Colorado City Changing Christmas Parade to ‘Drive-Thru Parade’

The only thing constant is change, as they say, and here comes another change for the 2023 holiday season in Colorado.

After 25 years of having this event happen one way, they've made a big adjustment. It will throw some people for a loop, but it will make things much easier for everyone.

GREELEY 'LIGHTS THE NIGHT' HOLIDAY PARADE ANNOUNCES MAJOR CHANGE

For 25 years, Downtown Greeley has been host to a parade where every entry has to be lighted as it rolls down the streets of Downtown. Starting with the 2023 season all that has changed.

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HOW WILL GREELEY'S 'LIGHTS THE NIGHT' PARADE BE DIFFERENT?

For 2023, the parade will be a "drive-thru" parade at Island Grove Regional Park. It will have a new name, too: The Holiday Lane Experience.

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Island Grove Regional Park is very big and does have a lane that goes all around the park. So, as we saw a lot during the pandemic, we'll drive through the park, passing by the lighted entries that line up the lane.

WHY ARE THEY CHANGING THE 'LIGHTS THE NIGHT' PARADE IN GREELEY?

Starting with the 2023 season, Greeley will have the Greeley Downtown WinterFest, featuring three major events where the [new] Lights the Night Parade will be two of them:

• November 25 - Small Business Saturday: Visit shops for special deals and holiday treats. 'Light Up Lincoln' – Holiday lighting downtown, sweet treats, store windows, and entertainment.
• December 2 - Holiday Lane Drive: Drive through holiday experience at Island Grove for the whole family.
• December 9 - Maker's Workshops: Creative demonstrations, free workshops, visit Santa and stamp letters, along with Holiday Lane Drive at Island Grove.

From the Greeley Chamber about the change:

This new experience will offer an approachable way for our community to enjoy a cherished annual holiday event, reach more community members and even expand the experience as Greeley’s residents and businesses will have a chance to showcase their holiday spirit. This will also provide an opportunity to showcase one of Greeley’s largest assets, Island Grove Regional Park.