The annual City of Lights parade has reached its 31st year of celebrations. Thousands of spectators will gather in downtown Lowell to witness in awe Massachusetts’s largest night time parade. This signature event has created one of the most notable traditions in the city. High-stepping marching bands, fabulous holiday-themed floats, spectacular performance groups, and local personalities will participate in extravaganza! Led by the Lowell Police Department and Fire Department vehicles, and Grand Marshall Jim Cook, this year’s snow globe themed parade consists of over 50 groups including Lowell High School, the Lowell National Historical Park, and Lowla Bear with her friend Canaligator, mascot of the Lowell Spinners.
Music
Several musical groups including marching bands from Lowell, Chelmsford, and Dracut High Schools and UMass Lowell will perform.
Lowell High School’s band has been competitive in the community for several years, providing commendable efforts in the classroom and on the field. Traveling throughout the state, the band has performed at numerous regional competitions and has honed their craft over time. The band has received several high honors including ISSMA Semi-State Finalist performances in 2008, 2010, and 2011.
Chelmsford High School’s band is a Massachusetts state concert festival gold medal winner and performer for New Year celebrations and national anthem performances for the Boston Red Sox. This band has performed in Washington D.C. and London for various celebrations.
Dracut’s band features members who have performed with the group since elementary school. The band plays at Dracut High School football games and marching competitions
UMass Lowell’s band will perform alongside Rowdy the Riverhawk under the direction Dan Lutz and Associate Director Deb Huber and is an integral part of the musical and athletic aspects of campus life. The band is led in performance by field conductors Josh Walsh and Kyle Watson.
Floats
One of the most interesting elements of the parade is its floats. Floats with unique designs and themes will lead up to Mr. and Mrs. Claus’s own float.
Greater Lowell Technical High School is back with their crowd pleasing float. The high school has been a participant for over ten years. Greater Lowell presents a student-designed and constructed float that captures the spirit of the holiday season, using themes of snow globes, lights, and color.
The Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race will bring human powered and all-terrain floats to the celebration. The group features a large snow globe sculpture alongside their iconic Lobster that constantly amazes audiences.
Middlesex Community College represents the cultural community with a diverse arrangement of flags while theater students perform popular scenes from recent productions.
Specialty Units
Local organizations and individuals join in the celebration as well, creating a parade of talent, education, awareness and fun! The number of participants gives attendees a lot to look forward to and they can expect to see many new and old faces.
The Lowell Scouts include two Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troop 7 which provide youth with opportunities to learn about the environment, become active in their communities, and try new things while having fun. The Girl Scouts of Lowell will also help usher in the holiday season and show their support.
Dramatically Incorrect Theater includes students of various ages alongside a beautiful snow globe with a Grinch style theme followed by singers from the fictional town of Whoseville.
Led by Mr. Randal Orie and teachers Nick Leonardos and Robert Gignac, Lowell Community Charter Public School’s performing arts department brings their chorus, African percussion group, and Khmer dance group to the parade.
The Lowell National Historical Park is a proud participant again this year. Since 1978, their staff and volunteers have been committed to telling and presenting the diverse history of the city.
The Littleton Hack n Tack 4H Club celebrates its 70th Anniversary during the City of Lights parade. Hack n Tack is the longest running 4H club with a focus on all things horses. There is a lot to look forward to for everyone who loves horses.
Santa
Every year, the holiday’s favorite character, Santa, takes time to attend City of Lights along with Mrs. Claus for greetings, photos, and their very own float for the parade. Mr. and Mrs. Claus bring joy to the City of Lights, and help kick off the holiday celebrations. Following the parade, Santa helps Mayor Bill Samaras light up City Hall and the surrounding area with a count down and a flip of the switch, signaling the official start of Lowell’s holiday season.
