Fantasy of Lights Parade

Family fun tradition since 1980! Kick off your holiday season with the Fantasy of Lights! Enjoy local dining and shopping, meet Santa and his reindeer and watch one of the longest running holiday parades in the area!

On our festival street, otherwise known as State Street, spectators can shop with local merchants, grab refreshments, enjoy live entertainment, and pop in for a visit with Santa and his Reindeer.

The Fantasy 5K race and one-mile family fun walk is one-of-a-kind. Runners don their favorite holiday apparel, costumes and lights to race along the parade route. The atmosphere is fun and exciting with a crowd on each side of Grand River cheering on our festive racers.

The main event of the evening is the Fantasy of Lights Parade, hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. It has been the official kick-off to the holiday season in Howell for almost 40 years, becoming a holiday favorite for many families. When the lights go down, grab a hot chocolate and watch beautifully lit floats soar down Grand River along with local marching bands, first responders, special guests and the big guy himself, Santa!