We’re excited to announce the theme for the 2026 Lufkin’s Lighted Christmas Parade: Red, White & Bright: An American Christmas.

This year’s theme was chosen in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Participants are invited to decorate their floats, vehicles, walking groups, or band entries with Christmas lights, classic Americana, hometown pride, red, white, and blue details, and festive holiday traditions that celebrate unity and community.

BEST THEME INTERPRETATION
The float that best captures the parade theme will earn special recognition and major bragging rights, so bring your most creative ideas to life and wow the crowd.

Float judging will take place in front of Lufkin's City Hall. Please make sure your assigned parade number is clearly visible on your float or entry for judging purposes.

Parade Rules
Please follow the rules below to help ensure a safe and enjoyable parade. Violations may result in disqualification from future parades.

No Throwing or Distributing Materials: Candy, samples, flyers, or any other materials may NOT be thrown or handed out from the float, vehicle, or walking group during Saturday’s parade.

For groups that would like to pass out candy, goodies, or connect with families, we encourage you to participate in Friday evening’s Lighting of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Pumping Unit as part of Christmas in the Pines weekend. Friday is the perfect opportunity to meet the community, share treats, and celebrate the start of the Christmas weekend.

Candy and goodies on Friday. Floats and lights on Saturday.

Float Description: Submit a written description of your float or entry. This will be used for media narration at The Pines Theater, City Hall, and in front of the Lufkin City Hall.

Float Size and Safety:
Only one float per organization.

Floats must not exceed 15' in width and 13' in height, with a maximum length of 75'.

All materials must be fire-retardant.

Maintaining Pace: All parade participants, including float passengers, walking units, and drivers, must keep pace. Maintain no more than a 10' gap between entries.

Licensed Drivers: All vehicles must be driven by a licensed driver, according to Lufkin Police Department regulations. No exceptions.

Safe Driving: Cars, motorcycles, and other motorized vehicles must not exhibit unsafe driving behaviors such as spinning out, squealing tires, popping wheelies, revving engines excessively, or using loud pipes.

Illumination: Because the parade takes place after dark, all entries must have sufficient lighting on the outside of the float to ensure visibility. Proper exterior lighting adds to the festive atmosphere and helps other parade drivers see your float, reducing the risk of accidents. Floats without adequate exterior illumination will not be permitted to participate, so please make sure your float shines bright for safety and celebration.

Signage: For safety and visibility, each entry must clearly display a sign or banner with the organization’s name on both sides of the float or vehicle. This helps spectators and parade officials identify your group from anywhere along the route. Signs should be large enough to read from a distance and securely attached so they remain visible throughout the parade.

Escort Walkers: For everyone’s safety, each float must be accompanied along the entire parade route by at least two escort walkers, one on each side. Escort walkers help ensure that if a child or adult accidentally approaches the moving float, they can quickly alert the driver or prevent anyone from entering the path of the vehicle. Walkers must be at least 10 years old and should dress in festive, reflective attire.

Walker Attire: All walkers must wear reflective material, carry flashlights, and dress in holiday attire.

No Additional Santas: The City of Lufkin provides the official Santa Claus for the parade. Santa will appear on the final float. No other Santa Claus appearances or life-sized Santa figures are allowed in parade entries. Participants are encouraged to use other festive characters.

No Horses or Live Animals: For the safety of all participants and spectators, horses and other live animals are not permitted in the parade.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.

Participants are encouraged to dress in holiday attire and start lining up after 12 PM. All entries must be in line by 4:30 PM to participate. The Lufkin Police Department will not allow entries after 5:00 PM.

Let’s make this year’s parade shine bright.

Happy Holidays,
Visit Lufkin Team