Downtown Holland is now accepting entries for the 2023 community-wide Parade of Lights, scheduled for Tuesday, November 28 at 6:30 pm. Local businesses, corporations, schools, non-profit organizations, churches, and families are all encouraged to participate in this popular holiday parade. The main requirement for participation in the procession is to be decorated from top to bottom with holiday lights…the more, the merrier! The 2023 Parade of Lights is proudly sponsored by Gentex Corporation.

“Gentex is proud to once again sponsor this great community event that brings everyone downtown for a night of holiday fun,” said Senior Director of Human Resources Seth Bushouse. “The Gentex team is already working on ways to light up our entry this year and we hope more participants sign-up to join the parade as well.” 

The Parade of Lights begins at 6:30 pm at the corner of 8th Street and Columbia Avenue in Downtown Holland and continues west down Eighth Street until it reaches the Eighth Street Market Place, home of the Holiday Kerstmarkt. The parade will feature over 75 floats, trucks, marching bands, walkers and more…all decorated in thousands of sparking holiday lights. Santa Claus will arrive in Downtown Holland at the conclusion of the parade, greeting young and old alike as he makes his way down 8th Street.

To enter the Parade of Lights, businesses and organizations must complete the online application found at www.downtownholland.com. Parade spots are filled on a first come, first served basis and interested parties are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible as spots fill up quickly. All parade entries are required to be decorated from top to bottom with holiday lights. A $50 entry fee applies to all businesses and is due with the application, while a $25 entry fee applies to non-profit organizations. Please contact the Downtown Holland office at 616.796.1210 or paradeoflights@cityofholland.com with any questions about the application process.

About Gentex Corporation:

Gentex Corporation is a supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and electronics to the automotive industry, dimmable aircraft windows for aviation markets, and fire protection products to the fire protection market. The company was founded in Zeeland in 1974 and is Ottawa County’s largest employer.

About Downtown Holland:
Located in the heart of the City of Holland, just minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan and adjacent to the campus of Hope College, Downtown Holland is a premier shopping, dining, and special events destination like none other! Downtown Holland offers over 100 locally owned boutiques, shops, and galleries, along with breweries, cafes, and restaurants for every taste. Downtown Holland is also home to unique cultural attractions, an award-winning farmers market and beautiful parks. We can’t wait to welcome you! For more information and the latest Downtown Holland news and updates, visit us at www.downtownholland.com, follow Downtown Holland on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, or call 616.796.1210.