The Niles Festival of Lights parade is a time-honored tradition kicking off the holiday season in the Niles District, organized by the Niles Main Street Association (NMSA). This year’s parade has several new entries, six marching bands, a first time entry from the Pacific Bus Museum and many more.
In its 24th year, the parade is expanding to include a festival for families and businesses to enjoy before the parade. The businesses in downtown Niles will be open all day long for holiday shopping or a bite to eat. Beginning at 2pm, enjoy vendors with crafts, baked goods, Fremont Street Eats and for the first time ever—photo opportunities with Santa! Visit the vendors in the large parking lot by the tree lighting ceremony area.
Every year, the parade committee selects a Grand Marshall for the event who has a demonstrated commitment not only to the Niles District, but Fremont and the Tri-Cities area. This year, we are pleased to announce the Niles Centerville Little League as the parade Grand Marshall. Niles-Centerville Little League (NCLL) was founded in 1965 and is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary.
Here are some notes to make your parade experience a positive one for you and your families. The Niles Main Street Association respectfully asks attendees to refrain from placing their chairs out until the day of the parade. Organizers reserve the right to remove chairs placed prior to Friday morning and those that impact the parade footprint.
The parade attracts more than 15,000 visitors from around the Bay Area. Make sure to plan plenty of time to find parking and walk to a viewing area. Better yet, take Uber to the Train of Lights’ entry at Sullivan Underpass, or the 7-11 or Chevron stations at the Niles Canyon and Mission Blvd intersections, and walk in.
The Niles Main Street Association would like to express its gratitude for this year’s sponsors – Presenting Sponsor – City of Fremont, Star Sponsors – Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert and Washington Health and Mistletoe Sponsor – Rae Rae’s at Joe’s Corner. The parade cannot happen without the generosity of our sponsors.
Niles Festival of Lights Parade
2pm: Festival kick-off
2 – 6pm: Photo ops with Santa
4 – 5:30pm: Live music provided by the Weeds Trio
5:45pm: The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees
6pm: Tree lighting
6:30pm: Festival of Lights parade
Niles Main Street
