Be A Part of the Magic
Have you ever dreamed of being in the parade? Here's your chance! The Kalamazoo Holiday Parade is a celebration of creativity, joy, and community. We invite businesses, organizations, high school marching bands, and individuals to join us as we bring the magic of the holidays to downtown Kalamazoo on Saturday, November 22nd.
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This is your opportunity to showcase your business, express your holiday spirit in a fun costume, or build a stunning float to delight the nearly 30,000 people who line the two-mile parade route. Join the over 100 units that make this annual tradition a truly spectacular event!
Join the Holiday Parade
For Units
Applications for the 2025 Kalamazoo Holiday Parade are now open!
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​Entries are $75.00 for non-profits and $100.00 for for-profits. There are two ways to submit your application: click the link above and fill out the application online; or click on the hard copy application above and fill it out and fax it or mail it. This application allows the event team to help you plan out what the entry will look like and how it needs to be decorated with everyone dressed up in some sort of costume.
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In 2025, parade units are eligible to win two prizes for "best of show." The for-profit organization winner will receive a trophy and the nonprofit winner will receive a cash prize to support the charitable mission.
Being a parade unit takes a lot of commitment. And, this is why we have some pretty specific guidelines. The parade application outlines all of them. If you are considering being in the parade, here are some basic guidelines this year: ​All walking units should consider a way to make their walking unit have "depth." We recommend that you include a decorated vehicle.No "street clothes" allowed - so that means that everyone has to be dressed for the parade (a hat is not a "dressed for the parade" element.Walking units should be limited to 25 people so that you make the best impression. Decorations are designed to help people remember your organization or business - a wreath on a truck is not decorations.
Our marching bands are front and center and their participation is critical to the success of the event and community celebration.
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Marching bands participate for free and the transportation costs are covered at the end of the event. If you are associated with a band, high school, or marching band program, please fill out the application (online or on paper) so we can help you be a part of this great tradition. Upon receipt of your application, you will be sent a document explaining the reimbursement process for transportation costs.
For Volunteers
Volunteers are needed for the Kalamazoo Holiday Parade on Saturday, November 22. The Maple Hill Holiday Parade features helium balloons, floats, marching bands, and everything in between, including Santa. The parade will host 100 units and follows a 2 mile route through downtown. It has been a tradition since 1962.
Volunteers are needed for a variety of positions including parade lineup staging, helium balloon carriers, gate welcoming, after parade event activities (petting zoo, bands, retail promotions), and general “floaters.” Shifts start at 9 a.m. and have various time slots throughout the day. The parade specific volunteers (about 80 needed) work from 9 a.m. to about 11:30 a.m. and after parade shifts run from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Every position is a fun one and you get to meet some amazing people.