Richardson, TX
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Richardson’s 53rd Annual Christmas Parade
Thank you for being part of the 2025 Christmas Parade!
View photos of the event on our social media pages:
All road closures will be in place at 8am.
Road access will not be possible under any circumstance after 8am until the end of the parade.
CLOSED ROADS & AREAS:
• All Huffhines Park parking lots
• All east parking lots in Richardson Square, behind Lowe's and the old Sears building.
• Apollo Road between Plano Rd & Creekside Dr.
• Plano Road beginning at Columbia Dr. and ending at the entrance to the Raising Cane's.
• The intersection of Plano Road & Belt Line Road
SIGN-UPS WILL OPEN IN FALL 2026
Earn volunteer hours for your organization and feel good knowing you're part of making a beautiful community tradition possible! Help behind-the-scenes by assisting our team check-in and line-up parade floats before the parade begins. Or you can be part of the show yourself by volunteering to carry a parade banner or be a parade marshal.
Ticket sales are now CLOSED - as of Wed, Dec 3rd
Tired of struggling to find parking and a good viewing spot on parade day? Elevate your Christmas Parade experience by becoming a Friend of the Parade!
FRIENDS OF THE PARADE RECEIVE:
· Reserved parking
· Reserved bleacher seating at midpoint of parade
· Live commentary from our Christmas Parade MC Hosts
· Complimentary hot cocoa, breakfast goodies, and other refreshments in the designated Friends hospitality tent.
PRICING
Individual tickets: $25/each
Gold Package (4 tickets): $75 total ($25 savings!)
LOCATION – CLICK HERE FOR MAP
Parking and VIP seating are located near the midpoint of the parade in the parking lot adjacent to Huffhines Park ballfields on Plano Road, just north of Huffhines Recreation Center.
CHECK-IN:
Please arrive no later than 7:45 AM on Saturday, December 6, as road closures will begin at 8:00 AM! Access to the reserved parking area will no longer be accessible once roads are closed under any circumstance. No refunds will be issued due to late arrival.
Show your photo ID to the parking lot attendant to gain access to the reserved lot and receive a parking pass. VIP lanyards must be picked up at the VIP Hospitality Tent. These give you access to the reserved seating and complimentary food and drinks.
QUESTIONS?
For any questions related to Friends of the Parade VIP tickets, please email Heidi.scalice@cor.gov
Those who participate and volunteer in the parade are entered into consideration for an award! Award winners are determined by a panel of 9 volunteer judges representing various community organizations including Network of Community Ministries, Richardson Parks Commission Board, and the Richardson Women’s Club.
Division Awards – 12 total:
An award will be given out to the 1st place entry of each division and unit type. Judging criteria:
- originality/creativity
- representation of the theme
- spirit/enthusiasm
- representation of your organization
| Float Division Civic Clubs / Nonprofit / Individual |
Float Division Business / Commercial |
Float Division School Club / Organization |
Float Division Youth Organization |
| Walking/Marching Division Civic Clubs / Nonprofit / Individual |
Walking/Marching Division Business / Commercial |
Walking/Marching Division School Club / Organization |
Walking/Marching Division Youth Organization |
| Animal Division Civic Clubs / Nonprofit / Individual |
Animal Division Business / Commercial |
Vehicle Division Civic Clubs / Nonprofit / Individual |
Vehicle Division Business / Commercial |
Specialty Awards – 9 total:
- Mayor’s Award – Given to the overall outstanding entry presenting and illustrating the parade theme.
- Grand Marshal’s Award– Given to the entry that has the best overall originality, creativity, appearance, and uniqueness of decorations.
- Chairman’s Elf Award– Given to the outstanding entry featuring children as the main part of the display.
- Spirit Award – Given to the entry that has the most enthusiasm during the parade.
- Spectacular Sparkles Award– Given to the entry that presents an outstanding display of glitter, shimmer or shine!
- Performance Award– Given to the entry that does an outstanding, entertaining, crowd-pleasing performance during the parade!
- Spirit of Giving Award– Given to the entry that went above and beyond in their fundraising effort (bake sale, garage sale, car wash, etc.) for the parade entry fee to benefit Network of Community Ministries.
- Theme-a-rific Award– Given to the individual who stepped up and decked out their entry in according to the theme.
- Holiday Helper Award: Given to the group who goes above and beyond in their volunteer efforts for the parade (large number of volunteers, excellent service, longtime service, etc.)
Parade Entry Applications Open:
Late October - November
Before applying to be in the parade, please note:
All walking/marching groups must be physically capable of walking the entire parade route and back, which is roughly 2 miles roundtrip. There are no return shuttles.
Local organizations, businesses, individuals, or families who are interested in walking, marching, performing, or creating a float for the parade must follow the steps below:
STEP 1. Apply! - Applications are closed for 2025.We hope you join us in 2026!
Entry fees:
$100 for businesses
$25 for individuals and not-for-profit organizations such as school groups, churches, community organizations, etc.
Please call Network at 972-234-8880 ext. 106 for assistance if:
- Your organization must pay by check
- You complete the application and do not receive a confirmation email receipt
| DIVISION | DESCRIPTION |
| Float | A float/trailer pulled by a truck or other vehicle |
| Vehicle | A group of decorated cars, trucks, vans, or other motorized vehicles. |
| Marching/Walking | Unit is marching or walking. May include a sound only vehicle with unit. |
| Animal | A group of primarily animals. |
| UNIT TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
| Youth | A group of primarily children that is not tied to a school (scouts, YMCA, etc.) |
| School Club/Organization | A club/organization that is based at a school (School band, dance team, etc.) |
| Civic Clubs/Organizations & Individuals | A civic club or service organization not for profit (Car clubs, Rotary Club) or an individual or family unaffiliated with an organization |
| Church/Religious Organization | Churches and religious groups |
| Business Commercial | Businesses, commercial, for-profit groups |
STEP 2. By applying to be in the parade, you agree to the Parade Rules. Please be sure to read thoroughly, share with all members of your groups, and ensure all participants understand them. All groups must adhere to these rules and may be removed from the parade line-up if rules are broken.
STEP 3. Deliver donation of new, unwrapped toy(s).
Multiple toy donations are encouraged for groups. Please no skateboards, bicycles, or scooters. These toys are donated to Network of Community Ministries for families and children in need this holiday season.
Drop off location: Heights Recreation Center 711 W Arapaho Road, Richardson, TX 75080
Hours of Operation: Mon-Thu: 6am-10pm, Fri: 6am-9pm, Sat: 8am-5pm, & Sun: 11am-5pm
STEP 4. CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT PROOF OF INSURANCE, if applicable. All entries using vehicles in the parade must provide valid proof of insurance for each vehicle. A pdf or photo of your insurance card is acceptable.
Questions?
Please contact margaret.trame@cor.gov.
All toys and fees collected are donations to benefit the NETWORK of Community Ministries and may be tax deductible
Thank you to our incredible sponsors for making free community events like this possible!
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact geoff.wright@cor.gov
