Annual Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade & Tree Lighting
Visitors gather along downtown streets to watch a parade of floats and performances presented by local businesses, bands, schools, and community clubs. Santa arrives with an escort from the local fire department and is welcomed by a children's choir for a community sing-along. The celebration concludes with a crowd countdown to light the holiday tree at Lizzie Fountain.
What to Expect
Livermore holiday tradition featuring floats, Santa's arrival, and a sing-along.
Event Details
Duration
The parade is expected to last approximately an hour; the tree lighting follows immediately afterward.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Livermore
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Livermore Downtown Inc.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and local holiday crowds
Vibe
Festive and communal
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Parade starts at 6:00pm; tree lighting immediately follows.
- Parking: Select parking spaces close at 11:00 AM; streets close at 2:00 PM. Handicap parking is available at Veterans Way and in the parking garage on Railroad Avenue adjacent to the Bankhead Theater.
- Accessibility: Handicap parking spaces are available at Veterans Way and in the Railroad Avenue garage, and sidewalks remain open for ADA access.
Tips & Advice
- Bundle up and bring hot cocoa, because the parade and tree lighting go ahead rain or shine.
- Move your car out of the parade closure area before the streets close, because any car left inside will be towed.
- Set your chairs and blankets behind the pink crowd tape, because chairs left in parking stalls before the closures are removed.
- Choose your side of First Street before the parade starts, because no one is allowed to cross the street once it begins.
- Wear high-visibility clothing for the walk home, because many families with children will be walking out of downtown after the lighting.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: a children's choir from local LVJUSD schools welcomes Santa onto the stage and leads a community sing-along before the tree lighting.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's in the parade?
Floats and performances by local businesses, bands, schools and clubs. The Livermore Police and Fire Department (LPFD) escorts Santa to the parade.
What happens at the tree lighting?
The parade heads east on First Street and ends with the tree lighting at Lizzie Fountain, across from Flag Pole Plaza. A children's choir from local LVJUSD schools welcomes Santa onto the stage and leads a sing-along. Then the crowd counts down to the lighting.
How long does it last?
The parade runs about an hour, and the tree lighting follows right after.
Can we set out chairs early to save a spot?
Chairs left in parking stalls before the streets close will be removed. Put chairs and blankets behind the pink crowd tape. Don't block sidewalks or damage the landscaping.
Can we drink alcohol along the route?
No. Open containers and drinking in public areas are not legal, except on licensed patios and in restaurants.
More Christmas Events Near Livermore
More Christmas Events near Livermore
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.