Holiday Festival & Parade

Downtown Gilroy Holiday Festival & Parade

December 2, 2023 at 3pm

Join us for a FREE, family-friendly event in the heart of downtown Gilroy!

HIGHLIGHTS:

Santa’s Village: Meet the jolly man himself!
Grinchville: Embrace the mischievous charm of the Grinch
Parade: Enjoy a talented collection of local organizations & performers as they take to the streets!
Float Contest: Participants in the parade are automatically entered to win!
Tree Lighting: Ring in the holiday season as we light up our downtown Christmas tree
Window Display Contest: A celebration of the holiday spirit & creativity of local shops
Goodies Galore: Feast on treats from vendors & local businesses

The Holiday Festival & Parade draws over 5,000 attendees to Downtown Gilroy. With some festive new additions, we are anticipating even more! The Gilroy Downtown Business Association would like to invite you to partner with us to once again make this event truly magical for our community.

Deadline: November 20, 2023

Entries received by October 31 will be included on event poster. All payments due by November 20.

SOLD!

Tree Sponsor

$5,000

Plaque at the tree location, identifying sponsorship
8 reserved seats in the VIP area; each receive complimentary hot cocoa & souvenir mug
Prominent logo placement on all event advertising: print ads, posters, parade banner, stage banner & social media
Complimentary entry fee in the parade, one car provided to ride in if desired
Company name announced as a sponsor prior to and during the parade
GDBA Supporter window sticker

Champion Sponsor

$1,500

8 reserved seats in the VIP area; each receive complimentary hot cocoa & souvenir mug
Prominent logo placement on all event advertising: print ads, posters, parade banner, stage banner & social media
Complimentary entry fee in the parade, one car provided to ride in if desired
Company name announced as a sponsor prior to and during the parade
GDBA Supporter window sticker

Star of Light Sponsor

$1,000

4 reserved seats in the VIP area; each receive complimentary hot cocoa & souvenir mug
Logo placement on all event advertising: print ads, posters, parade banner, stage banner & social media
Complimentary entry fee in the parade, one car provided to ride in if desired
Company name announced as a sponsor prior to and during the parade
GDBA Supporter window sticker

Glad Tidings Sponsor

$500

Logo placement on all event advertising: print ads, posters, parade banner, stage banner & social media
Complimentary entry fee in the parade, one car provided to ride in if desired
Company name announced as a sponsor prior to and during the parade
Two (2) souvenir mugs
GDBA Supporter window sticker

Goodwill Sponsor

$250

Company name on event advertising: print ads, posters & social media
Complimentary entry fee in the parade, one car provided to ride in if desired
Company name announced as a sponsor prior to and during the parade
GDBA Supporter window sticker

Friend of the Fest

$150

Name listed on marketing
GDBA Supporter window sticker

Join us in spreading joy, building connections, and celebrating the season! Gilroy Downtown Business Association invites you to showcase your unique products and delightful treats amidst the twinkling lights, the laughter of families, and the joyous atmosphere of holiday lights.

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Details

10 x 10′ booth space
$75* For Profit Vendor
$35 Non-Profit Vendor

* Food vendors DEH fees apply

Vendor Schedule

10am: Vendor access for setup
3pm-8pm: Open for business
8pm: Tear down

Be the Stars of the Show! Take to the streets in downtown Gilroy as part of the 2023 Downtown Gilroy Holiday Parade. Spaces are limited, so register early!

$35 Entry Fee before 11/9
$50 Entry Fee after 11/9

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Rules & Guidelines

To ensure a safe and smooth parade for all involved, all participants MUST follow these rules and guidelines.

Entries limited to space available. Apply early to save your spot!
Arrive early to allow for traffic, parking and other delays.
Notify GDBA as soon as possible if you’re unable to participate in the parade for any reason. No refunds on the day of the parade for cancellation or weather.
Equestrian units are expected to have control of their animal (according to GPD or Parade Officials) to avoid removal from the parade. An adult must accompany children under 12 with their animals. Animal waste during line-up and parade MUST be removed immediately.
Float passengers may hand deliver items to crowd members, but MAY NOT throw.
All hands & feet inside your entry. No hanging over the sides of floats or vehicles.
No Politics. The advocating, opposing, depicting or endorsing of any political or social issues or persons is not allowed in the Parade. This includes, but is not limited to, signs banners, and audio.
No Santa Costumes. There is only one Santa Claus in the Parade. Santa hats ok.
No Alcoholic Beverages in the parade or staging area.
Loud noises such as semi-truck horns, tire spinning, burn-outs, or speeding are prohibited & will result in automatic expulsion from the Parade by GPD or Parade Officials.
This is a FAMILY event. Therefore, entries must not include any questionable signage, decorations or dance moves that may be offensive to any individual of any age. Please use good judgment!

For full rules & regulations see registration form link above.

We’re on a mission to create the most enchanting holiday celebration in Downtown Gilroy, and we need YOUR help to make it truly magical! Join us as a volunteer for the Downtown Gilroy Holiday Festival & Parade, and be part of the team that brings joy to every corner of our community.