Guerneville Parade of Lights

OCTOBER 2025, Guerneville, CA – On Saturday, December 6TH at 7:00 p.m., we are happy to announce the continuation of Guerneville’s Holiday Parade of Lights, sponsored by the Russian River Chamber of Commerce. We are incredibly happy to announce that we’re keeping the tradition going. Last year we had 50 amazing floats that ranged from the engine and basket of a hot air balloon, to incredibly creative floats by our downtown businesses.

The theme this year is “A Peanuts Parade of Lights”.

Winter on the River is a time of cooler weather and misty, magical days – which is why we light up downtown Guerneville with a sea of color, light and the warmth of thousands of people cheering each other on in celebration of each other and our community.

Guerneville hits the news occasionally because of winter river flooding or fires. It is the largest town (population about 5,000) in the lower Russian River and has a reputation as quirky and funky, a haven for LGTBQ+ and hippies. Its eclectic residents embrace diversity and exude small-town friendliness and charm and all of this is reflected in the parade of lights.

The parade route runs down Main Street for a few blocks. It takes about an hour to complete the procession with spectator viewing on both sides of the street.

It’s a weekend filled with exciting things to do throughout Downtown, from taking care of your holiday shopping to dining out in some of the finest restaurants in Sonoma County, all while enjoying the holiday spirit of the country’s top holiday parade.

“I’m beyond excited to be part of Guerneville and the parade. The whole community gets involved and looks forward to it all year. We pride ourselves on the Parade of lights!” said Mags, owner of Piknik Town Market.

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life, a few years, or you’re just in town for the weekend, all are welcome! Get out your lights and come join us.

Please note that we pick the first Saturday of the month in part to give us some wiggle room. In 2023 we ended up having it on the 17th because it rained on the first Saturday, so rain will postpone the parade. A misty evening won’t, but it is about safety.

Applications for float entries are now being accepted. Applications with parade rules and regulations are available online here. The fee is $30.00 per entry and all entries must be received by Friday, November 18th, 2025.

The parade route

The Guerneville Parade of Lights occurs strictly in the downtown district to promote small businesses and community togetherness. The parade route runs down Main Street for a few blocks. Since the main viewing area is relegated to River Road between Armstrong Woods Road and Mill Street, Highway 116 traffic is detoured for the evening. Spectators can view the parade from both sides of the street during the procession. The floats march down the 2-block route starting at 7:00 PM and the parade takes roughly an hour to complete.

Apply to include your float in the 2025 Guerneville Parade of Lights

Come Visit Russian River for the Holidays

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life, a few years, or you’re just in town for the weekend – all are welcome! We want to show the world the love and light that is the Lower Russian River. Get out your lights and the love and come join us.

Get more information here about this year’s event on the Chamber event calendar.