Register to Participate in the 2026 Parade
Submit your Parade Entry Application by completing the form below by Friday, October 9, 2026, including a description of your entry.
Spaces are limited. Prior to applying, please read the Rules & Regulations below.
All applications will be reviewed by the selection committee. The selection committee looks for the best use of holiday theme, lights,
costumes, music, and family-friendly entertainment. Payment is only required for accepted participants. Additional information, including line-up order, will be forwarded at a later date after the selection committee has made its final decisions.
For all inquiries, please email hpolsociety@gmail.com.
1. All entries in the parade must first be accepted by the selection committee through the application process. The Holiday Parade of Lights reserves the right to accept or refuse any application or accepted participant. Applications must be submitted no
later than Friday, October 9th, 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
2. Submitting an application does not guarantee participation in the 2026 Parade. Previous participation does not guarantee entry in the 2026 Parade.
3. The Holiday Parade of Lights has the right to limit the number and size of entries per company or organization.
4. The Non-Profit Entry Fee is $150+HST. A Corporate Entry Fee will apply if additional corporate partners are involved in your entry.
5. The Corporate Entry Fee is $500+HST and includes only ONE non-profit partner (if applicable). Corporate groups can partner with additional non-profit organizations for $150+HST per additional organization. This fee applies regardless of arrangements, fees paid, or participation structures from previous years.
6. Participants must be in position in the marshalling area by 4:30 p.m. on parade day – Saturday, November 21, 2026. Participants must be ready to depart the marshalling area at 5:30 p.m.
7. The total dimensions of a float, including towing vehicle, cannot exceed the following measurements: 13.6’ height, 8.5’ width, 53’ length (40’ max. for flatbed and 20’ max for vehicle). These measurements are in place for the safety of parade participants and viewers.
8. You will not be permitted to enter any vehicles in the parade that were not previously stated in your application.
9. Maximum participants on a float will be determined based on the usable deck area and the float's safe operating capacity. As a general guideline, parade organizers recommend no more than one (1) participant per 15 square feet of usable deck space. The final number may be altered at the discretion of parade organizers based on the float's design, weight capacity, seating/standing configuration, railings, emergency access, or other safety considerations.
10. Four safety persons are required to walk with a float, one at each corner.
11. Safety harnesses and handholds or railings are required for the safety of participants standing or sitting on floats.
12. All electrical devices must meet safety standards and electrical output must not exceed the maximum amperage of the generator.
13. Participants must not get on or off moving vehicles or floats anywhere along the parade route.
Rules & Regulations
14. The use of fire, gas, or propane on a float is not permitted. A fire extinguisher is REQUIRED if you have a generator on board.
15. Alcoholic beverages and drugs in the marshalling area and during the parade are strictly forbidden.
16. All children must be supervised by an adult.
17. Floats are required to have skirting around the bottom to cover the wheels.
18. Distribution of candy and/or promotional materials is not permitted. Exceptions may apply to pre-approved fundraisers or sponsors.
19. Santa Claus is presented by the title sponsor. No other entry is permitted to have Santa Claus represented in their entry.
20. All floats are encouraged to have recorded or live (amplified) music which is to be played loud enough to be heard by spectators. The music selection must be festive.
21. Floats and walking groups should provide entertainment value suitable for a family audience and should not be purely promotional.
22. Promotional vehicles are not permitted unless towing a float.
23. All walking participants should be able to travel from the beginning of the parade route to the end without a support vehicle.
24. After completing the parade route, all floats must turn off lights and music, and participants must safely exit the float following the instructions of Halifax Regional Police and parade staff.
25. We cannot guarantee your entry will be shown on the broadcast or that your description will be read in its entirety.
26. A certificate of insurance for all floats must be received no later than Friday, November 6, 2026 at 12 noon. Each vehicle must show proof of at least $2 million in liability insurance. Vehicles without a certificate of insurance will not be permitted in the parade.
27. Participant fees must be received no later than Friday, November 6, 2026 at 12 noon. Any participant who has not paid after this date will not be permitted in the parade.
28. Corporate fees are non-refundable. All fees are non-refundable after the payment deadline.
29. At least one representative from each entry must attend one information session prior to the parade. This applies to those who have participated in the past.
30. If the above rules and regulations are not met, The Holiday Parade of Lights staff has the right to refuse participants.