Registration Still Open for 2024 Light Parade

photo credit: Cathy Breslow/Breslow Imaging

The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees are again expected to entertain the crowds at this year’s Castro Valley Light Parade.

Time is running out to register for this year’s Castro Valley’s Light Parade on Saturday, November 9. 

Sponsored by the Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce, the annual community promenade on Castro Valley Boulevard is a chance for regular folk to celebrate the coming holidays and show off their personal sparkle. 

This year’s theme is “Honoring our Educators & Mentors.” This will also mark the first year ever that every Castro Valley School will participate in the parade. 

“There are only two rules for entries,” said Mel Speed, who’s been helping organize the event for years for the Chamber. “Your entry has to have lights, and you can’t have any Santas on board.”  

That’s because Santa—the real one—will ride on his sleigh at the end of the parade, joined by his reindeer. After the parade, people are welcome to take pictures with Santa at the Castro Village Shopping Center. After the parade, festivities will continue along the boulevard until 9 p.m. 

As in years past, the Boulevard will be lined with booths from Santa Maria to Redwood Road, with lots of food, bands, and a kids' area starting at 3 p.m. The parade will start around 5:30, as it’s starting to get dark. 

Also new this year are Pony Rides & Petting Zoo as well as the usual music and great food options.

Dayna Speed, the Chamber’s event coordinator and co-emcee, said there are already dozens of parade entries lined up, with a week to go before the event, but there is plenty of room for more.   

“You can roll, or you can walk, and families are welcome to enter as well as businesses,” she said.

You can enter by going to https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/5080848ACA92AA2FB6-50495108-castro, by calling the Chamber at (510) 537-5300 or by emailinginfo@castrovalleychamber.com

You can also arrange a booth or become a sponsor by contacting Chamber CEO Gary Slate at gary@castrovalleychamber com.

Slate said he’s looking forward to the event, coming off a strong year for the Chamber as the pandemic recovery continues. Membership of local businesses is now up to 384, from 299 last year, and he’s hoping all local small businesses will consider joining. 

You can get more information about the Light Parade at: Edenareachamber.com/cvlightparade2023.