Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Bright Futures for Kids Foundation and the Board of Directors of the Chico Parade of Lights, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 Chico Parade of Lights, Saturday, December 5th, at 6:00 PM in downtown Chico!

This year's theme, “Celebrating Our Community in the Spirit of Christmas,” marks an exciting new chapter in our parade's history.

For the first time since its beginning in 1989, the Chico Parade of Lights will be held during the Christmas season as Chico's first Christmas Parade, with Santa Claus as our Honorary Grand Marshal!

As many of you know, significant logistical challenges initially forced us to cancel this year's parade. But the tremendous outpouring of love, encouragement, and support from our community inspired us to find a way forward.

Our Board of Directors, working alongside city officials, caring local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community partners, came together to overcome these challenges and preserve this cherished Chico tradition.

This year's parade is a wonderful reminder of what we can accomplish when our community comes together.  For nearly four decades, the Chico Parade of Lights has brought generations of families, friends, and neighbors together, celebrating the diversity, generosity, and spirit that make Chico such a special place to call home.

We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, sponsors, government officials, community partners, and everyone who stepped forward to help make this year's parade possible. Your kindness and commitment mean more than words can express.

We invite you to be part of this historic celebration! Enter a float, volunteer, become a sponsor, or bring your family and friends downtown to experience the magic of Chico's first Christmas Parade.

The lights may shine for one night, but the memories we create together will last a lifetime. Thank you for keeping this wonderful tradition alive. We can't wait to celebrate with you and Santa on Saturday, December 5th, at 6:00 PM in downtown Chico!

With heartfelt gratitude and warm Christmas wishes,

Farshad Azad

President, Board of Directors – Chico Parade of Lights

CEO, Bright Futures for Kids Foundation

Owner, Azad’s Martial Arts Center