Potsdam Light the Night Parade set for Dec. 5, 2026
The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Potsdam are planning the annual Light the Night Parade and a tree lighting in Ives Park on Dec. 5, 2026.
By Jessica Hale, ClickNNY North Country Desk
The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Potsdam are planning the annual Light the Night Parade for Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, in downtown Potsdam. The parade will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a tree lighting in Ives Park.
The parade will travel from Garden Street to Market Street and end in the lot across from the cinema. Lineup will begin at 4 p.m. in the Potsdam Central School parking lot on Leroy Street. Floats, decorated vehicles, walking groups and musical groups may participate.
Entries must be illuminated, display a sign or banner identifying the group and continue moving without stopping for performances. Applications are due Nov. 20, 2026, although registration may close sooner if capacity is reached.
The chamber's event information lists the Ives Park tree lighting for 6:30 p.m. The event follows the first Light the Night Parade, held in December 2025.
The parade is tobacco- and alcohol-free, and candles and other open flames are not permitted. Floats using generators must have a fire extinguisher. Drivers must have a valid license and insurance, and motor vehicles must remain two car lengths apart.
Children must have adult chaperones, with one adult recommended for every 10 children. Candy may be handed out by walkers but cannot be thrown, and pamphlets may not be distributed along the route.
Questions about parade participation can be directed to the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce at (315) 274-9000 or director@potsdamchamber.com. Tree-lighting questions can be directed to the Village of Potsdam Department of Planning and Development at 315-265-1670 or development@villageofpotsdamny.gov. More information and the entry application are available on the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce event page.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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