Annual Holiday Parade of Lights to Celebrate Christmas in CNY Ends with a Bang

The annual Holiday Parade of Lights is back for the Christmas season in Canastota and it'll end with a bang this year.

Celebrate Christmas at the Holiday Parade of Lights and winter fireworks. The annual tradition began in Canastota in 2018 when a group of residents got together to host the yearly tradition. "It is a great community event that families look forward to each year as a family tradition. The entire day is filled with so much fun." said event coordinator Charlene Barres.

The Grand Marshal for this year's Holiday Parade of Lights is Canastota Police Office Bill Preuss, who was attacked in the line of duty in September. "There are so many wonderful lit vehicles from community members, businesses, organizations, and firetrucks."

Fireworks, Parade, Santa

The event grew even bigger in 2019. Unfortunately, COVID canceled the holiday tradition in 2020 but it returned in 2021 with a winter fireworks display, for the first time.

During the day families can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, a scavenger hunt, kids' crafts, food, photos, plenty of entertainment, and of course Santa Claus. "Everything is organized by community volunteers that put their heart and soul into this," said Barres.

Tree Lighting

The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place immediately following the Holiday Parade of Lights on Saturday, November 26. Fireworks will go off at 8 PM at the Little League Field.

"As the International Boxing Hall of Fame Parade has become a yearly tradition for families in Canastota, we are hoping for the same with our Holiday Parade of Lights."

Get more details at the Annual Canastota Holiday Parade of Lights on Facebook.