Merry marchers sought: Registration open for 2026 Downtown Hilo Christmas Lights Parade

East Hawai‘i Lions Clubs once again seeks shiny, sparkling, shimmery, splendid seasonal celebrants who want to radiantly revel and dazzle Downtown Hilo during the most wonderful time of the year.

Community organizations, bands, clubs, businesses, civic groups, hula hālau, motorcades, custom cars, beauty queens, public officials and all others interested — it can even be a family gathered together for Thanksgiving weekend — are invited to brightly blanket the community in familiar festive features.

Registration is open for the 2026 Downtown Hilo Christmas Lights Parade. Those who want to participate can register now online.

Deadline to sign up is Nov. 11.

Questions or requests for additional information can be sent to christmasparadehilo@gmail.com.

The annual jolly jubilee also will again officially kick off the holidays — and Christmas parade season — on the Big Island with illuminated merry marchers moving out at 6 p.m. Nov. 28 to the delight of the average 6,000 to 7,000 paradegoers who each year pack the parade’s twinkling trail.

This will be the fourth parade gifted to the community by East Hawai‘i Lions Clubs since they took over organizing and directing the beloved 30-plus-year Hilo tradition.

Rob Sanborn, a coordinator in the parade organizing team, has marched in the parade for years with Hawaiʻi Horse Owners Association.

“I’m glad to be part of the team, along with my wife Kristen, who is a member of ʻAkaka Falls Lions Club,” Sanborn said. “It’s important to keep traditions alive, and the [Downtown Hilo Christmas Lights Parade] has been the community’s way to kick of the holidays for decades.”

East Hawai‘i Lions Clubs include ʻAkaka Falls Lions Club, Hilo Crescent City Lions Club, Hilo Lions Club and Waiākea Lions Club. Hilo Crescent City, Hilo and Waiākea Leo Clubs along with Hawai‘i Young Visionaries Omega Leos also will provide valuable assistance.

By the way, this is a great way to get on Santa’s good side — and secure your spot on the ‘Good List.’

Santa Claus is coming to town for an early visit before Christmas to again make an appearance in the parade,

So just remember: he sees you when you’re sleepin’, he knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake.

Don’t wait! Register now and show off just how much holiday spirit you have.

News reporter Nathan Christophel contributed to this story.