parade will once again commence from Jackson Street and end at City Hall, where Santa Claus will make his first appearance of the season, and will throw the switch to light City Hall!
More than 10,000 spectators line Downtown streets each year in anticipation of Lowell’s only nighttime parade, the Annual City Of Lights Holiday Parade!
The fun starts at noon with entertainment and window decorating and hot chocolate contests at participating downtown businesses.
City of Lights is a family event with something for everyone. Main attractions include the Holiday Parade, Photos with Santa, a holiday movie screening at the Donahue Family Academic Arts Center and the annual hot chocolate and storefront decorating contests (vote for your favorite!).
Schedule of Events
11:00am – 5:00pm – Festival of Wreaths
The Brush Gallery & Art Studios, 256 Market Street
View beautiful handmade wreaths on display.
11:00am – 6:00pm – Holiday Market
Dutton Street Market, 350A Dutton Street
Shop local vendors and artisans at this festive outdoor market.
12:00pm – 5:00pm – Open Studios at Western Ave
Western Avenue Studios
Explore artist studios and support local creators during Small Business Saturday.
12:00pm – 2:00pm – Holiday Card Crafting
ALL Gallery
A free drop-in activity for ages 5+. Create your own holiday cards!
1:00pm – 3:00pm – Photos with Santa
Lowell City Hall
Get your picture taken with Santa! (Line closes at 2:30pm.)
1:00pm – 4:00pm – Holiday Treat Decorating
Little Delights Bakery
Decorate your own holiday cookie or treat (while supplies last).
1:00pm – 5:30pm – Roasted Marshmallows
In front of City Hall
Roast marshmallows with the Rotary Club of Lowell.
2:00pm – 4:00pm – Hot Chocolate Competition
Various Downtown Locations
Sample hot cocoa recipes from local businesses and cast your vote!
3:30pm – 4:15pm – Warm-Up Concert
Arcand Drive Review Stand
Enjoy live music as the crowd gathers for the parade.
4:30pm – 5:30pm – Holiday Parade
Route: Jackson Street to Arcand Drive
Enjoy floats, music, performers, and community groups. This year’s theme: “Holiday Folklore & Fairytales.”
~5:15pm – Lighting of City Hall & Smokestack
JFK Plaza
Join Santa and city officials as they light up downtown for the season!
6:00pm – 6:45pm – Gentlemen Songsters Concert
Saint Anne’s Church
End the evening with a festive holiday concert indoors.
Ongoing (Nov 29 – Dec 25):
Downtown Storefront Decorating Contest
Stroll through downtown and vote for your favorite festive storefronts!
This signature City of Lowell event brings a contingent of high-stepping marching bands, fabulous holiday-themed floats, spectacular performance groups, and local personalities.
City of Lights dates to the 1950s and over the years it has evolved and continued to provide holiday joy for thousands, drawing attendees from across the Greater Lowell community.
The parade begins at 4:30 p.m. led by the Grand Marshals and followed by bands, floats, specialty vehicles, antique cars and marching groups. Santa and Mrs. Claus will ride in on their special sleigh. The parade launches from Jackson Street, turning onto Central then Merrimack before ending at City Hall.
Following the parade, Santa, Mayor John Leahy and the Grand Marshals will lead a countdown for the official lighting of City Hall. Attendees are encouraged to stroll through downtown to view all the holiday displays and patronize one of Lowell’s fine dining establishments.
For more information on City of Lights activities and schedules, go to www.lowellcityoflights.org.
Kick off the sparkling holiday season with our guide to Boston Holiday Lights. From drive-thru experiences to winter wonderlands, find some twinkling light displays to brighten your winter.
| HOURS | ↑ top |
● 11:00 am - 8:00 pm: Festivities
● 4:30 pm: Parade
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
Jackson Street, Lowell, MA, 01852 map
Phone: 978-459-6150
Parade Route
Downtown Lowell, from Jackson Street to JFK Plaza
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Lowell City of Lights Parade before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...
