The 13th Annual Parade of Lights will take place this Saturday, December 5, 2015 in Downtown Missoula. Santa will arrive in Downtown at 1 pm at the Historic Florence Building (111 N. Higgins) and will be available for photos and wish lists throughout the afternoon.
Produced by the Missoula Downtown Association and sponsored by Liquid Planet and Datsopoulos, McDonald and Lind and 16 additional businesses, the Parade of Lights will commence at 6 pm and travel from the Hip Strip north on Higgins to the Red XXXXs. The Lighting of the Downtown Tree will happen immediately thereafter.
The Parade of Lights draws thousands of folks to Downtown Missoula each year for the official kickoff of the holiday season. There are five award categories and parade entrants will be judged on overall appearance and impression, originality and creativity, use of lights, and enthusiasm. Award categories include Civic/Non-Profit, Commercial, Religious, High School/Collegiate, and K-8. Category winners receive an engraved plaque and will be promoted through the MDA newsletter and local media.
More than 20 Downtown destinations will host free or small fee ($1-$10) activities for children and their families to enjoy. Activities include:
The bonfire will be lit at 5 pm by Boy Scout Troop #1910, the Christian Life Center Choir will serenade the crowd, and there will be free coffee, cocoa, and cookies for all. Additionally, Downtown shoppers can get holiday gifts wrapped for free at the MSO Hub (140 N. Higgins).
For more information on the day’s activities, visit missouladowntown.com or call 406-543-4238.